From what I know so far, the diesel models use the model 091
transmission case from an air cooled (pre-Vanagon I think) bus
with different gears and a special (rare) bellhousing.  The
bellhousing is the key to getting a diesel engine into the
Vanagon.  The gearing is much lower than other Vanagons due to
the low power of the 1.6NA engine.  My next project is to find
and install an aircooled transmission to get the higher gearing.

There are MANY other diesel parts that are Vanagon specific.  The
oil pan, accessories/brackets, intake/exhaust (to name a few) are
all unique to the diesel Vanagon.  Prepping the Jetta engine for
installation into my Vanagon took an entire day!

Mike Snow
1982 Westfalia 1.6TD

> Now, I've a question for you, I am fascinated by the
> transmission used in
> the Diesel Vanagons.  Is it a straight bolt up to the
> Rabbit motor?  If so,
> is the tranny found in the Diesel Vanagon different
> from the tranny found in
> all Gas Vanagons?  Water cooled?  Air cooled?  My
> question really is, what
> Vanagon trannies will bolt up to a Rabbit motor?
>
> Dave
> >