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Mon Jun 02, 2025 12:20 pm

Hi!

I've searched the posts for info but haven't seen anything specific to an Ej22 conversion.

So, my question is what is the best R&P for an EJ22 on a 1990 Westy GL AT with 16" tires. I have a 3.27 R&P from GTA but I'm wondering if that is too tall, and am wondering if it's best to go with the stock 4.09 R&P if I ever rebuild the transaxle.

Thanks!

Mon Jun 02, 2025 1:33 pm

I think the stock gearing is better for a Subaru swap than the waterboxer. I would regear for a stock setup if I was redoing the trans. I would keep the stock gearing for a Subaru swap. The Subaru swaps higher horsepower covers that odd gap from 2nd to 3rd.

Also, the wheel size of 16" doesnt matter. The tire size is what matters in this conversation.

Mon Jun 02, 2025 1:46 pm

4Gears4Tires wrote: Also, the wheel size of 16" doesnt matter. The tire size is what matters in this conversation.
True enough, so assuming 215/65/R16 tires, that would be a tire diameter of 27".

Mon Jun 02, 2025 2:13 pm

I had my transaxle built with EJ22 in mind - running 215/65R16. Mike at Rancho recommended I leave the gearing ratio the same. I put in a new 4th GT gear as it was chewed up.

Mon Jun 02, 2025 3:01 pm

I had my transaxle rebuilt by GTA with an EJ22 in mind - using 205R15 tires, 26" diameter. Kept the same ratios, but with Weddle 3rd and 4th gears. These do make some whine, but I am reassured they can take the extra power. In very rare but occasional circumstances when starting up just the wrong grade (say having let traffic by) a fully laden camper can still find a 'gap' between 2nd and 3rd. Rev right up in 2nd, but by the time you're in 3rd the speed and grade leave 3rd struggling.

However, apart from that once-a-year scenario 3rd now goes from 10 to 65 (over 70 on the speedo) quite happily! It can go faster in 3rd but by then the revs are AOK for 4th to take over even uphill.

Mon Jun 02, 2025 3:31 pm

It looks like the OP is asking about ring and pinion recommendations for his automatic transaxle.

Mon Jun 02, 2025 3:43 pm

Howesight wrote: It looks like the OP is asking about ring and pinion recommendations for his automatic transaxle.
Yup. Changed the original post to be clearer. Sorry!

Mon Jun 02, 2025 3:44 pm

Howesight wrote: It looks like the OP is asking about ring and pinion recommendations for his automatic transaxle. Oops! Apols...

Mon Jun 02, 2025 8:23 pm

I have an interactive Excel Spreadsheet that I've used to compare various gear ratios, R&Ps, and tire sizes. It is extremely close to real world on the ground results.

The OE size Vanagon tire (roughly 185/75/14, 24.9") rotates about 810 revolutions in one mile. A 215/75/15 (27.7") rotates 729 revolutions per mile.

The difference in top gear comparisons is roughly 325 RPMs to maintain 65 MPH.

So, tire size can be helpful for your needs, but can also have drawbacks depending on the terrain.

As I understand, the Subie engine is fine at higher RPMs, so staying with the OE R&P in the Automatic transmission and then finding the tire size that best fits your needs would seem to be the most economical way to go. Of course, taller tires will affect the accuracy of the Speedometer/Odometer. I use a Dakota Digital Interface to covert the rotational speed using a Jetta Cluster. It has Dip Switch Pins to tweak accuracy using GPS.

FWIIW, last September, I disassembled my DK 4-speed manual transmission with Weddle 3rd and 4th gears. At 90k miles with a TDI engine pushing it, they looked just fine (and still had the original whine).

Tue Jun 03, 2025 8:18 am

that 2.2 is marginally better hp/tq wise than the 1.9/2.1 so I'd leave it stock especially with taller tires.

I'd play with tire height before gearing on such a low output swap

Tue Jun 03, 2025 11:13 am

I've got an EJ22 on 225/70/16 tires on my blue syncro Westy and I'm regearing to 5.43 ring and pinions. After running all the calculations, that's going to be PERFECT for the established ways I like to drive and use my bus. If anything, it'll allow me to go Up a bit on tire size and still be very very happy.

I haven't driven that exact setup in my own bus yet, but every bus I've driven with 5.43 was better than every bus I've driven with 4.86.... if it didn't have EXACTLY stock sized tires.

Tue Jun 03, 2025 11:32 am

Phishman068 wrote: I've got an EJ22 on 225/70/16 tires on my blue syncro Westy and I'm regearing to 5.43 ring and pinions. After running all the calculations, that's going to be PERFECT for the established ways I like to drive and use my bus. If anything, it'll allow me to go Up a bit on tire size and still be very very happy.

I haven't driven that exact setup in my own bus yet, but every bus I've driven with 5.43 was better than every bus I've driven with 4.86.... if it didn't have EXACTLY stock sized tires.
Wow, assuming 28" tire diameter, that's 4235 rpm at freeway speeds. Are you doing this mostly for off-road and hills?

Tue Jun 03, 2025 12:11 pm

skills@eurocarsplus wrote: that 2.2 is marginally better hp/tq wise than the 1.9/2.1 so I'd leave it stock especially with taller tires.

I'd play with tire height before gearing on such a low output swap

I agree with you on gearing. But the EJ22 is a 50% increase in horsepower. I wish my paycheck increased by these marginal amounts. :lol:

Tue Jun 03, 2025 12:17 pm

Most of my travel is 50-60mph. And yes, I prefer to be in the power band for the engine at those speeds. Big tires and especially taller 4ths absolutely ruin the driving experience of a vanagon (without accounting for it).
I believe we’re going with a stock fourth which puts the 4th gear rpm’s and power almost exactly at “stock” if I go up one tire size in the future, and slightly peppier with the current tires.