Mark, I have had an '84 with 1.9 and auto trans for 3.5 years now.  Guy I
bought it from for $500 thought it was next to dead, but it wasn't.  With
help of this list, the list vendors, and some memories from my first Vanagon
('82 diesel), I have been able to make it into a reliable vehicle that is
easy to work on yourself.  One a year, I have my mechanic drain the auto
trans fluid, change the filter, and put new fluid in.  It works.  Indeed,
the Dexron III fluid in my Vanagon looks and smells much better than the
stuff in my '98 Montana.

Vanagons with 1.9s and auto transmissions are not meant for drag racing.
However, they will get you up the steep hills on the interstates far better
than the '82 diesels would.

John Lauterbach
Macon, GA
----- Original Message -----
From: "Radish" <radish150@EARTHLINK.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, January 04, 2001 4:29 PM
Subject: Convert 85 auto to 4sp? And HP increases please

> Hi all. Anyone know how difficult this swap is? What is the general
opinion of these auto transmissions? Do they really suck gas and power
compared to the 4sp?
>
> Also, was wondering if there was an accepted hierarchy of bolt on stuff
that will increase the power in a 1.9 auto rig? Some of the things I was
thinking about was header and freeflow
> exhaust, MDS type ignition, KN filter stuff, does this stuff make a big
difference? Any other tricks?
>
> Thanks
> Mark...