rfoutch
Samba Member
Joined: November 04, 2003
Posts: 102
Location: Las Vegas, NV
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 Posted: Fri Feb 06, 2004 1:13 pm Post subject: Finding the best ratio (cross posted in Off Road as well) |
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I have searched the Fourm and can't find this, though I am sure it has been asked before....
I am thinking about a new trans for my thing (181) and need it to work well in the following conditions. My question is gearing, as my driving will be 80% on-road 20% off road (though I get kinda crazy off-road).
I will be stuffing a 2.0 914 type 4 in, so this will be to mate with that power plant.
What would be the best R&P and Final Drive would like to squeze the best highway performance without loosing to much off road performance.
With that in mind, what would be the maximum tire size, lets say 15X6 rears. Would like to run the tallest tire I can get away with. I will be running 2X3 (two inches longer, 3 inches wider) trailing arms. Also, will be running a 3" body lift.
So I guess I am looking for a high bred freeway flyer and a nice offroad trans?
Suggestions?
Randy |
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bljones
Resident Wit
Joined: February 08, 2002
Posts: 2377
Location: ontario canada
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| Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2004 11:20 am Post subject: |
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we're sorta working backwards here. the outside diameter of your tires will affect the final drive ratio, so rather than selecting trans ratios first, figure out what size tires you plan to run. with the set up you are planning, you COULD go as large as a 33" tire on the rear, with some mods to the rear fenders. however since your bias is toward on-road use, probably a better choice would be between 215/15 and 235/15 Depending upon the tire style, this will give you an O.D. of about 29"
It sounds like you want to maximum pulling power AND maximum top speed cruising- that is a damn tough order. IMO,the best low-buck compromise is to install a stock super beetle transaxle. The gearing runs: 1st, 3.78 - second, 2.06 - third, 1.32, - fourth 3.79, with a 4.125: 1 R&P. Compare this to the stock type 1: 1st 3.80 - 2nd 2.06 - 3rd 1.32 - 4th 0.89 R&P 4.375:1
Although, if you are going to do that much suspension work, you may want to consider installing an 091 bus transaxle.
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