Transmision gearing query...

[4Rescue]

The driveline came from a 90/91 Passat Syncro. Syncro was VW's first AWD system, very different from the Quattro stuff. Later generations are used in cars like the R32 and Audi TT.

Actually the first AWD was in the Quantum but yes it was a Syncro... I'm a bit of a VW nut. I've owned about 15 of them, everything from a Gen1 Sirocco (wish I still had that, those are the sexiest VW's ever) to an 89 Fox Wolfsburg that was turned into pretty much a Rally car. My dad is an accountant for a local Portland Tuning company so I've always had access to VW's a Garage and go fast bits to play with. Not to mention Techtonics being right here in my backyard (the fox had a prototype inline down-pipe-header of sorts- that I'm not sure they ever produced but it worked wonders on that little motor). Alas, me and HP VW's means expensive tickets (my last 92 MKII Jetta had a 1.8 that made 220+ at the front wheels... goodbye M3...) so I don't think I'll be building another anytime soon. Although My uncle does still have his 83 Rabbit that's completely hollowed and seam-sealed that he runs at PIR and other West-coast tracks so I do get seat time here and there.

Cheers

Dave

 

[toyota_jon]

4Rescue-

I know what you mean about 4hi being pretty much useless. Here in CO my house is at 7k feet, which means 5th gear even in a perfect running motor is still only a decoration on the shift knob. nevermind trying to split the power between both axels. I think the answer really is a 3.4 swap. I know sounds a bit drastic, and i really never intended to switch out the 22-RE. I love the little motor that could. but in the end there just seams to be better options out there. my thoughts... if you buy a good head w/ cam, bore the bottom end and tweak a few things here and there, put on an intake, bigger throttle body, headers/ exhaust, then start messing with the gearing... (this list could go on but i'll stop here bc i think you get the point) right there you've probaby spent at least $2500 but easily more. and for all that you've gained only minimal HP and torque. where as if you spend between $2-$2.5k you can do a 3.4 swap and have BIG gains in HP but most importantly torque. which means now you can cruise in 5th and enjoy driving more bc you're not trying try to fight with your truck up hills or on the highway. (right now my truck can't get out of it's OWN way on the highway.) my ideal setup in my 4R: 3.4 swap, run 4.88's in the diffs with my current 255's. with this setup i'm pretty confident that 4hi is now a real option for use when doing the more scenic trails. while still maintaining a moderate lo range for when it's needed. just my thoughts on it. feel free to comment.

 

[bjowett]

Oh, you want to get technical about this, eh? The only Syncro part of the Quantum was the rear suspension, the driveline was straight Quattro.

I'm in the same boat with ya, VW/Audi nut. I bought the Corrado new, did the Syncro swap back in 97 or 98, don't remember. All sorts of Sciroccos, GTIs of various generations. Fun stuff...

Actually the first AWD was in the Quantum but yes it was a Syncro... I'm a bit of a VW nut. I've owned about 15 of them, everything from a Gen1 Sirocco (wish I still had that, those are the sexiest VW's ever) to an 89 Fox Wolfsburg that was turned into pretty much a Rally car. My dad is an accountant for a local Portland Tuning company so I've always had access to VW's a Garage and go fast bits to play with. Not to mention Techtonics being right here in my backyard (the fox had a prototype inline down-pipe-header of sorts- that I'm not sure they ever produced but it worked wonders on that little motor). Alas, me and HP VW's means expensive tickets (my last 92 MKII Jetta had a 1.8 that made 220+ at the front wheels... goodbye M3...) so I don't think I'll be building another anytime soon. Although My uncle does still have his 83 Rabbit that's completely hollowed and seam-sealed that he runs at PIR and other West-coast tracks so I do get seat time here and there.

Cheers

Dave