The air cooled tranny is weaker that the wbx'er ..esp reverse.
Aircooled has a 4.57 R&P and the wbx is a 4.86..
Rear linkage pieces are different.
Have seen the swap done, but after it was returned to normal, the customer
said it was "much better driving" ..whatever that means..
Don't do it
Daryl of AA Transaxle
(425) 788-4070
aatransaxle.com
86 Syncro Westy
Zetec in the trunk
----- Original Message -----
From: "Scott Daniel - Turbovans" <scottdaniel@TURBOVANS.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Saturday, March 21, 2009 6:59 PM
Subject: Re: Trans swap between Vanagons

> you'd be taking a step backwards in terms of how good the shift linkage
> design is .....
> the early linkage, which you'd have to install ( which involves removing
> the
> fuel tank, and adding a support bracket for a bushing ) .....
> is a lousier design linkage than the 83 and later type that you currently
> have.  So a step backwards there.
>
> And you'd have to do some fiddling at the front trans mount - nothing too
> difficult though.
> Plus swap over bell housings of course.
> The DK air-cooled trans is desirable for sure,  for some types of
> vanagons,
> but not yours.  It has very nice gearing in top gear though.
> Should you want to be linkage from the air-cooled, I have such.
> Scott
> www.turbovans.com
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Doug Noganav" <vanagon@ASTOUND.NET>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2009 5:28 PM
> Subject: Trans swap between Vanagons
>
>
> Anybody know if an 81 Air Cooled Vanagon 4 Speed transmission with work in
> an 88 Vanagon?
>
> Or what mods would be reqired?
>
> Thanks
>
> Doug