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Comparing decouplers
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jimeg
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PostPosted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 10:17 pm    Post subject: Comparing decouplers Reply with quote

GW -
http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23498&category_id=93&category_parent_id=

VC -
http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_616_1239/decoupler-kit-p616.html

AA -
http://www.aatransaxle.com/price_list.htm

German Transaxle?

Or?

Looking for some feedback on the different options out there. Thanks.
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Last edited by jimeg on Fri Mar 07, 2014 11:13 pm; edited 2 times in total
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syncrodoka
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PostPosted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 10:27 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

AA.
They are waiting for parts at the moment though if you need one soon.

The weird non-matching knob that GW provides in their kit is a head scratcher.


Last edited by syncrodoka on Fri Feb 28, 2014 10:30 pm; edited 1 time in total
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rubbachicken
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PostPosted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 10:30 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

i'd go with AA also.

i've yet to have the money to spend on a trans, but when i do it'll only be with AA
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syncrodoka
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PostPosted: Fri Feb 28, 2014 11:24 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

The AA trans offering is the closest that I have seen to the german style unit that is based on the SDP design like http://thelowestgear.com/product_info.php?cPath=1&products_id=113
I own the unit above and it has been great by engaging and disengaging quickly due to the spline design.
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16CVs Premium Member
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 12:59 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I am with my Santa Cruzion friend Mario . I bought a GW Decoupler 5 years ago and did not get it installed for that other Syncro event in Hollister .
While there I was talking to Daryl and he was showing me his design and comparing it to the other units . Once I saw and understood the improved engaging gear ,I went home and put mine E bay and bought one from AA trans and have never looked back .

Stacy
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whynotvw
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 2:34 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have AA for three years. Works like a charm. I'm glad I bought it from AA. Great customer support.
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Syncro Jael
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 6:04 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

AA transaxle. Exclamation
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 6:18 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Florian's units are top notch.
Yes there are differences between how each builder makes the decoupler out of the stock nose cone.
I am not talking down any of the units mentioned, but there are differences.
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 6:25 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

http://thelowestgear.com/product_info.php?products_id=113
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jimeg
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 7:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Can someone elaborate on the differences? AA certainly has a solid reputation. I would like to know the differences(and for anyone who finds this thread in the future) so that I can make an educated decision on which one I go with. I could obviously call each vendor, but I like hearing form the end users. Thanks.
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 8:00 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

The differences are in the parts and how they engage and disengage.
There are a few threads about the differences around the internet.
I am currently working with a brand new nose cone provided by Derek Drew to experiment with and test for strength.

All available decouplers are good quality, some just a bit more refined.
The price pretty much is a good determining factor as to how much R&D went into the design.

Buy the one you feel comfortable with.
They all work.
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joseph928
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 8:20 am    Post subject: DC Reply with quote

OK I have the GW One now for years with no problems, works fast I'm happy. Not to say it's the best. But I would not leave home without having one. Very Happy
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EwokPoacher
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 9:13 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

i have used 3 of the gowesty variety for years with no problem. i just ordered another one from them last week.
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syncrodoka
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 2:58 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Go westy
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


busschmiede/lowest gear.com unit
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Much larger engagement area to take the load, an actual bearing for the shaft to spin on not a bronze bushing and the engagement teeth are designed like the internal sliders that allow smooth gear engagement for the tranny.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


I don't have a picture of the AA trans offering but it is similar to the german(busschmiede) style. If anybody has pictures of the their offering to add it would be great.
They will all do the job but some are designed better mechanically.
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davideric9
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PostPosted: Sat Mar 01, 2014 7:15 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I have two of Florian's decoupler. These have been going strong, fast engage and disengage for over 5 years. Great implementation. Florian's parts are machined in Germany to the original VW design, which is why it works so well.

"These kits are machined from the original VW blueprints."
LINK: Read the details here

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

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Last edited by davideric9 on Sun Mar 02, 2014 10:07 am; edited 1 time in total
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SyncroChrick
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 2:21 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Count me in also as very satisfied customer with Florian's decoupler.
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zeohsix
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PostPosted: Sun Mar 02, 2014 1:38 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I bought mine from Dina at Sycro Services in Germany. I bought the kit that requires machining......no instructions! If you know how to operate a mill/lathe this kit is the cheapest one on the market and unlike the Long Transmission kit it has the roller bearing between to output and coupler shafts, much better design. One thing I learned the hard way, you should surface exterior of casting where vacuum actuator mounts to square everything up for the bracket.
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gl98115
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 11:50 am    Post subject: Reply with quote

Does anyone know how to contact Florian?

I tried the Contact Us link here but never got a reply.

http://thelowestgear.com/contact_us.php

PM if you don't want to post.
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davideric9
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 12:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Florian is still in business. I just talked with him and maybe he will post up here soon. pm sent
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insyncro
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PostPosted: Fri Mar 07, 2014 12:21 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

I know a few who have talked to him recently, but I havent.
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