I have to disagree. The 5-speed was the best change I made to my Vanagon. I love it! 

Remembering that the 5 speed needs to be regeared for optimum use since the final drive is the same as the 4speed as it somes from the factory. 

I added a 5speed and had the 5th gear regeared and added a syncro locking diff. It is great. 

I would do the swap over again in a heartbeat. (Though I would add a Quafie diff too!) 

Was it a wise use of one's disposable funds? That is in the eye of  the beholder. 

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Dylan Friedman" <insyncro@YAHOO.COM> 
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
Sent: Tuesday, August 10, 2010 1:44:00 PM 
Subject: Re: 5 SPEED TRANSMISSIONS FOR SALE ON THE SAMBA 

Add another zero to the rebuilt units price. 

Many are finding out the 5 speed isn't all it is cracked up to be. A regeared 4 speed is a better option for most applications. 

------Original Message------ 
From: David Clarkson 
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List 
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
ReplyTo: dvdclarksn@AOL.COM 
Subject: 5 SPEED TRANSMISSIONS FOR SALE ON THE SAMBA 
Sent: Aug 10, 2010 4:09 PM 

There is one used one for $350.00 in GA (okay I'll bite-whats the catch?) and another rebuilt one in the box for a make offer/I need money price. Very tempting. 
? 
David Clarkson 
90 Westy 

Sent from my Verizon Wireless BlackBerry