The mechanic I take my gasser cars to says that the trannies have not blown as often since Chrysler required the use of synthetic type transmission fluid. I know several people who have had the trannies blow up on their minivans. Those vehicles used regular fluid instead of synth.compu_85 said:Just think how easy it would be to get one of those vans with a blown transmission...
-Jason
Rumour has it that in exchange for giving Chrysler the 1.7L 4-cylinder gasser to use in the Omni/Horizon, VW got Mopar's 3-speed automatic to use in their own cars, which was built to withstand lots of torque and is thus very understressed when used with stock VW engines.Spulen81 said:I converted my Rabbit to automatic using a super built version of the 1.7 trans with a 16V turbo in it and it was basically bullet proof. The Rabbit ran consistent mid 11s with 350-400hp at the wheels. Stock the transmissions kinda suck but you can build them up to tolerate quite a bit of abuse.
That is my dream vehicle!vwestlife said:
I don't beleive the VW 3 speed was a Chrysler trans and I've never heard anything about that. I'd actually heard that in exchange Dodge had let them use the Westmoreland plant to build the Rabbits as it was owned by Dodge.vwestlife said:Rumour has it that in exchange for giving Chrysler the 1.7L 4-cylinder gasser to use in the Omni/Horizon, VW got Mopar's 3-speed automatic to use in their own cars, which was built to withstand lots of torque and is thus very understressed when used with stock VW engines.
I dunno if that's true, but VW's 3-speed auto does seem to be fairly bulletproof. I have encountered many Mk2s where the engine, body, and suspension all have one foot in the grave, but the automatic gearbox is still working flawlessly.
I hate to correct you, but the 3 speed automatic that VW debuted in the Fastback/Squareback as well as the Transporter was not a GM derived transmission - it was a Chrysler design that was licensed to VW. The last variation of this transmission was in the A2 Jetta.Pat Dolan said:VW's automatic is based on a GM design, and was the same gearbox with many variations for ALL VWAG vehicles since 1968 or so until I don't know when (at LEAST into the 80s). As much as I hate automatic anything, I have to admit, it is a very reliable gearbox.
I don't know what trans Chrysler used in their OmniRizon thingies, but it would be by far the easiest thing to use for a TDI van swap. Should bolt right up to both engine and chasis. However, I would be sorely tempted to build a manual trans van!
Actually the Cabriolet outlasted the Golf/Jetta by a year; so the 1993 Cabriolet was the last VW (in the U.S./Canadian market, at least) to use the Chrysler-based 3-speed automatic.digifant_gli said:I hate to correct you, but the 3 speed automatic that VW debuted in the Fastback/Squareback as well as the Transporter was not a GM derived transmission - it was a Chrysler design that was licensed to VW. The last variation of this transmission was in the A2 Jetta.
Correct.compu_85 said:All the A3s have the electronic 4 speed?
Please don't ever hesitate to do so. As mechanics and dealers 30 or so years ago, we were never directly told WHOSE gearbox it was - other than VW's - but it was always referred to as a GM design. There were about a million other old-wives-tail "facts" as well, many of which have turned out with time to be pure BS. I guess it is quite possible the slushbox story is one too. Thanks for the information.digifant_gli said:I hate to correct you, but the 3 speed automatic that VW debuted in the Fastback/Squareback as well as the Transporter was not a GM derived transmission - it was a Chrysler design that was licensed to VW. The last variation of this transmission was in the A2 Jetta.
As a swapper (engine, not wife) of many years' and incidents worth of experience, let me offer you this advice: buy a VW 2.4 T4 with the 5 banger already installed. They were sold in Canada so you have no excuses. I guess the question is why have a fabulous engine and then wrap a POS body and chasis around it when, for zero labour, you can own the real deal? (sorry, yanks need not apply - never sold there, can't be imported legally - but a dead easy swap!!).dubCanuck1 said:Dude, I'm going shopping for a 5 cyl TD.
I'm sure there is someone you could slip that one byPat Dolan said:(sorry, yanks need not apply - never sold there, can't be imported legally - but a dead easy swap!!).