so instead of pushing down left and forward for reverse, it would be down
left then back ? I could handle that, Velma is primarily a road
trip/camping vehicle. This is my first VW and not informed on the various
shift patterns.

Velma 82 1.9L AAZ td westy
On Oct 22, 2013 3:02 PM, "mark drillock" <mdrillock@cox.net> wrote:

> 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
>>
>