Is is possible to convert a bay to a 5 speed transmission?

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by Bertiebot, Jan 2, 2018.

  1. 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
     
  2. 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?
     
  3. 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
     
  4. Fish

    Fish Administrator

  5. Flakey

    Flakey Supporter

    Air cooled engines need to rev to keep the fan spinning
     
    Day, Dubs, mgbman and 1 other person like this.
  6. If you've got a stock 1600, don't bother. It won't have the puff to support a higher gear.
     
    Bhubesi and Dubs like this.
  7. ^ and this.
     
  8. Plus eleventy on this.
     
  9. 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
     
    Flakey likes this.
  10. Fish likes this.
  11. enjoy what you have, at least yours is running.
     
    Bertiebot and 3901mick like this.
  12. 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)
     
    mgbman, Fish and fritt like this.
  13. 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.
     
  14. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    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.
     
    rob.e and Bertiebot like this.
  15. Bertiebot likes this.
  16. 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
     
    77 Westy and snotty like this.
  17. 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.
     
    Bertiebot likes this.
  18. 77 Westy

    77 Westy Supporter

    What you need is a bigger engine.:thumbsup:
     
    snotty likes this.
  19. Good idea :D
     
  20. 77 Westy

    77 Westy Supporter

    Do you have any pics?
     

Share This Page