Anyone else need a 2.5 gear?

[prAna]

With the number of mountain passes that we drive in Colorado, we really wish there was something in between 2nd and 3rd gear. We're still all stock on our '84 with the 1.9 camper. Third sounds like the engine is really bogged down, but it holds a steady speed around 38 on our speedo which I think is incorrect. And second is only good for a few hundred yards before it's begging to be shifted back into 3rd. Does everyone deal with this?

I know there is very little I can do other than swapping out, but that's not an option unless absolutely necessary and I think that time is still a ways off.
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Just say "No" to Bud, Miller and Coors

Current:
'84 Vanagon ASI Riviera camper
Gone but remembered:
'69 9 passenger bus
'71 bus

[funagon]

A better option is to install a more powerful engine with more torque. Then 3rd gear will accecerate from those low RPMs instead of bogging down. I know an engine swap might be more $$ than you were thinking of but I just had to mention it.

[Alan Brase]

I think this illustrates why these cars needed 5 speeds. And they came with 5 speeds in most markets. Why VW of A did not give us a chance to buy them with 5 speeds is anyones guess. I guess they figured we could not drive one- too complicated.
The 5 speed is nearly a direct bolt in, but for the shifter stick and the box under it. (one could probably live without those parts or fabricate them.
Two problems: There are many 5 speeds, only 1 or two have the right ratios for your 1.9 gas engine. Most are geared too low for the diesels. And they are expensive. Figure $1000 -$1500.
I think the one you need is code AAP, but look for the Relitech site.
Al
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Al Brase
Projects: 67 sunroof bug, 67 Porsche 912 Targa, 70 Westy
Dec 1955 Single Cab pickup WANT 15" BUS RIMS dated 8/55, thru 12/55
To New owners: 1969 doublecab, 1971 Dormobile
Vanagons:
80 P27 Westy JUL 1979, 3rd oldest known US
83 1.6TD Vanagon, 87 Wolfie Westy daily driver, swap meet home

[Dogpilot]

The cheap solution that offers huge gas savings:

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Geology with a Syncro rocks!
86 Syncro Westy AKA "The Bughunter"
98 Disco I
08 Range Rover SC
08 VW Rabbit S
1951 O-1G

[levi]

....damn hippies....

_________________
One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way

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