Re: 4000/5000/VW Syncro

[Gary Erickson <erickson@teleport.com>]

only5kgt@uswest.net wrote:
 
> Along these lines, but involving a different platform: If one
> (hypothetically...grin) puts an MC into a Coupe GT ('85),

Hypothetically nuthin!  (Check the .sig)

> which gearbox
> should be used? Can the stock CGT box be left in, or must the (stronger?) 016
> from say a 5kcst 5spd accompany the new motor?

If the gearbox is in good condition, that the stock GT tranny will do
just fine.  The differential is the weak point.

Some longtime listers will remember the tale of my return trip from
AudiFest98 (Pike's Peak) and the subsequent stranding in rural Wyoming
when the differential grenaded.

Later investigation indicated that the gearbox may have been run dry at
some point prior to my purchasing the car at 128K miles.  (Bear in mind
that it still took until 212K _and_ a turbo transplant to finally kill
the tranny)

The replacement tranny I put in has performed beautifully for the last
10K miles, including some really hard track days.

> I would actually like to keep the short gearing from the CGT- it doesn't have

The added torque from the MC engine makes the need for the shorter gears
much less important.

First gear is now worthless (the car will start from a stop in second
gear easier now that it used to in first gear with the old engine) and I
keep finding myself wishing for a taller fifth gear.

I'm going to be considering transmission transplants not because of a
reliability, but because of the need for taller gears across the board. 
If I do end up swapping in another gearbox, I will probably drop the
change to put the Quaife LSD into the box.

> Thoughts?

If you've got the time, resources, and patience . . . . enjoy!  It makes
for a hell of a car.

-Gary

'85 turbo GT coupe
'89 80q
'89 200q