Date:         Mon, 22 Oct 2001 15:27:49 EDT
Reply-To:     Wolfvan88@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Lilley <Wolfvan88@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 4-speed to 5-speed?
Comments: To: Trvlr2001@aol.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

I have used the 5 speed with a .483 ring and pinion with a .70 fifth gear.

First was TOO low and second was a bit tall to start off.

Due to a defective LockRite diff, I returned the tranny to have a HD German four spider diff installed.  UPS damaged it and I ended up with a 5 speed SA gearbox with a .457 ring and pinion.

 The SA 5 speed gearing is a perfect match to the Power, power band of my modified 2.1L WBX and driving habits and speed limits.  I can take it to 75+ mph in fourth if needed and still have another gear.

83 Fifth gear rpm drops about 400 rpms.

It bolts into the stock location with the only modification to ~87 up is to shorten the front engine mount bracket about 1.5".

Stock shifter works with no modifications(earlier might need modifications due to differences in tranny shifting location).

The oil fill hole is relocated, the fill hole is at the correct level, no need to guess on the correct oil level.

I like the first location inline with the reverse.  It makes rocking the van out of a sticky spot much easier.

Once I am moving, I only need to go to first when at a dead stop.

This modification along with the power modifications has led to increased mileage ~25 highway @70 mph.

Robert