Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 20:27:31 -0700
Reply-To: Zeitgeist <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Zeitgeist <gruengeist@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: Automatic vs Manual
In-Reply-To: <4FC02848.3030903@gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1
I have no experience with automatic Vanagons, even though I've owned four
T3s. All four have had problems with the shifters or clutches, and frankly
the transmissions themselves aren't really a stellar unit anyway. I'm
strongly considering converting my manual over to automatic, both for the
ease of shifting and additional lifespan. btw, this will be accompanied by
the addition of an Audi 2.8L V6, but that's secondary to this discussion.
When I was shopping for this van I intentionally avoided automatics because
I thought they would complicate my intentions of dropping a TDI in there.
After living with it for the last 8 years as is, I can truly say that an
automatic no matter how bad would be a step up. I hate the clutch shudder
upon release, I hate the hunting for gears and the grinding shifts from
third to fourth. I will not miss my green eggs and ham
On Fri, May 25, 2012 at 5:48 PM, JRodgers <jrodgers113@gmail.com> wrote:
> I have three vans - one automatic, and two manual tranny models. The
> automatic I have never driven. It is a 1991 Carat and a project van.
> Basically sound, but needs some work - needs a few things like rear
> bumper, new disc calipers, pads and rotors, some electrical work-right
> hand passenger door electrical is fouled, front blower is bad, AC
> operational, but no refrigerant. Even so - this van is sweet. All
> electric doors and windows, body and paint good, built-in fold out
> table, factory jump seats, etc. Engine is very good, recent fuel
> injection work over. But tranny is really iffy. But as I said - I have
> never driven it.
>
> I have the two manual tranny vans - both '88 GL's and in relatively good
> shape. I am considering letting one of these three go.
>
> I am strongly inclined to sell one '88 GL and finish the restoration on
> the Carat. A key point for me in this decision is going to revolve
> around the manual vs the automatic transmission. Somewhere down the
> road I might like to do an upgrade to a later engine and also do
> something special with the tranny.
>
> So - I defer to the List for it's wisdom regarding manual vs automatics.
> Which would be the better choice in the long haul just based on the
> performance of the transmissions.
>
> Thanks,
>
> John in Birmingham, AL
>
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Casey
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