Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
VanagonEuroVan
Subject:Re: 5 speed WBX transmissions
From:Jimmy Sanby
Date:Thu, 28 May 1998 07:36:59 +0200

All the 2.6l Microbuses(Vanagons) here(in SA) are five speed. The shift
pattern is as indicated below. I will look up in a local magazine to
find out the ratio's if anyone is interested.

>>> Stephen Overmyer <s.overmyer@UWS.EDU.AU> 27/May/1998 05:29am >>>
->>
>> There are true 'street' 5 spds avail from VW-South Africa, with Audi
5
>> cylinder bellhousings attached.  These are the 105mph versions and

   All Australian (non syncro or auto) T3s were 5 speed too.Top speed
   would be about 170kmh (approx 105mph) but I have never had the need
   to go over about 145kmh.I know someone who reckons he got 178kmh out
   of one and knowing what he's like he probably wasn't BS-ing.

>--
>Hi:  I was wondering what the shift pattern is like with one of these
>trannys. Is first in the lower left like the Syncros? If not where is
>fifth?>
>
   1st is indeed on the lower left outside the "H" pattern.5th is below
   4th as seen below:

                        Rev.     2nd      4th
                         .        .        .
                         .        .        .
                         ...................
                         .        .        .
                         .        .        .
                        1st      3rd      5th

   Fast 1st to 2nd changes take a little getting used to but it's no
   big deal.I installed one of those fast shifter mechanisms that
   reduces the distance between shifting gears.Changing gears feels
   more like a Golf than a van since then.
   Having a real 5th really makes the best of the waterboxer engine and
   being able to shift back to 4th down hills with a load on board makes
   for good engine breaking without having to ride the brakes too.

   Steve O.
   Blue Mountains NSW Aus.

   '92 Transporter WBX
   '76 Crew Cab
   '68 Beetle
>

Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »