Gearbox question for van owners with big engines

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by paulcalf, Mar 30, 2013.

  1. Not sure of the details , just gave Mr Englos the estimated spec and he came up with the goods,
    Its probably the most reliable bit of the van
     
  2. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Trouble with mine is the gear change is fantastic so I don't want to part with it.
     
  3. Thanks for all the replies, I'll keep you posted when i have the box built and fitted.
     
  4. New Gearbox now fitted, so I thought i'd update this thread with the impact it has made.

    New box was built by Bears and is based on an 002 box with same gears as standard, except 4.57 ring & pinion (apparently it's only the final drive that alters the overall gearing).

    Tyres are 185/65 R15 88T. Engine is 2110cc type 1.
    New gearbox: 70mph @ 3,200 rpm. Doing 105 Miles on motorway & a roads at 70mph produces oil temp of 80c
    Old gearbox: 70mph @ 4,000rpm. Doing the same 105 mile journey as above produced oil temp of 90-95c

    Summary: Very pleased with gearbox so far. I would thoroughly recommend Bears. I'm glad I went this route rather than fitting a 2nd hand 009 gearbox or buying a freeway flyer from VW heritage. New box feels nice and tight. A gearbox with 4.57 final drive is better suited for a 2110cc engine than a 1600 box. Engine temperature has gone down as engine not working so hard for same driving speed - some thought it would run hotter as fan wouldn't turn as fast. Fuel economy has improved by approx 2.5l of fuel per 100miles. I've not done much driving around 'town' yet.

    I hope this info will be helpful for people with large engines who are considering a new gearbox. I obviously don't drive the van for fuel efficiency but I'm happy it is slightly more efficient now. If any of you need to justify the cost of a new gearbox to yourselves or your other halves then i roughly calculate that it will pay for itself in about 28,000 miles!

    Cheers for all the input people gave in the past. Feel free to message me with any questions based on my experience.

    Thanks

    Paul
     
    Sydney and Moons like this.
  5. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    What sort of cost was the new box then?
     
  6. 28,000 divided by 100 X cost of 2.5l of fuel is what it cost maybe?
     
  7. Baysearcher

    Baysearcher [secret moderator]

    I'm sure it is but I can't be arsed to work it out....
     
  8. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Quite a lot...but sounds well worth it if you can spare the cash. :thumbsup:
    I'm surprised at the result, especially the cooler running. :)
     
  9. I can't really spare the cash, but I thought there was no point having an amazing engine and a gearbox that doesn't make the most of it. I'm really pleased with my set up now and feel my van has got it's mojo back!

    I was also surprised by the result in terms of cooler running. I suppose it is because the fan is at its 'max cooling' at 3500 rpm, so driving with old gearbox doing 4,000rpm means the temp will climb higher than new gearbox doing 3,200rpm for same speed.

    However I would generally ignore anything I say about technical matters as I am crap. I'm good at researching things and then getting people who actually know what they are doing to do the work. EG. Paul Miller at Harry Harpics builds a Marmite hot engine (i've now driven two he has built) and Paul at Bears Motorsport builds a good gearbox.

    The least said about my VW Heritage engine buying experience, the better (for them).

     
  10. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I feel the same - It's crazy to spend £cough on an engine and baulk at a grand on a gearbox if you can do it.
    Same with the carbs.
    ...and the exhaust. I have some shopping do do still.
     
    Paul Weeding and paulcalf like this.

Share This Page