TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Jul 13, 2005 12:06 pm

I've got a 85 westy with 4 spd manual, 1.9l engine.

Has anybody tried putting a 5spd tranny in? what year donor? how do the gear ratios match up? first? 5th?

thx

tom

Wed Jul 13, 2005 2:12 pm

Deisel tranny no fit. Perhaps adaptors are made but the ratios stink for a gas engine.

Syncro tranny will fit but I'm uncertain if the front shaft needs to be disabled somehow... besides, they are a little pricey.

Other cars? who knows! The air-cooled crowd have a few 5-speed conversions but I'm uncertain if one will bolt up (try Gene Berg for info).

Mike!

Wed Jul 13, 2005 2:19 pm

Diesels are way to low geared...

called ALPINE....that 1.9 would be turning 4500 at 60mph...

Bell housing from a diesel can be swapped to any 091 trannie and input shaft....

true 5 speeds are rare, usually its the compound low 5 speed off of a Syncro

Thu Jul 14, 2005 5:23 am

Europe used a 5 speed. Gowesty and volks cafe apparently will sell you everything you need to put the European model in.

Thu Jul 14, 2005 10:52 am

yeah, talked to go westy. europe and south africa had true 5 spds.

a rebuilt 5spd unit (using my 4 spd as core) is $2495 plus shipping.

OUCH

still recovering from my radiator, radiator fan, ac compressor, dryer, speedo cluster, tires disaster.

plus, still need to get all of my appliances working!!!

guess the 5 spd will have to wait. Besides, I'm more excited about the Tiico 2 liter conversion

Thu Jul 14, 2005 1:11 pm

That's only about twice what a professional 4sp runs.

Have you tried Long Enterprises? They know VW trannies like the back of their hands and do excellent work (worth every penny and then some).

Mike!

Sun Jul 17, 2005 10:18 pm

:D look at weedle enginearing.. they are one of the importers of the 5-speed tranys.. also, make sure that you get the whole kit. the go-westy price includes the whole shifter assembly( lever, detent box, and front shift rod.) the factory 5-speed is similar to the syncro trany, but just different enough that the shift mechinism is different. volkscafe sold me mine for $2,700, with no core. someone that works there told me he had one that was slightly used that he pulled from a wreck that he would sell for $2,000..... :twisted: :twisted:

Sun Jul 17, 2005 11:02 pm

I looked at the list of 5 speeds and their ratios. Do those places let you choose your ratios?

Mon Jul 18, 2005 12:15 am

:D weedle and go westy both let you choose your ratio's. there are also a few other 4th, 5th and final ratios that can be put in if you want. :twisted: :twisted: