Having a Syncro with a 1.8 L  inline I have to aggree, that the
creaper gear, and the small engine is the best setup going.  Its
no power house as I planned.  It has the feel of an old BUS.
What I was after is a high gas mileage vehicle, and this had done
the trick, at 26 MPG highway.  the high gear is just right.
I don't know the gear ratio of this comparing to the diesel
but it works.......................
                                  Joe. W

Don Hanson wrote:

> Someone mentioned manual tranny with a 'granny 1st and reverse.  That is what is in my 84 with an inline 1.8l gas motor from a golf or cabriolet..I really like that tranny, it has 5 gears forward and the final drive seems good for about 80mph or 70 cruising seems ok.  At about 60 I start thinking 'back shift soon".  I only use 1st gear to start on really steep hills or slippery conditions, but it is nice to have for slow speed work, since the little 1.8l inline four is more of a winder than a torquer..I think the tranny came from a diesel vanagon and it is a darn good match for the 1.8l motors power characteristics...
>  I would never own an automatic anything if I could help it but that is just my preference.  Now, once I get a limited slip in there, I imagaine the low low first gear will find some use out in the desert and perhaps in the snow somewhere..  I do like my S.O.s automatic Zuma scooter's tranny..clutchless and shiftless to go with "gutless"  Sound familiar?  (smiler face)
>  Don Hanson
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