Date: Sat, 21 Aug 2004 08:04:39 -0700
Reply-To: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Comparative tranny opinions
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I agree with Robert. While this is a costly upgrade, I have no regrets
about doing it.<br>
It makes the Vanagon so much nicer to drive - particularly if you are
doing lots of freeway travel.<br>
(lower engine rpms also mean a somewhat quieter cabin.)<br>
<br>
I also took the opportunity to add a syncro locking diff so I ended up
with a semi-syncro,<br>
my thinking that this would be somewhat helpful during winter snow and
ice.<br>
<br>
Todd<br>
<br>
'88 Westy<br>
<br>
<br>
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<br>
Robert Lilley wrote:
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<pre wrap="">Problem is the cost. Its not woth selling blood for. The monies
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saved will not out weigh the power gained and fuel saved.<<
While it does cost a bit @2K, It IS worth it for me for the reduced shifting
and Better Gearing vs. engine speed.
Fourth gear is good from @ 25 mph to 75 mph.
Go with the .457 ring and pinion for reduced engine Rpms. The .486 R&P rpm
vs. mph is not as good and rpms were not at @3K (center of green rpm range )
as in the .457 per the 25,35,45,55 mphs.
Another big plus is that on the SA gearboxes the fix hole is move to allow
for easier access and is at the correct level for the oil level. No 15 mm
below the fill hole.:-)
One other bonus is that the first and reverse are on the same plane and you
do not need to push down to get into reverse from first. Makes it real easy
to rock van WHEN you get stuck enabling you to get out. Ask me, I got stuck
several time and was able to easily get out by rocking quickly between first
and reverse.
I chose not to get the five speed shifter linkage and just push down and
pull back for first, it is second nature now, and rarely miss a shift.
HAPPY with his SA .457 5 speed (I ever bought a 5 speed shifter knob and the
short shift kit along with the extender)
**I would get a four spider HD diff installed over the factory diff. And
depending on power modifications, get fourth and fifth gears welded.
Plus:
Longer engine life
Less shifting
Better use of the rpm range of the WBX 2 to 5K (even better with some
performance modifications)
Relocated fill hole
Updated sliders with the heavy duty kit installed
First to/from reverse easy access
Overdrive gear and a passing gear
Happiness
Minus:
Cost
Robert
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