Todd,

Thanks for your thoughtful comments. In principle I agree. In
an ideal situation I'd like to upgrade the whole powertrain
to new or rebuilt since I'm swapping to a new engine. However,
reality sometimes have other constraints. I'm already deep into
my pockets with the new 1.9l TD engine, and right now a used tranny
seems to be the sensible thing to do economically.

What I'd really want eventually (when I can afford it) is a 5speed
with the 4.5 ratio final drive. I assume I can have that if I can just
locate a 5speed diesel core (code 94), and put in the gas
gearing. However no luck finding a 5 speed so far. Do you have any
idea where to look, ands typical prices for 5 speeds?

I figure I may have to wait until I go to Europe (5 speeds are
common there) and then try to get 100lbs or so of transmission
past the air port check in and x-ray. (Could be an interesting
experience. At least baggage allowance is 128lbs or so)

Another questions: Are there any 5sp with the early style shift
linkage, or do I have to change to post 83 shift linkage if I
want a 5 speed?

Thanks,
MArtin
--
Martin Jagersand                 email: jag@cs.yale.edu
Computer Science Department             jag@cs.rochester.edu
Yale University

        Slow down and visit the VW diesel Westy page:
          WWW: http://www.cs.rochester.edu/u/jag/vw
-------------------------------------------------------------------
   From: Jwilli941 <Jwilli941@aol.com>
   Date: Sun, 17 May 1998 17:50:18 EDT
   Cc: vanagon@VANAGON.COM
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   Martin,

   FWIW here is my 2 cents:

   You're going to spend a lot of time and money fitting a TDI into
   your Van so why would you want to risk installing a junkyard
   trans?  The newest transaxle you can get is already 15 years
   old and who knows how many miles are on it?  I'd strongly
   recommend a rebuilt, unless you enjoy yanking all the TDI stuff
   out just to swap gearboxes when the 'junker' trans doesn't work.
   Try Karl Bloss's guide for VW shops at:

   www.enter.net/~bloss/vw/vwshops

   Even if they can't help you they should know someone else in
   your area.  If that doesn't work out then send me a p/mail and
   I can build one for you.

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