Are 5 speed conversions worth doing?

vwsteve karmann crazy

2,087 posts · joined Jul 2006 · 15 Feb 2012, 7:01 am

#887014

Just out of interest does anyone know if the old 5 speed conversions are worth doing at all?I have been offered a new one unused, its one of the kits sold in the vw power magazine donkeys years ago but not sure if its worthwhile or not, i heard you dont get much extra out of them?

1 1963 356b porsche coupe
2 1960 karmann ghia cab
1 1965 karmann ghia cab
1 1966 karmann cab
1 1961 split ute
1 1967 split p/van
1 1952 standard bug
1 1963 ragtop
1 1960 ragtop
2 1954 ovals
1 1956 oval baja project
1 1957 oval flying flea

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 15 Feb 2012, 9:59 am

#887033

Much extra??? It's down to what ratios are installed. But the old Trushift certainly had issues. The are a keyed shaft extension that isn't real strong, but with a near stock engine and if assembled correctly they can last.

Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

Craig Torrens 6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion

8,040 posts · joined Jan 2003 · 15 Feb 2012, 10:23 am

#887035

Well I'm installing a Berg 5 speed, so I will let you know in a couple of months !

Joel Now containing 100\% E-Wang

9,368 posts · joined Feb 2006 · 15 Feb 2012, 12:01 pm

#887044

matberry wrote:with a near stock engine and if assembled correctly they can last.

Yeah and a near stock engine is worthless with a 5 speed anyway unless it's down hill.

vdubbles24 Slammed & Awesome Dubber

76 posts · joined Feb 2012 · 15 Feb 2012, 12:50 pm

#887051

VWs were 4 spd and geared the way they are to maximize air flow at the right rpms. I looked into a 5 spd conversion a few years back. But the gain for all the work wasn't worth it.

Not being negative just givin my .02 cents. Lol

My build thread.

66' T1 Chop top volksrod truck
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=491039

I'm in need of RHD pedals,

email me
vdubbles24@gmail.com

Craig Torrens 6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion

8,040 posts · joined Jan 2003 · 15 Feb 2012, 5:16 pm

#887078

You make 5th gear the same ratio as the standard VW 4th gear, giving you a close ratio box for the other 4 gears. As 5th is the same ratio as the original 4th then cooling is exactly the same 😎

ragged Just ask if you need HELP!

478 posts · joined Jan 2005 · 15 Feb 2012, 6:23 pm

#887090

The VW 4th gear is an overdrive. So what Craig says makes the best sense or reason for a conversion.
Is it worth doing? What is it you wish to achieve?

Cheers Dave

Craig Torrens wrote:You make 5th gear the same ratio as the standard VW 4th gear, giving you a close ratio box for the other 4 gears. As 5th is the same ratio as the original 4th then cooling is exactly the same 😎

matberry Moderator Go hard or go home

8,114 posts · joined Mar 2006 · 15 Feb 2012, 8:12 pm

#887111

Yes, I agree with Craig. It's a case of closing up the ratios, you wont believe it when done right, it;s like adding 25hp, when you shift, there are less rpm drop so you are in a more powerful part of the power curve.

Matt Berry Motorsports...air cooled advice, repairs and mods Ph 0408 704 662
OFF-ROAD,CIRCUIT,DRAG,STREET,ENDURANCE

Craig Torrens 6 times Australian, 7 times State Hillclimb Class Champion

8,040 posts · joined Jan 2003 · 15 Feb 2012, 10:42 pm

#887154

here's my gear ratios. Diff ratio is 4.125

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