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Tranny Swap, opinions please
by
DieselSteed
on 03 Dec, 2008 07:36
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I have a 82 pick-up that came stock with a 1.6NA+5 speed (FF). I am putting a TurboDiesel ('85 MF) in its place ( the NA got tired after 215K). I have a 4 speed from a rabbit I have been considering installing with the upgrade and would like to hear yer opinions, pros and cons, to the upgrade(?). I drive a lot of highway, but also enjoy showing up the rice burners when in the ***ty (I mean city)...
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#1
by
zukgod1
on 03 Dec, 2008 07:45
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That FF trans is damn near the best trans for freeway cruising.
nice high 5th gear @ .71.
What code is the 4 spd?
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#2
by
arb
on 03 Dec, 2008 07:56
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I'd swap the engines but keep the FF tranny... The over drive is something your engine will miss sorely.
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#3
by
DieselSteed
on 03 Dec, 2008 08:14
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The four speed is code GP which I believe 4th is @0.70. Not a big difference top end but what about the lower gears in town?
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#4
by
VW_Commuter
on 03 Dec, 2008 08:22
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I would try and find a 7A code transaxle, good gear spacing with a 3.94 R&P and a .71 5th.
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#5
by
zukgod1
on 03 Dec, 2008 08:27
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GP (3+E from '81) 3.89 3.45 1.75 1.06 0.71
FN, FF, FH, FJ (most from '81) 3.89 3.45 1.94 1.29 0.91 0.71
Ya the 4 spd wouldnt be much different.
Same R&P and same top gear and same 1st gear.
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#6
by
Dakotakid
on 03 Dec, 2008 09:53
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Looking at gear ratios when they are numbers is one thing. Living with one of these 3 + E transmissions is really quite another. I ran one of these in a Rabbit for several years and many miles. I would never use the term "upgrade" and 3 + E in the same sentence....or on the same page.
Going from an FF to the GP will (in practice) be an endless source of frustration and annoyance. You will still be able to do battle with the "ricers".....as long as they are being towed by a turtle.....with a broken leg.
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#7
by
Dakotakid
on 03 Dec, 2008 12:40
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I better add, that was with a resonably fresh N/A (not turbo). The problem was that there is such a large gap between gears. As far as economy went, this trans actually cost more fuel as I was always working hard to simply bring it up to speed. Top end was surely overdrive....if you ever got there :x !!!
That was at 4,000 ft and above elevation and rolling hills.
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#8
by
AdAm84
on 03 Dec, 2008 13:17
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I gotta agree with DakotaKid. The 3+E sucks. I drive one every day and am counting down the days till I can swap a five speed in. The gears are sooooooo far apart that the higher 5th has no advantage. Stick with the five speed.... or sell it to me :lol:
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#9
by
rabbitman
on 03 Dec, 2008 13:49
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I run a FN 5-speed, I can't imagine how gutless a 4-speed would be. Mine is a N/A though so wide gearing would really be miserable.
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#10
by
AdAm84
on 03 Dec, 2008 14:19
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wide gearing+N/A=No fun+no mileage
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#11
by
8v-of-fury
on 03 Dec, 2008 16:20
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Close gearing + Turbo diesel = Loads of fun
if you are looking for ricer kick a$$ abilities... then i suggest finding a close ration trans.. such as a 4K, 2H or AWY.. All respectively with the 5th gear swapped for a .75 or .71
4K 3.94 3.45 2.12 1.44 1.13 0.89
swap that fifth for a .75 or .71 and you'd be able to really rocket through town.. however you might have to ride 4th a little high before you could shift in to 5th without stalling the engine.. but hey.. itd be worth it to pull of some quick 0-60 times. I have this trans in my 84 gassser and it makes my 76hp feel ALIVE! so im sure a TD would be a great match to it for city driving. you could cruise in town in 4th gear around 1900-2000 rpm..
just a newbs $0.02 lol
good luck
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#12
by
AdAm84
on 03 Dec, 2008 19:30
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Thats my plan since my 4-spd has the .71
from everything i read, i can swap that overdrive gear into a 5spd. That should be the ticket
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#13
by
DieselSteed
on 04 Dec, 2008 13:16
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A close ratio tranny with a 5th gear swap does seem the way to go. Thanks for the input.
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#14
by
dieselherb1
on 04 Dec, 2008 15:30
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I have 2 caddies that will have a 1.9TDI(mech IP) and a 1.6TD. One of them will have a 9A trans from a cabby(close ratio) and I will swap 5th gear out for a .71 from a FF or FN.