Volkswagen Beetle Forum:synchronized transmision

Yes, a 1969 Beetle will have a fully synchronised transmission. Most Beetles have full synchromesh, except very early models.
In VW Type 1 (upright) engines, there were two basic head designs. The early head designs, called 'single-port', have only one intake port per head, which branches out inside the head to supply the intake valves of two cylinders. This means that the intake manifold is much simpler to manufacture, but also that the flow characteristics of the heads are compromised, giving reduced power, especially in higher rev ranges. The later 'twin-port' heads have separate (although very close together) intake ports for each cylinder, thus giving much better airflow through the head and allowing greater power levels to be produced. Twin port heads require different intake manifolds to the single port, and generally twin port manifolds are cast in three parts, consisting of 'upright' sections for each head and a centre branch which links them together and attaches to the carburettor (on single-carb manifolds). Not only do twin-port engines develop more power in standard tune, but most common performance parts are designed for the twin-port engine. If you are building a hot engine, twin-port heads are highly recommended. Both head types are interchangable and can be bolted on to any Beetle engine bottom-end.