having trouble figureing out trans code

[Justin]

Here is the code stamped on the flat pad where the trans code is located
4A12014

I cannot find this code anywhere on the net all i can find are the GC's GP's and the three letter codes that begin with A

this is a four speed and I am trying to see what the gear ratios are to see if I want to mate it up to my turbo engine

Thanks
Justin

[BlackTieTD]

a lot of times the trans code is printed on a sticker in the trunk.

[zyewdall]

a lot of times the trans code is printed on a sticker in the trunk.

 :?    That doesn't help if it's not in a the car, or if someones already swapped it....

But just from your number, it looks like you have a code 4A transmission, manufactured on December 1st, 1984

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=vfa1  shows the existence of a 4A transmission.

http://www.scirocco.org/gears/ doesn't include a 4A though -- only G codes for the 4 speeds.  Hmmmmmmm.

[BlackTieTD]

ya its a tough one thats why i suggested checking the trunk sticker. sounds like it might be from his '84 diesel?

[fspGTD]

4A is indeed a valid code for a 1984 Rabbit 4-speed transmission.  Actually, VW technically marketed this one as a "3+E"  Meaning 3 speeds plus "economy" gear.  You may have noticed the fourth gear is labeled "E" on the shift knob.  :lol:

The 4A is a very desirable transmission for a high powered daily driver turbo-diesel application.  The 4-speeds has gives wider gear spacing than the 5-speeds, making for less time spent "rowing through the gears".  It is best coupled with an engine having a broad and flexible powerband (perfect match with a VNT or other small, quick-spooling turbo.)  The 4-speed package weighs about 20 lbs less than a 5-speed.

Its ring and pinion (3.94 ratio) combined with its 4th gear (.70 ratio), makes it very well suited for a low-RPM turbo-diesel highway cruising application.  It has nearly an equivalent top gear ratio to the popular for turbo-diesel "FF" 5-speed model (.71 fifth with 3.89 R&P).

Also, it being an '84 (the last of the 4-speeds) means it has some extra features and flexibility not found on any other 4-speeds.  It has the spring-loaded brass shim "mini slip" output flanges (identifiable by green seal cover on passenger side output flange), which allow it to be upgraded with peloquin's 40% and 80% shim upgrade LSD kits:
http://www.peloquins.com/products_80.html

The '84 case also comes with extra mounting holes making it about the only 4-speed that can be swapped into an A2 or later VW.

[BlackTieTD]

when i got my '82 with FF gearbox the shift knob had a 4+E pattern... that sound normal to you jake?

(thanks for the info on the 4 speed, good stuff)

[Justin]

Thanks guys that helps a lot, I will probably use it instead of the 5 speed that i have then since the 5 speed is the 1980 version and i think that its the .76 to 1 overdrive which this 4 speed will give me less shifting, quicker and better overdrive

perfect for the slightly modded turbo diesel that should be on the road by new years

Thanks a lot guys, now I have another one for you, have you ever seen a 4 speed transaxle that has no stamping on the flat pad?? I have 2 of them

later
Justin

[lord_verminaard]

4A is indeed a valid code for a 1984 Rabbit 4-speed transmission.  Actually, VW technically marketed this one as a "3+E"  Meaning 3 speeds plus "economy" gear.  You may have noticed the fourth gear is labeled "E" on the shift knob.  :lol:

The 4A is a very desirable transmission for a high powered daily driver turbo-diesel application.  The 4-speeds has gives wider gear spacing than the 5-speeds, making for less time spent "rowing through the gears".  It is best coupled with an engine having a broad and flexible powerband (perfect match with a VNT or other small, quick-spooling turbo.)  The 4-speed package weighs about 20 lbs less than a 5-speed.

Its ring and pinion (3.94 ratio) combined with its 4th gear (.70 ratio), makes it very well suited for a low-RPM turbo-diesel highway cruising application.  It has nearly an equivalent top gear ratio to the popular for turbo-diesel "FF" 5-speed model (.71 fifth with 3.89 R&P).

Also, it being an '84 (the last of the 4-speeds) means it has some extra features and flexibility not found on any other 4-speeds.  It has the spring-loaded brass shim "mini slip" output flanges (identifiable by green seal cover on passenger side output flange), which allow it to be upgraded with peloquin's 40% and 80% shim upgrade LSD kits:
http://www.peloquins.com/products_80.html

The '84 case also comes with extra mounting holes making it about the only 4-speed that can be swapped into an A2 or later VW.

Good info Jake, do you have the gear ratios for this box, it seems to be a rare bird and hard to find info for.  Also, I've heard that the other 4-speeds arent that strong, but if the 4A has the "mini-slip" parts built in, perhaps it's as strong as an 020.  Thanks!

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49

[fspGTD]

when i got my '82 with FF gearbox the shift knob had a 4+E pattern... that sound normal to you jake?

It is plausible, although just a little bit odd because my '81 Rabbit came with an FF, and it had a 1-5 gear pattern printed on its shift knob.  Oh well, the "E" gear is just semantics anyway.... :wink:

Good info Jake, do you have the gear ratios for this box, it seems to be a rare bird and hard to find info for.

I believe my '84 Rabbit owner's manual has the ratios listed.  But I don't have easy access to it right now.  If you're willing to dig, I know they are in ETKA, listed along with each gear.

[BlackTieTD]

Oh well, the "E" gear is just semantics anyway.... :wink:

when i put the TD motor in i switched the shift knob from the 4+E to 5-sp because then i could actually accelerate in 5th.  :lol:

[lord_verminaard]

Heh, had to format and re-install my pc, never got around to installing ETKA again until just now.   Figured out the ratios:

1st:  3.45
2nd: 1.75
3rd:  1.06
4th:  .70

3.94 final as Jake mentioned.  

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49

[Justin]

Thanks for the ratios, they are greatly appriciated

what is Etka, and can it be made readily avaliable??

[BlackTieTD]

you have to work at a dealership parts department to use ekta.  :wink:

[fspGTD]

Thanks Brendan.  By the way this is what I've got in the VNT Rabbit!

[lord_verminaard]

Nice.  Yeah, I did a bit of searching in the yards around here and there seems to be a few around for cheap.  Also, if the ring and pinion are interchangeable with other 020 boxes, I found by running a simulation with my "fantasy" TD Scirocco I got a much quicker 0-60 and 1/4 mile time by swapping in the 3.67 ring and pinion that nearly every other 020 box has.  And, with the tire size that I plan to run, puts me at around 2760 rpm in 4th at 75 mph.    Acutally, I pretty much tested every gearset that VW offers in 5-speeds and this 4-speed combination (with the 3.67) beats everything else.  

Wonder how much torque they can handle?   :twisted:

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49