At 02:10 PM 3/27/98 -0800, t bill wrote:
>---Chris Paquette <cp@IX.NETCOM.COM> wrote:
>> transmissions. I've been told by a friend (owns an '84 Westy) that an
>> automatic transmission steals power from an already power-poor
>> vehicle.
>>
>> True?
>>
>Not at all.  My 1.9l 83.5 auto has just as much power as a stick.
>Normally my vehicles have sticks, it's a control thing.  But I really
>like my auto, especially when I'm creeping thru the forest rather than
>burning a clutch.  My top speed is the same or better than the Vanagon
>sticks I've tried.  MGP seems about the same (17 city, 19 highway).
>What REALLY has me sold is I've had to do no maintenace other than
>change the oil and filters a couple of times in 147k.  If you read the
>list long enough, replacing clutches, bearings, linkage, and even
>rebuilding the whole tranny is an all too frequent major headache.
*************************************

I have to side with Bill as well.  My 84 Westy is an auto and functions
very well.  With the van upgraded to a 2.1 last year, I put about 22k miles
on it without a problem at all, trans-wise.  Shifts well and positive in
just about the right spots and downshifting on decent grades has not been
the problem related by one or two people on thes list.  I expect to put at
leats 40k miles on the van this year going to various VW shows loaded with
display cases, parts, camping gear, porta-potti, bicycle, etc.  My mileage
when loaded down averages about 15-16mpg, but it's not running rich - my
tailpipe is clean enough to eat off of.  Speed on the flat is a good 70
with plenty of pedal to spare.  On 6 to 7% grades, I just downshift into D2
and set the speedo at 45MPH and enjoy the view.  So what if it's a little
slow leaving the stop sign/light - I'm not in a hurry to get anywhere
anyway ;)

Along with not worrying about clutches, the engine is a breeze to remove
and install with an automatic as well.  Don't have to worry about mainshaft
splines or damaging the clutch disc when installing.

This is my first VW automatic.  All others before (and current) are sticks.

Jim Thompson
84 Westy 2.1 * 62 Beetle * 90 Fox Wagon
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