First year for the 80/90?

[Marc Swanson]

> When did they first start making the 80/90? I'm the guy who wants to put a
> 4 cyl diesel in one and I've been told that I need to start with an 80/90
> trans because the 4000q 5 cyl trans are incompatible with 4 cyl engines.

I can't comment on that but I can tell you that the 80/90 5 cylinder
transmission (code 01A) has the same bolt pattern as the 4kq transmission
(code 016).  That is to say that you can swap a 4kq transmission onto a 90q
engine and vice versa.... ignoring a few clearance issues with the body and
differing length driveshafts.. which can be fixed (just ask nate!)...  That
is to say that if the 4kq 5cyl. transmission isn't going to work with a 4
cyl. engine then I imagine that the 90q 5 cyl. tranny won't work either.

> I
> want to know what year to look for.

they started in 1988.

> What is a decent price to pay for one
> with a bad or tired engine.

expect to pay under $1000 for a non-running example or one with accident
damage.  Anything from there to about $4k or so for the pre 1993 models in
excellent shape.

> How would an 80/90 transaxle go in a 4000q?

I guess I'm confused by your terminology.  If you mean the drive axles, the
90q axles are drawn into the hubs with a bolt into the end of the axle shaft.
 The 4kq shafts are secured with a nut.  Also, most of the 90q axles have
teeth to support ABS sensors if your car is so equipped (and maybe even if it
isn't!).


> I've go a line on a 1990?   90q (I think, leather seats but I did not look
> at the badge) that took a hit in the trunk. It runs great, has 150K, comes
> with parts, the leather is in great shape. The guy will give me a 1995?
> TDI Passat motor changeover and the car for 3K.

doesn't sound bad as a package.  Might be tough getting the conversion up and
running though.  Sounds like a cool project nontheless!

Hope that helps.

-Marc-
87 4ktq
88 90q