Date:         Thu, 3 Aug 2006 17:48:03 -0700
Reply-To:     Tom Forhan <fourwdvw@YAHOO.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Tom Forhan <fourwdvw@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Re: Reasonable cruising speed?
Comments: To: Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <bfb5ccc40608031649ra4fbb19sbfca437db702110c@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1

Since the van is in question is aircooled, I know
nothing about the gearing or ring and pinion
situation. However, many of us with syncros have tried
running larger diameter tires with some success - and
its a cheap way to increase cruising speed.

However, even with the 2.1l engines, the change in
performance is notable, acceleration has less punch
(dont laugh- its all relative).

Going back to my splittie days, I vaguely remember
people who put in IRS rear ends to eliminate the
reduction gears and calling those "freeway fliers".

Tom F.

--- Old Volks Home <oldvolkshome@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> As to the second question, the "freeway flyer"
> transaxle is generally built
> for the Split Windshield Bus thru 67 and the 68-71
> variety Bay Windows as
> well as some 72-79's with the Type 4 engine.
> However, I am sure with enough
> investigation, one could have Rancho build a
> "freeway flyer" for the
> Vanagon.  It usually involves a higher geared ring &
> pinion as the 1-4 gears
> usually stay the same.  Due to the higher weight of
> the Vanagon versus it's
> ancestors, I would consider an upgrade of the engine
> as well as I'm not sure
> the stock powerplant will handle the taller gearing,
> especially for the
> heavier Westfalia models.
> --
> Jim Thompson
> 84 Westfalia 2.1 "Ole Putt"
> 73 K Ghia Coupe "Denise"
> 72 411 Station Wagon "Pug"
> oldvolkshome@gmail.com
> http://www.oldvolkshome.com
> **********************************
> On 8/3/06, Allen Hill <route66rider@knology.net>
> wrote:
> >
> > A second question on this post is about the
> "freeway" transmission (or
> > transaxle) setup that I have heard mentioned a few
> times.  What is the
> > story
> > on this?  Is it some type of "overdrive"
> modification?  Or is it something
> > else entirely?
> >
> > Thanks again,
> >
> > Route 66 Rider!
> > Ramon Hill
> > Live Long and Be Free
> > ====================================
>


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