<<  In a message dated 98-05-25 14:27:46 EDT, Martin Jagersand wrote me:

 <<  What I'd really want eventually (when I can afford it) is a 5speed
  with the 4.5 ratio final drive. >>

 Sounds like a 4.86 ring and pinion set with a .93 4th gear to me:
 4.86 X .93= 4.52 final drive ratio.

 << I assume I can have that if I can just locate a 5speed diesel core
 (code 94), and put in the gas gearing. >>

 You maybe confusing the hybrid gearbox that VW used for the '82
 diesels with the gas versions?  Those boxes were a strange combo of
 early 002 maincase and innards with a diesel only bellhousing on one
 end and the aircooled 091 nosecone sideshift on the other.    I'm not
 sure what code 94 means but an 094 is a Wasserbox Syncro trans #.

 << However no luck finding a 5 speed so far. >>

 Join the crowd.

 << Do you have any idea where to look, and typical price for 5 speeds?

 Not really, they are very scarce.  ALA everything inside is OK then they
 shouldn't be any more or less expensive to rebuild than a Wasserboxer.
 If you have  some 5-speed only  parts that have failed then  expect to
 bend over the parts counter at the local VW dealership.

  <<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.>>

 What you could do is after you locate your treasure have a local VW
 shop strip it down to the 5-speed only components and transport them
 only.  That way you can trim a lot of weight and know before you leave
 Europe that the ring and pinion set, etc., is good or not.   The 4 speed
 aircooled versions are fairly common here and if you don't have a core
 to start with they generally range from $125-$175.

  << 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? >>

 I'll be honest and state that I do not know if the 5-speed diesel linkage is
 the same or not.  However, the post '83 watercooled 091 transaxles are a
 side shift but are completely different than the sideshifted aircooled.
Those
 were shifted at the nosecone while the Wasserboxers where on the opposite
 side and up between the intermediate housing and the CV output flange.
 I've heard that Transform makes and adapter linkage from air to watercooled
 styles but I don't know anything about it and I also try to stay away from
 anything that complicates the stock arrangement.  KISS are words to live by.

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

 PS- Thanks for the bandwidth.