auto trans options

Hi all,

I've been curious about hydraulic/pneaumatic shifting VW/Audi transaxles for quite awhile now and am interested to know what was available in what vehicles and how they differ and most importantly whats best suited for a high performance daily driven type 3.

The only boxes that seem available are the three speed type 3 and kombi items and as far as I can tell - and have read - the only common parts between the two are the central/main part of the unit which includes the gear cluster, shafts and hydraulic components.

I was wondering if these two boxes are the only options I would have if I decided to actually build this car in the future?
I don't want to start heading down the tiptronic 5 speed path unless there is a staggeringly easy and CHEAP solution to a stand alone electronic brain and type 4 friendly bellhousing.
So my curiosity has lead me to wonder if in the late rear engine vans or early north/south front engined Audis/vws had a 4 speed automatic on offer that still rely on hydraulics and a modulator valve to shift rather than complex electronics?
All these cars that I've seen have a simple D-S-L pattern on the shifter base however I havent driven any so don't know if maybe they're similar to the 70's and 80's Benz's that have these same markings however actually are a 4 speed and use the L to manually select second. And if a later 4 speed auto exsists how easily could it or its parts be used to replace an early 3 speed?

Anyway I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the VW/Audi and even Porsche autos and what you guys think would work best behind a turbocharged type 4 motor.

Cheers!
Cam

[ Edited on 10-10-2006 by Cam ]

Hey Cam , have you looked at the Porsche Sportomatic?? The early ones were 4 speed. No clutch but you do change gears like a Beetle Semi Auto.

They have a very high stall converter in them so off the mark performance suffers, but on the go they are great. I drove a 2.7ltr 911 with a 3 speed sporto box earlier this year. Was really good once I got the hang of it.

Been thinking about a sporto box as an a possible box option for my T34. With the 2.4ltr six and the lighter Karmenn body it would be a good combo. And easy to drive in this city too.

Heres a link to a web site dedicated to the sportomatic boxes.
http://www.sportomatic.org/

Funny you should bring that up since the sporto thought had crossed my mind, but until you gave me that site my research was only marginal.
They are a neat little 'box thats for sure, but I'm still going to continue to sus out the fully auto option for the time being. I like the traditional fully auto box for day to day use (I think I'm becoming an old man before my time) along with a the kick down switch for fast overtaking and darting through/under/around traffic.