Yes slowing down the engine means less power. It was geared the way it was
for a number of reasons. You just need to spend more time in third to
compensate. Not only are you making less power but you are increasing stress
on the engine. Unlike a real truck engine it really is not designed to be
continuously lugged. The increased torque requirement means higher stress
and cylinder pressures which increase heat and NOx emissions. I would invest
in the later-turbo diesel engine for the increased power and strength. The
pistons and crank are not the only differences.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
ralph meyermann
Sent: Saturday, October 27, 2012 8:38 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: A/C tranny in my na diesel!

Hi Volks!! Took my first trip with the air cooled tranny in Velma and loving
the rpm change at 60-65mph. With a slight tail wind we squeezed out
approximately 31.4 mpg on mostly river grade!! Now the downer, now we need
more power!! The hills are slow going and a head wind we can maintain. I
found a turbo kit for about$ 500.00 which includes turbo,down pipe,intake
and exhaust manifolds but would have to get a turbo vanny intake manifold
that I've seen for$ 60.00. The problem would be finding the forged crank and
installing piston oilers. Im thinking I could do a full rebuild into a turbo
motor for about the same $ as a used AAZ motor! Will a 1z ahu tdi head match
up to my 1.6 ??  Thinking more efficient being direct injected and  better
flow from head and camshaft profile?? Decisions decisions!!
Thanks for any info!!
Velma 82diesel 1.6 na westy