In a message dated 98-05-19 16:39:19 EDT, Nathaniel Merrill wrote:

<< Hello y'all,  I am interested in any info regarding Syncro drive train
power limits, IE, would I be playing with fire hooking up an engine with
160 hp (?ft/lbs torque) to my 91 syncro?>>

I'd say that would depend on what and how you're asking the transaxle
to do its job.  For normal daily driver type operations then you're
probably going to be OK as long as your trans and driveline is in good
condition to begin with.  If you plan on doing the Mint 400 or dumping
the clutch at 5000 to smoke that unsuspecting Mustang 5.0 at the
stop light then you're going to break something.  (Ca-Ching!-the sound
of a cash register in the background)  160 HP/ft lbs torque is pushing
the design envelope in my opinion.  There are plenty of things you can
do to help the trans take that kind of load but once again, Ca-ching!

 << What, if any, links be the weak one?  >>

Well, off hand, there's the mainshaft bearing, 3rd and 4th gear sets,
3rd and 4th gear clutch hub, the intermediate housing shift rod bores,
and the main transaxle housing pinion bore and pinion bearing retainers.
Did I leave anything out?  Oh yes, sloppy linkage.

Todd Hill
VolksWerks Transaxles //  VW dealer tech
Olympia, WA

PS- installed a complete exhaust system on an '87 Westy Syncro
today.  I guess the owner had deep pockets.  I think the bill was around
$1200+ tax and did not include the cat, muffler, or tailpipe!