Maybe this is the "secret project" that Bostig is working on... a
tranny swap to complement the engine swap???

On Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 9:17 AM, John Rodgers<inua@charter.net> wrote:
> Marc Purdues recent issues over auto-tranny shifting in the mountains
> got me to thinking about alternative engine/tranny combo's for the
> Vanagons. I know we can do engine swaps, but it seems we are stuck
> pretty much with the original trannies for our vans. As I recall Sudhir
> did some work with bigger engines and found that more powerful and
> torquey engines soon wiped out the trannies. So, with that in mind, it
> appears to me there are limits in our engine/tranny combo's and the
> tranny is the limiting factor. Granted, certain Porsche trannies will
> fit, but they are extremely hard to come by. Something more readily
> available would sure be nice. In my research I stumbled on the link
> below which I found fascinating. Many of you already know about this I
> expect but I did not.
>
> Some specifics on the Indy 500 cars
> 1) All cars have the _same engine_ and the _same semi-automatic
> transmission_. No exceptions.
> 2) All cars have the same engine - a 650-hp, 3-l Honda V8 engine that
> costs about $2.9 million per car.
> 3) Imposed max engine RPM is 10,300
> 4) Life limit on each engine before overhaul is 1200 miles
> 5) Tranny is a clutchless, six-speed, all-forward-gears, semi-automatic
> transmission.
> 6) Shifter paddle/lever is mounted on the steering wheel.
>
> Visit here for the complete scoop.
>
> http://electronicdesign.com/Articles/Index.cfm?AD=1&ArticleID=21089
>
> Interesting stuff. And I wonder if and how such info could be applied to
> our vans. Not likely to ever have that big engine, or go so fast - but
> having some better options for better power train coupling would be nice.
>
> John Rodgers
> 88 GL Driver
>