• From: Ontario, Canada
  • Registered: 2005-06-11
  • Posts: 266

Topic: synchro tranny for my bug ?

is it possible to get a 4 or 5 speed tranny with a synchro mesh for my 74 bug?   I'm trying to downshift (3rd to 2nd) by putting it into neutral, clutch out, revving it up (to spin up tranny gears in neutral?), clutch back in, and shift into 2nd, clutch out and go..   ... *usually* this prevents me from grinding gears (still a bit of a "feel" for it, sometimes it doesnt wanna go in) but I'm told that if the gears are cut differently, i could downshift without doing that.  its not that I mind so much (sounds cool to rev it up before i drop it into second) but sometimes I just dont have time to rev it first and put it into neutral .... (turning a corner while slowing down quickly)

so is downshifting just something that you generally dont do (to save your tranny) or can I get synchro cut gears, or a custom tranny, or what?

-biggie

thebignic's Website

  • From: Portage, Indiana
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 454

Re: synchro tranny for my bug ?

Sure, you can get a trans that will handle that...do you have money? lol. The "fix" for this problem is A) to not downshift to 2nd at 55mph, and B) replace your second gear synchro if it won't take even low speed downshifts. Part of driving a stick shift is downshifting when coming to a stop, there are those that will say use the brakes only, save the wear and tear, and shift it to 1st at a dead stop. That is not always possible, and secondly it takes away some of the fun of having a "real" transmission. Your options are to replace/rebuild the trans you have, adapt a Porsche 5 speed (read "takes a lot of money and effort) or pick up a known good VW trans that had a good second gear synchro. 2nd seems to be the weak point, and on top of that gets used probably more than any other synchro, as most of your driving probably isn't at speed in 4th. It is the first to go. If you have a reputable VW shop around, I'd talk to them and see what it would cost to just renew the trans you have.

Good Luck,
Jordan

  • From: Northern Illinois
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,105

Re: synchro tranny for my bug ?

Why are you downshifting without the using the clutch ?  Simply downshift at a responsible speed for the gear chosed and ease the clutch back out. If there is a severe grind when shifting from 3 to 2 you may be catching reverse and need to adjust the shifter and / or replace the shift bushings.

-Darby
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: synchro tranny for my bug ?

Jordan and Darby: I agree. You know, my Dad used to tell me that if I downshifted properly and consistently, I'd never have to worry about my brakes wearing out....Well, for me, I'd rather do several brake jobs rather than doing a single clutch job....Don't get me wrong, I down shift all the time, but not with the purpose of trying to save my brakes....

Clancy

PS: I'll have to admit it.....When I read Biggie's title to his post I thought he was trying to get a Syncro Vanagon tranny into his Bug!

  • From: Ontario, Canada
  • Registered: 2005-06-11
  • Posts: 266

Re: synchro tranny for my bug ?

Yes, even with the clutch, trying to go directly into 2nd from third (without revving up in neutral first) seems to grind.. I didnt *think* it would be reverse gear because shouldnt it always catch if the alignment was simply off?  if that was the case, revving the engine shouldnt do anything? or am I missing the point..

i'm primarily trying to downshift to save my brakes (dont want to bother replacing the front shoes yet even though they need it, because I want to do a front disc kit in the next couple weeks)

I guess I will start looking around for a new gear, or a new tranny all together.. are there any 5speed porsche tranny's that'd more or less bolt in to my 74 bug?

-biggie

thebignic's Website

  • From: Vancouver Canada
  • Registered: 2004-04-28
  • Posts: 441

Re: synchro tranny for my bug ?

So you would rather wear out a transmission $$$$, and the clutch $$$, in order to save $20 in brake shoes?

  • From: B.C.Canada
  • Registered: 2005-01-26
  • Posts: 2,610

Re: synchro tranny for my bug ?

Well Bruce when you do the math I guess your right. I will definitely rethink down shifting to save brakes. I just never really thought about how much wear that would be on the tranny. I have so far found VW trannys to be pretty forgiving. Hmmm, I should probably change that tranny oil.

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