Date: Fri, 25 May 2012 23:41:39 -0700
Reply-To: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Scott Daniel - Turbovans <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
Subject: Re: Automatic vs Manual
In-Reply-To: <CAN5Ep7SK8eiwT+PeraaBXUt0B8wPFw0n5tRv90TU=hUp3fhgrA@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed
to the first poster asking about auto versus manual trans in a vanagon ..
Advantages of an automatic ..
now clutch pedal to operate,
automatically shifts itself..
easy to drive.
Disadvantages ..
can not start at all unless the starter works. Can't push start it ..
might be able to get the engine running with a good tow ..but that is
very unorthodox.
Burns quite a bit more fuel.
Can not coast down a hill if you want to. .
There's another connection in the starter circuit that can act up, the
neutral safety switch.
Two separate types of oil..ATF and gear oil ....sometimes they can get
to the wrong place ..but it's due for rebuilding by the time that
happens generally.
Advantages of a manual trans..
better fuel mileage.
can push start easily if you need to.
can keep going with clutch hydraulics blown out if you are skilled enough.
can keep going with a whole gear out.
last very, VERY well with a skilled easy-on-equipment driver and if its
taken care of.
Disadvanages of a manual ..
you have to operate that clutch pedal and move that lever.
A good strong automatic is all right ..
though they do cost in fuel and power some.
I put a 2.1 and Dififant fuel injection in an 85 Wolfsburg Weekender
with auto trans.
Driven very nicely on the highway it got 16.5 mpg.
In town in the winter on shortish trips, it got 14mpg ..
totally unacceptable to me ..
anything below 18mpg is just 'no way' ..
unless it's so fast and powerful and rewarding to drive you don't mind
paying a lot for gas to drive it.
I would say that the stock vanagon manual trans, shift linkage, clutch
hydraulics and the whole system is just excellent and lasts well, and is
easy to work on. It more that people don't take care of them, or
drive them nicely, or don't know how to do good work on them that is
the source of any problems.
The pilot bearing deal is a little mickey mouse..
using the trans input shaft itself as a bearing surface..that is a
traditional VW cheapness ..
but otherwise ..
totally well-working and last just wonderfully ..IF taken care of and
driven right.
On 5/25/2012 8:27 PM, Zeitgeist wrote:
> 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
>>
>
>
> --
> Casey
>
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