Date:         Sun, 15 Oct 2006 13:55:53 -0700
Reply-To:     BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         BenT Syncro <syncro@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Convert manual into an automatic?
Comments: To: Jamie Auch <jamie@kookymathteacher.com>
In-Reply-To:  <200610151849.k9FIn7R8001164@ms-smtp-02.southeast.rr.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

On 10/15/06, Jamie Auch <jamie@kookymathteacher.com> wrote:
>
> Hello,
> I just recently adopted an '82 diesel westy.  I absolutely love camping in
> my vanagon but the power of a 1.6 NA scares me traveling
> with my family. I am considering a Subaru conversion and realize that I
> would have to change the gearing in the transmission.  The
> one flaw to my VW addiction is that my with cannot drive a manual
> car.(Should I say that I don't let her ;0)  I would love to
> install an automatic transmission with the Subaru engine.  How daunting a
> task is this (tranny)?
>
> Jamie Auch
>


Jamie,

I assume you mean "wife" not "witch" when you said, "... is that my with
cannot drive ...".

=)

Anyway, I am in the midst of doing the auto trans conversion on my 88 Doka
now. I am planning on going to auto trans with a 1.9TD AAZ.

Here's what I so far have had to get out of the donor vehicle:

1) transmission w/ trans mount (watercooled vans have the trans cooler
attached)
2) octopus coolant hose with fitting for trans cooler
3) both axles (they are different lengths)
4) shiftrod/cable combo (don't forget the locking clip or boot at end)
5) shifter w/o shifter console (neutral safety switch is in there. you can
harvest harness from donor or make one up)
6) vent cover (has cut-out to accommodate shift console)

You can either use pedal assembly or just remove your clutch pedal and slave
cylinder. You will need an adapter for the Subie conversion but that's
another story. You should install a bigger aftermarket trans cooler when
using with engines with more power than stock. I happen to also have a
turbo powered Subie with an auto trans. All the extra heat can fry tranny
seals pretty fast.

There's been additional details about this in the archives, so I will not
get too much into detail. It really helps to have a donor vehicle next to
whatever van you are converting.

Cheers,
--
BenT