I have driven many miles in all conditions in an 84 vanagon GL w/ an
automatic and an 85 vanagon GL with the 4 speed.  Neither have air
conditioning and the 85 has power steering.  In my opinion, the automatic
robs too much power from the van once you hit the hills, and it is the grade
which kills you, not the elevation.  The 4 speed averages 10-15 mph faster
than the auto going up hills.  The third gear comes in very handy for those,
but even leaving in forth you go faster than the auto (but not as fast as
you can in third).  If you live where there are few hills and do much in
city driving, then it would probably pay off.
-----Original Message-----
From: Preston Lewis <yip@CALWEB.COM>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Friday, October 09, 1998 3:51 PM
Subject: Transmissions: Will auto fit into a 4 speed in a '84 ?

>I love driving my '84 Vanagon GL (1.9 gas engine) except for shifting the 4
>speed in heavy city traffic.  Since my clutch is about ready to cost me
>mega-bucks, I am dreaming about automatic transmissions.  Does anyone know
>whether an auto transmission will easily fit into my stick shift Vanagon?
>My local VW parts "recycler" (formerly known as the VW wrecking yard) has
>everything I need with a reasonable 30 day replacement warranty.  Any
>ideas, suggestions, or cruel reality will be appreciated.
>
>Preston Lewis
>'84 Vanagon GL
>