<VV> Re: 5 speeds /really need?

[mygroups at frontiernet.net]

They built the same looking bus from '68 to '79 but they only used the 
Type IV engine from '72 thru '79. These are the best trannies. Gear 
ratios changed a bit over the years as the engine got bigger (1700cc to 
1800cc and then 2000cc -  a whopping 67 HP!). The Vanagon used a very 
similar aircooled engine until 1983.5 model year but the shifter 
arrangement changed. still might meet your needs. All were 4 speeds. 5 
speeds started in mid-80's on the rare Synchro models which had a 
Granny 1st gear and stock 2-5 gears that matched the 4 speeds as I 
understand it. Expensive because they are desireable with us VW nuts... 
The Porsche 901 tranny isn't expensive ($300 or so) with a huge number 
of gear ratios available but the 915 tranny (tranny number, not car 
number) is a better, stronger tranny. More expensive though. Gene Berg 
has a 5 speed Beetle conversion kit and rumors that they will have a VW 
Bus tranny kit available eventually. Hope this helps... Chris
Cookeville, TN
'78 VW Westy (Corvair powered/Corvair shifted)
'65 Beetle 2.0 (Type IV, want 5 speed Berg someday)