Date:         Tue, 31 May 2005 17:10:41 -0500
Reply-To:     Max Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Max Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
Subject:      Re: Transmission advice needed 3-4 syncro hype? (Also higher gear)
Comments: To: Mark Cumnock <kayakwesty@YAHOO.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <vanagon%2005053113525331@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

My two cents on tranny changes.  I had Weddle(before I knew Daryl was
around and doing the same stuff) Engineering make changes in my
transmission for my 90 GL.  It has dynoed at 85 BHP at the wheels @ 4750
AND 106 ft/lb. of torque @ 3000 RPM.

Having said that, I had Weddle put in a used 4.57 ring an pinion, and a
taller 4th gear, I think it was a .77.  The good is that I can run 0-60
times and never leave 3rd gear.  The motor reuns at 3400 rpm at a true 70
mph on level ground or a slight incline.  the part I didn't think through
was putting a little taller 3rd gear in there too so I didn't have a 1400
rpm drop off from 3-4 and for better passing power when behind a slow poke
on a 2 lane road only doing 55 mph.  It doesn't come "out of the hole" like
it used to, but I can drive it in 2nd gear in town and hold that nice 25
mph without winding it out but more importantly it keeps the radar coppers
off my back.  Same thing in 3rd at that precarious 45mph speed limit zone.

Overall the changes were for the better.   Didn't notice any mpg increase,
but my injectors are likely needing some work after 205k.  Spent about
$1500 plus shipping, IIRC.

Max

"We don't inherit this world from our ancestors, but rather borrow it from
our children"    Unknown



IAt 12:44 PM 5/31/2005, Mark Cumnock wrote:
>My westy 1984.5 with an ABA conversion shows 146000 on the odometer.  I
>think it may have the original tranny in it.
>
>It makes no noise; the stick shift does not jump. It is working perfect. I
>changed the fluid less than 15000 miles ago it showed no metal etc.
>
>Do I need to replace it, or will it give me notice? I noticed on the
>GoWesty site that they state it gives no notice, is this true, or is it
>just a way to sell transmissions?
>
>My last question is a transmission with a higher gear make, does it better
>on the interstate or does it make it an even worse hill climber?
>
>Once again thank you
>
>Mark