There is no way to make 4 gears as useful as 5 for a non-tdi diesel.
Spreading out 4 gears to cover the same range as 5 leaves gaps that the
weaker engine can't deal with.

You don't need to go down before left if you have the original 5 speed
shifter. If you use the 4 speed shifter then the reverse lockout guide
blocks 1st so you have to go down before you go left and back.

Mark

Stacy Schneider wrote:
>        First is like going in to reverse on a classic beetle every time you come away from a stop sign .
>        Of course this is my opinion . Some people may just shift around it  and put the wear on their clutch instead .
>          Sure it may give you a spread in shifting . But so will a well built. 4 speed and none of the dreaded down and left every time you stop .
>          My. 914/6 had the same set up ,except you didn't have to push down to get in gear and I didn't 't care for it either. .
>           I grew up driving and stick and have never owned any thing else . In my opinion  1st gear belongs up and left  . Add as many gears on the end , I am fine as well . But left and down for 1 st ,no thanks .
>
>                                 Stacy
>                            Vanagonsplus.com