I'm on my second automatic and I've driven both as Scott recommends. I
know by feel where the RPMs should be, at what speed, etc. This
enables me to better deal with upcoming challenges. I also feel as if
I'm not lugging anything.......
Miguel

On Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 1:02 PM, Jim Akiba<syncrolist@bostig.com> wrote:
>  $3000?!? Now I understand the subject line of the email
>
>
>> On Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 2:55 PM, Marc Perdue<mcperdue@gmail.com> wrote:
>>> Scott, you have a keen grasp of the obvious!  Yep, I can and have done
>>> that, it just feels a little weird winding out the engine, having it
>>> screaming and not getting going any faster than 55.  Besides, I think
>>> I destroyed the transmission on my wife's Honda Accord using the
>>> shifter like a manual, even though they tell you you can do it in the
>>> manual.  It should have gone longer than 80K miles in my estimation .
>>> . .  I'm a little hesitant to do the same to my nice $3,000 tranny on
>>> the Vanagon . . .
>>>
>>> Marc
>>>
>>> On Wed, Aug 26, 2009 at 2:33 PM, Scott Daniel -
>>> Turbovans<scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
>>>> re
>>>> So, who the heck designs an automatic transmission that, when the
>>>>>
>>>>> pedal is to the floor, kicks down to 2nd at 45 and back to 3rd at
>>>>> 55?!? "
>>>>
>>>> Notice to All Who Drive an Automatic Transmission Vanagon :
>>>>
>>>> The shift lever is very specifically designed so you can 'grab 2nd' quickly
>>>> and easily from 3rd.
>>>> No need to hold down the button on the shifter, and it won't go past 2nd
>>>> into low. You can just 'slap it' ....from 3rd to 2nd.......
>>>> like going into a hill.
>>>> Shifting back up to 3rd from 2nd - same thing, no need to hold down the
>>>> button, but ......it can go past 3rd into Neutral, so need to be a little
>>>> careful on that shift.
>>>>
>>>> In general, just putting it in 'D' and driving, and letting the trans shift
>>>> ....
>>>> well, I never do that.  Much mo' betta driving doing the shifting yourself
>>>> between 2nd and 3rd.
>>>> As far as using the kickdown at full throttle, I almost never use 100 %
>>>> throttle anyway, so ........just shift it manually betwixt 2nd n' 3rd.
>>>>
>>>> It's even in the owner's manual, about being able to grab 2nd real easily.
>>>> 'Prett sure.
>>>> Scott
>>>> ----- Original Message -----
>>>> From: "Troy" <colorworks@GCI.NET>
>>>> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
>>>> Sent: Wednesday, August 26, 2009 10:27 AM
>>>> Subject: Automatic transmission, WTF?
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>> Hi Marc:
>>>>>
>>>>> I had my transmission rebuild recently by German transaxle, who also
>>>>> installed the Peloquin limited slip or  torque biasing differential. The
>>>>> transition between gears is much smoother now, and when going up hills the
>>>>> transmission does jump into second, but stays that way until I get past 55
>>>>> or so and then shifts into third. I am told there is a governor
>>>>> modification to the transmission that can be done. Small car has the
>>>>> details on their site, that may smooth things out a bit. The biggest
>>>>> difference to mind was the rebuilt. The transition between gears is hardly
>>>>> noticeable now. I can also say that I have 16 inch tires and a Subaru
>>>>> EJ22, so I'm sure this plays some role in what I'm talking about. Still
>>>>> not like a standard car, but definitely much better than it was.
>>>>>
>>>>> Troy
>>>>>
>>>>> <<I don't usually rant about things, because I feel it's a waste of
>>>>> emotional energy.  However, the discussion about the Bostig engine and
>>>>> AT not being a good match got me going . . .
>>>>>
>>>>> So, who the heck designs an automatic transmission that, when the
>>>>> pedal is to the floor, kicks down to 2nd at 45 and back to 3rd at
>>>>> 55?!?  It's a real PITA going over the Blue Ridge Mountains in certain
>>>>> places.  The damn transmission keeps bouncing back and forth as my
>>>>> speed varies between 45 and 55, trying to haul my butt over the
>>>>> mountain.>>
>>>>
>>>
>>
>