Same with my DoKa.  Gotta rethink driving when I get in it; shift low to take advantage of the engine's long torque curve.  If you try to wrap it out like a gas engine  you'll be past the hp curve and it'll be gassed. 

Karl Wolz
Sent from my electronic umbilicus

On Jan 12, 2012, at 6:46 PM, ralph meyermann <ralphmeyermann@GMAIL.COM> wrote:

> With my stock set up it seems like there is a huge gap between gears,
> mostly I think due to the lack of torque/power of my engine
> 
> Velma 82diesel 1.6 na westy
> 
> On Jan 12, 2012 7:20 PM, "Scott Daniel - Turbovans" <
> scottdaniel@turbovans.com> wrote:
> 
> who said it's a dream to drive ?
> it has a few advantages over a 4 speed..
> the three  I mentioned.
> 
> it's also 'difficult' about first gear.
> Funny that VW did it that way ..
> don't know what they were thinking..a 2WD drive version of the Syncro trans
> perhaps..
> 
> woulda been nice if 2nd wasn't quite so high .
> and they called it 1st,
> and the what is now 1st in a 2WD 5 speed..coulda called that G or L ..
> then things would be fine..
> you'd have an OK 4 speed, like a syncro does..
> with an extra low grawler gear below those 4 ratios., called G ..or perhaps
> L.
> 
> but for 2WD ..
> I suggest put more energy into getting a subaru 5 speed with a reversed R &
> P.
> I don't know how well they shift and work ...
> but at least 1st is really first, and it's where it should be, forward and
> left like any normal manual trans.
> and 5 nicely spaced ratios ........I assume.
> 
> people put in Porche 911 5 speeds too...
> that's a natural ..turns the right way ..and likley plenty tall enough and
> close enough ratios.
> 
> Scott
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "ralph meyermann" <
> ralphmeyermann@GMAIL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Thursday, January 12, 2012 4:46 PM
> Subject: Re: 5 speed
> 
> 
>> I don't wanna go crazy but just off the beaten path!!
>> 
>> Velma 82diesel 1.6 na westy
>> 
>> On Jan ...