TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Nov 03, 2023 9:56 am

Well Said Sodo-

At some point we will all have the conversation, what transmission fits next?

I bought my very solid vanagon for cheap with no motor no trans. Did I need a project, No! But did I get excited to try something different? Yes. Perhaps, we’ll all learn something and bring it to the table…I’m ok with someone taking that information and using it. I’m not an engineer, But I can give real world feedback.

Initially I looked for a vanagon core to send out, but I’m still taking a 500$ gamble having that transmission not be rebuildable…. As far as I’m concerned if I come across a vanagon transmission that I know is usable, for a reasonable price I’ll grab it, That’s my backup plan, it’s also everyone else’s plan, hence the lack of availability in these parts.

Fri Nov 03, 2023 10:27 am

Sodo wrote:
Mtnhome if theres space inside for a Vanagon-sized magnet it would be interesting to see one comparable to a Vanagon hairdo.

Not sure there's room for a long magnet. Did some quick research and even the quality aftermarket magnetic plugs are short. This has a stronger magnet than the stock plug. Made in USA

I'll get one for the next time I change fluid.

Still happy that I'm not seeing any significant metal. I do know that Zach completely tears down the trans and thoroughly cleans every single part as opposed to just splitting the trans and swapping parts as shown in most videos. Cases are vapor honed. There is no debris from prior wear. Trans looks as new when he finishes.

I'm happy so far with the trans and I think having a Subaru trans expert build it was a good decision. As I said, I think he did some things based on his experience and knowledge. Todd should probably visit him next time he's in the US.
Running an ej22 probably helps as well. I pretty much have all the parts for a frankenmotor build down the road. I'll definitely report if I have issues.

Sun Nov 05, 2023 12:53 pm

Here is another view. I have owned my 2WD van for 30 years--4 different engines and 4 trans, all Vanagon--never had a failure. At present I'm running an SVX. About 5 years ago, when running a 2.5, I had the trans rebuilt and converted to a 5 spd, using a new alum case, and new 4th and 5th.
I love the G low and needed to use it when stopped, sometimes, with the 2.5. After I installed the SVX, it worked fine but eventually started to whine in 5th. I took it to German Trans in Bend, ore, thinking it might be near failure, but it turned out the gears were just worn out because the previous rebuilder had used Weddle gears, which have a known 30K mile life, because they are designed as racing gears. I was right at 30K miles on the trans. It turned out there are much better gears available now, called GT Gears. These gears are designed and produced by a retired gear designer who used to work for VW and Audi. He has also designed and produced a new gear carrier for 5th with pressure oiling passages and a redesigned bearing holder. He has decided that the best way to make 5th gear live long-term is to remove the side loading by using straight-cut gears for 5th and providing extra oiling. So, I had my trans rebuilt using these new parts. So far it's been bulletproof.

So, upgraded parts are available for the Vanagon trans. You should always use a new alum case when rebuilding(much more robust), and GT gears for 4th and 5th, or 3rd and 4th for a 4 spd. None of this is cheap, of course, but peace of mind is worth it, to me. There are many posts about these new GT gears on TheSamba, including many posts from the designer. I was surprised that I did not see any mention of this in the forgoing discussion.

Fri Mar 08, 2024 8:55 am

I have not read all 5 pages of this topic (yet) but I do want to add that there is now a public group on FaceBook called "Subarugears Failed Products". It seems the problems with quality control are not improving. And to me, that's really sad because the whole concept is really great and there is a fairly large market for this conversion.

Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:01 pm

This is sad.

I saw the pics where the ring gear had divots filed with a hand file.
It was clearly soft steel.
Normally a ring gear is so hard that it would dull the file.

How did this happen to a such a good solution?
Nobody ever put a file to one .... before 2024?

Have all the ring gears been soft like this or was there a brain fart
in production of that one ring gear?
I find it hard to believe a gear MFR would send a set out, much less a full production batch, without case-hardening them first.
Why even bother pairing the R&P sets ?

Subarugears is not the mfr.
Subarugears specs the item and buys the batch from a gear-maker.
The gear maker did this.
But of course it is Subarugears responsibility.

Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:08 pm

Lo Cash John wrote: I have not read all 5 pages of this topic (yet) but I do want to add that there is now a public group on FaceBook called "Subarugears Failed Products". It seems the problems with quality control are not improving. And to me, that's really sad because the whole concept is really great and there is a fairly large market for this conversion.

Curious, are you personally running this setup?

Fri Mar 08, 2024 12:45 pm

MarkWard wrote: Lo Cash John wrote: I have not read all 5 pages of this topic (yet) but I do want to add that there is now a public group on FaceBook called "Subarugears Failed Products". It seems the problems with quality control are not improving. And to me, that's really sad because the whole concept is really great and there is a fairly large market for this conversion.

Curious, are you personally running this setup?

No, not yet. I have a 69 Ghia I want to put a subby 5 speed into however those plan are on hold until this quality issue is fixed.

I have a buddy with a bay window bus that has a reversed subby 5 speed and EJ25 engine. It's not finished yet and has not yet driven under its own power yet. I feel pretty bad because the whole reason he went subby swap was because I told him about it. He got the bus cheap with no engine or trans. I told him is seemed like a PERFECT candidate for Subaru power and sent him a link for the kit. He went down that road and not this...