I have had my 88 for about 6 months now...The trans does not use any fluid, slip, etc.  

But in first and second you talk about slow.............GEEZ!  I do not know why.  Everything is adjusted right per Bentley, and it is a dog from a stop.  Is this just the way it is?

Adam P                              
81  Westy "The Brick "
70 Single Cab "Whitey" 
74 Beetle "Ol Yeller"
73 Transporter (STILL at paint shop)
1988 Vanagon Wolfsburg 
75 Campmobile "for sale'
Used Vanagon Parts for sale (mostly aircooled)