Date:         Wed, 26 Aug 2009 12:45:45 -0400
Reply-To:     Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Greg Potts <greg@POTTSFAMILY.CA>
Subject:      Re: Engine to auto-tranny match and the Indy 500
Comments: To: Marc Perdue <mcperdue@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <c2c43a7e0908260927n548128ffod334c0fb3dacfe57@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

Hi Marc,

I'd be willing to surmise that there are probably dozens, if not
hundreds of potential transmissions out there that would meet your need.

The problem is that very very few of them are going to fit in the space
allocated to the vanagon powertrain.

Porsche is about the only rear-engine manufacturer I can think of that
builds high-performance rear engine vehicles; but I can't imagine the
fiscal nightmare it would be to retrofit a tiptronic 6-speed auto into a
westy. But the 911 does offer such an option, should you have the funds
to pursue it.

Happy Trails,

Greg Potts
1973/74/79 Westfakia "Bob the Tomato"
1987 Wolfsburg Weekender Hardtop
www.busesofthecorn.com
www.pottsfamily.ca



Marc Perdue wrote:
> This is kind of what I was getting at.  Is there any kind of automatic
> transmission alternative that could take advantage of the torquey
> (technical term again) Vanagon engine and make it work well in the
> urban environment, give us the power we need to safely go over the
> mountains, and, as long as I'm dreaming, possibly give us better gas
> mileage?  Presumably, if there were such a thing, we'd already know
> about it, but . . .
>
> Marc
>