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Mon Jun 22, 2015 6:54 pm

I am looking to hear if the Vanagon Automatics hold up to the 1.8t either stock and especially chipped ones?
Would it use the manual setting in the computer or the Automatic setting seeing as there are no inputs from the trans computer ?
Where can I find a flex plate to mate it up to the van Torque Converter?
Any other issues I am missing? :van_brown: :van_brown:

Mon Jun 22, 2015 7:14 pm

There are a few SAH 1.8T conversions running Vanagon automatics and they seem to be holding up so far. Audi ran 162 hp and 177 lb/ft of torque through their version of the VAG 3 speed automatic in the 200 Turbo, and that's similar output to the later Mk4 style 1.8Ts, so I think it would be safe to run a late 1.8T on standard ecu tune.

You would want to run the engine ecu in manual mode to be code free, although I think on automatic 1.8T cars, the transmission ecu mostly receives input from the engine ecu - not vice versa. Not an expert on this aspect, though. I could be wrong.

Dave

Mon Jun 22, 2015 7:23 pm

I have a SAH 1.8T auto (not chipped but I have the SS exhaust which brings hp from 180 to right about 200). My trans was rebuilt by GTA in Bend OR with their "turbo kit". Later I added a 3.27 R&P (instead of the 3.73 from GTA) as well as a Peloquin TBD. Very happy so far but not that many miles since final configuration. Stephan (of SAH) does not recommend chipping a 1.8T/Auto. He says that 200 hp is probably max for power, reliability, and longevity. SAH now sells DIY kits.

FWIW... I truly can't imagine wanting more power than I currently have. My Westy drives like a modern vehicle and keeps up with (and frequently passes!) traffic. Hills, on ramps, the I-5... no problem 8) .

Mon Jun 22, 2015 7:45 pm

Whomever you use for the adapter plate would have the proper accompanying flexplate for the application. Kennedy or FAS are the only two I'm currently aware of at the moment.