Dunno about the tranny, but the 2.0 motor from 1976-1983.5 is essentially
the same, except they went to hydraulic cam/lifters in 1978, and steadily
improved the tinware/cooling.

G. Matthew Bulley
Bulley-Hewlett
Corporate Communications Counselors
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Mount Olive, NC USA
877.658.1278 tollfree

"I, the undersigned, shall forfeit all rights, privileges, and licenses
herein and herein contained, et cetera, et cetera . . . fax mentis
incendium gloria culpum, et cetera, et cetera . . . memo bis punitor
delicatum!" It's all there, black and white, clear as crystal!      -Wonka

-----Original Message-----
From:   Robban [SMTP:finnsjuingasatansnamnkvar@HOTMAIL.COM]
Sent:   Friday, May 05, 2000 12:00 PM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        -80 vanagon with aut. transmission...buy?

I'm about to buy a -80 Vanagon with automatic transmission
The only problem is, according to the owner, that the first gear jumps out
sometimes. However will work fine when you have gained some speed.
Guess I have to replace it.....?
The aircooled engine is identical between -78 and -83....right?
How about the automatic transmission? Can I replace it with an even newer
one?

/Robert