Brand new custom Syncro transaxle

[MsTaboo]

I wanted to start a new thread dedicated to the idea of an all new Syncro transaxle rather than side-tracking existing threads on Syncro transaxle failures.

The idea is to explore the possibility of developing a direct, bolt on, replacement for the original. No fancy hi/lo transfer cases, extra gears, or anything like that. A replacement that can handle higher hp/torque and heavier loads while still using the original shifting linkage, lockers, drive shaft, decouplers, etc. with a granny gear and ratios to match the front diff.
The idea is to keep it simple and the cost down.

As I said in another thread, I have no expertise to draw on, but like many others I feel the need is great and there is a market large enough to make it worthwhile. Rather than spending thousands on rebuilds that fail, a new robust transaxle!
I think that the market is also larger than just Vanagon Syncros, it could be sold for sand-rails, 4x4 buggies, etc.
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Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec

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[Syncro Jael]

I do believe there is enough interest for a company to tool up and improve the transaxle that we have or manufacture an entirely new product. There is enough documentation of failures that these failed areas could be improved. Speaking with Ron, at Weddle, the ring and pinion is entirely to small for the loads on it from the Van. Add a bunch of torque, heat, and well, you get the picture. He said there is not enough demand, or enough room under the Vanagon platform to make a transaxle to withstand what we are asking from them.

That is hard to believe when I see the Mendeola transaxles out there on extreme sand rails being pushed by turbo charged LS1 engines at over 800 horsepower on large paddle tired six seat sand rails. I can buy one for around $11k brand new!

http://ranchotransaxles.com/mendeola-transaxles/

No body can make us a simple transaxle for our vans?
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1987 Syncro Westfalia Hightop - NAHT
Subaru EJ25 Forged Frankenmotor, Triple Knob.
Jael = (Mountain Goat)

[djkeev]

Gut feeling.......

Few are the owners that would shell out $11,000 for a transaxle for a 25 year old vehicle.

But I could be wrong............

Dave
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[gl98115]

A number of people have paid $10k+ for engine conversions.
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'87 faux-Syncro Westy w/ 2.3l GoWesty WBX

[djkeev]

[quattro syncro van]

Call me crazy, but I read that people want to either weigh the poor mule down or romp on it.

In the other post it was said work = heat.

Well heat = money and weighing her down or rolling her over will cost you big time.

With people saying this is what they want to do, I say that if it is made and driven like this, the money choices in the poll don't cover the cost.

When it breaks and it will, what are you going to do?
Is this company fixing it, replacing it, charging, on the house, what?

Untested one off renderings need to be tested, it takes time and money.
This project is going to take years to even establish.

If you spend $15,000 and it doesn't work are you any better off than you are right now?

[Terry Kay]

There are several trains of getting involved here in Vanagonland.

(A) Go the least expensive, and live on borrowed time.
(B) The skies the limit, the Diamond Jim approach.

I think there might be a market for some updated 4x4 driveline parts, but the market will be real narrow, very limited.
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T.K.

[syncrodoka]

[Sodo]

Paint jobs are 10k. People will pay that to romp.

If there's "little space" for a larger transaxle what HP is it designed for? Is there space for 150hp? That's plenty. It cruises at 75mph.

But a lot of people will be mad cuz 150's insufficient. Ok so 175hp. Still not enough. Ok another $2000 for 200hp but its not OK for TDi or H6. Ok more mad customers. This is how it will go. So its now $15,000 prepaid & 3 years for a test box. The EJ22 & Fords will bail & go with beefed up OEM cuz of the escalation, reducing the numbers & further boosting the price. Some others bail on the high end. WBX & 100% OEM come back into fashion.
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'90 Westy EJ25, 2Peloquins, 3knobs, pressure-oiled GT mainshaft, filtered, cooled gearbox
'87 Tintop w 47k 53k, '12 SmallCar EJ25, cooled filtered gearbox
....KTMs, GasGas, SPOT mtb

[ejimmi]

I was not aware that the Mendeola has a granny gear, a front prop drive, and a locker for 11K.


The polls are pretty telling as to what people would pay.

[Merian]

have you guys any idea of the cost to make a small production run of these
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[pedrokrusher]

[Waldi]

10k for a new build trans?
Seems you don't know what you are talking about.
Buy a new car!

[UngaWunga]

[pedrokrusher]

[danfromsyr]

I would be fairly certain that at the $10k mark they'd sell 100units fairly easily.
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[pedrokrusher]

[jackbombay]

Subaru gears charges $1900 for a flipped R&P, with that in mind, how much more money would it cost to design and build a complete trans?
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[Signalocity]

I'd consider 8k to 10k if it meant a long term replacement that I didn't have to worry about. I'm sort of surprised that one one has ever scanned the case and had CAD files developed for each section. The case could be milled out of a better grade aluminum. That would allow simple upgrades like better oiling passages, alternate bearing options(cheaper, better availability and tapered options for better thrust load capabilities), ports for plumbing and sensors, and could possibly be tweaked for larger gear sets and components? It would also eliminate the scarcity of the Syncro transaxle, which in return could lower the cost of replacement parts. The bell housing could be set up for better bolt on starter options. Non locker vans could be converted and 2WD people wanting to convert would be one huge step closer to an inclusive kit that didn't involve sourcing a parts van. The case could be finned more for better cooling, it would be stronger and tolerances would be brought back in line. Some gaskets could be replaced with O-ring seals. Part of the problem would be that these cases are just getting worn out from the rebuilds. It would definitely be the cheaper and more realistic prospect to begin with. If new cases were available, new transaxles could be built.

[pedrokrusher]