Date:         Wed, 9 Dec 1998 17:04:03 EST
Reply-To:     Vanadiesel@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Michael Avrea <Vanadiesel@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Diesel Westy Gearing Swaps- reply
Comments: To: ldhamm@XMISSION.COM, vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII

Hi Larry,
        So let me get this straight. You have a Diesel Westy with the stock 1.6L.
When you say a 12% speedo error you mean you are going 67mph when the speedo
says 60mph (60x12%=7.2)? And the big question, does your Westy go 67mph (on
the flat)?? Or if not how close does it come?
        If this is true, I'll sell me 14" tires and buy some used 15" tires, take the
rims to my local VW junkyard and trade for 15" ones all for an overall minimal
cash outlay. Sounds to good to be true. Hope I'm wrong!
Thanks,
Michael Avrea
82 Diesel Westy

In a message dated 12/9/98 10:12:49 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
ldhamm@XMISSION.COM writes:

<< Tim Smith wrote:
 >
 > Hi,
 >
 > Has anyone taken the ratio of R&Pinion gears for gas vs. diesel trans and
 > figured out what size tires would make for the same conversion. Saves re/re
 > your own 'known' trans and hoping the $300 junkyard special will last. New
 > tires on 15" rims oughta do it.  Nice to get back the desired 'gearing',
 > gain some ground clearance, get new tires, keep a good trans, all with
 > minimal effort. bye, Tim

 Tim,
 That's what I did on mine. The approximate figures look like this:
 The 235/75-15's are about 29" in diameter, and the stock 14's are
 roughly 25.5". So about 12% difference.
 The 5.86 diesel gearbox (DZ) is about 20% lower geared than the later
 wasser's 4.83. That gives me an overall gear reduction of about 8%% over
 a stock Wasser. 8% more power, 8% higher RPM at cruise, 12% speedo
 error, 1.75" increase in ground clearance. Works for me.
 Larry
  >>