Hi folks I have been having a think as to what would make my bus even nicer to drive and tbh the main thing would be an extra cog in the gearbox. It always feels like you have to use each gear through the full rev range before changing. Is such a conversion feasible and if so whats involved? Can the standard box be modified or is it one from a much later bus or other vehicle? Ta
Yep, it's possible. Someone on here's done it I think- Green bay with some black panels? Thought it was Zebedee but second guessing myself now. Paradox maybe?
i think a t25 5 speed can be fitted but it needs an expensive kit from USA for the cable shift bit i think. another option is a suabrugears gearbox but keep your VW engine. they do adaptor platesto fit all sorts of engiens to a subarugears box
Mines a 2056 type 4 with decent torque and about 85 bhp. I know what you mean re keeping it spinning. It wasn't so much to have a higher top (though a bit higher might be nice) more that the gears are more evenly spaced with smaller jumps between ratios
you are spot on. I like a bit of a project on the bus though. I helped my daughter fit power steering to it last year as she needed an engineering project for school which worked out well (a Litesteer)
Some slightly bigger rolling radius rear tyres will give you a bit more gearing? Alternatively fit smaller tyres on the front - you won’t be driving any quicker but the speedo will be a bit more optimistic.
Strangely I prefer mine slightly lower (5%) geared using 185/65R15 tyres front and rear and so cruise at quite high RPM.. about 4200 and 70mph as I get a bit more torque for hill climbing. And I use all of each gear. Forget economy its a bus. I know my engine does not blow up (yet) at higher rpm as I did a late shift up from second one day while going flat out up a slight hill at well over 30 mph and the rev counter recorded a peak of about 5700 rpm. I try to keep below 4500 rpm.
A fella over on earlybay runs a 5 speed in his bay He has got a stock 1600 engine with a pair of twin Dellorto 36s and a standard Beetle backbox with two bus tailpipes, so probably around 60bhp Thread link here - http://forum.earlybay.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=60286 And instructions on how to do it here http://public.fotki.com/vdubjim/tech_articles/porsche_5/porsche_in_bus.html#media
My van has a 5 speed box from a t25 fitted, uses all stock T25 linkage and shifter (albeit shortened). Bear in mind that 4 or 5 speed makes no difference, it is all about the gear ratios. Low ratio boxes are expensive to buy in either format but as has already been said you will see no benefit on a 1600 ac bus
That's interesting @mikedjames .. mine struggles to maintain speed up long inclines when fully loaded, so maybe i should try a slightly lower profile rear tyre too. Easy to do and easy revert back if needed.