Date:         Tue, 14 Jan 2003 14:21:37 -0600
Reply-To:     Chris Mills <scmills@TNTECH.EDU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris Mills <scmills@TNTECH.EDU>
Subject:      Re: Engine Conversion Transmissions
Comments: To: Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <F68Kep2IlHB1tsMULDY00010816@hotmail.com>
Content-type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=us-ascii

>I am at the point I need to make some decisions about the transmission. It
>looks like I will be using a Vanagon 4-speed 'box. I am interested in
>finding out what gears other folks are using in their Vanagons with
>conversion engines. I guess I am particularly interested in hearing what the
>Subaru crowd have to say, but I will take input from anyone.

I wouldn't use the VW gearbox. Two reasons: gear ratios and strength.

Everything I have heard is that the Porsche gearboxes are stronger.

I have also know that due to the extra HP, you are losing out on an option
to put a slightly higher final gear in the bus to get less noise, better
mpg, better engine life, and probably still cool just fine. If it was a 5
speed then you could always drop down to forth to climb the hill and still
cool. (Assuming you are using an aircooled engine). This is exactly the
reasons I am going with a Corvair gearbox versus running a reverse rotation
Corvair engine in my baywindow. I've talked to folks who have done this
conversion and they all said the VW gearbox is geared too low with the
Corvair engine (extra torque/horsepower). Added benefits were better mpg
and less noise. Cooling requirements were/are the limit to how slow the
engine can run.

Project in progress.

I'm sure you know more about this than I do but in case you don't....

Good luck and keep us updated.


Chris M. <"Busbodger" of "TEAM SLOWPOKE">
Cookeville, Tennessee

ICQ# 5944649
scm9985@tntech.edu

'78 VW Westfalia (67 HP -> that is...67 Hamster Power)
'65 Beetle - Type IV powered
'99 CR-V AWD station wagon
'81 CB900 Custom moto-chickle
2.5 Corvair engines for my Trans-vair Conversion