Betsys 2wd to Syncro Conversion
It’s happenening! I’m going all out on quality hardware; Burley gear, GT hardware, etc. This may take a year to complete!
Contents
Purchases
08/01/2018
Decided I’ll need the diesel syncro fuel tank $243
10/30/2018
GoWesty fuel tank refresh; sender, vent nipples, straps - $452
11/09/2018
I have a sale pending for a fuel line fire syncro donor for $3500!
Research
Syncro Components for AWD
Here is the list (besides tranny, pumpkin, and front diff) that I know of till I start cutting etc.
- Front Sub Frame
- Front Suspension
- Steering Rack Mount
- Transmission Mount
Transmission
Fitment
Two things regarding this. As I'm doing a diesel install at 50degrees I need the following:
- 83' Diesel Syncro Vanagon Carrier Bars Tony
Gearing
This is always the tricky part.
The consensus is a 4.86 Ring & Pinion is the way to go for a TDI transplant.
As for the gearing;
1.88 for 2nd is popular if you use a Euro mainshaft
1.14 is popular for the 3rd gear.
As always 4th is all over the map, likely due to tire sizes. The most popular from known drivers are;
- 0.77 with 30" tires
- 0.73 with no larger than 28" tires
Now, let's look at the RPM for my sort of driving 63-70mph
Most common tire sizes; 27-30 that I may do:
Ratios
26"
- @ 1.14 @ 2850rpm @ 39.8mph
- @ 0.70 @ 2850rpm @ 64.8mph
- @ 0.73 @ 2850rpm @ 62.2mph
- @ 0.77 @ 2850rpm @ 58.9mph
- @ 1.14 @ 2950rpm @ 41.2mph
- @ 0.70@ 2950rpm @ 67.1mph
- @ 0.73@ 2950rpm @ 64.3mph
- @ 0.77@ 2950rpm @ 61.0mph
- @ 1.14 @ 3000rpm @ 41.9mph
- @ 0.70@ 3000rpm @ 68.2mph
- @ 0.73@ 3000rpm @ 65.4mph
- @ 0.77@ 3000rpm @ 62.0mph
27"
- @ 1.14 @ 2850rpm @ 41.3mph
- @ 0.70 @ 2850rpm @ 67.3mph
- @ 0.73 @ 2850rpm @ 64.5mph
- @ 0.77 @ 2850rpm @ 61.2mph
- @ 1.14 @ 2950rpm @ 42.7mph
- @ 0.70@ 2950rpm @ 69.6mph
- @ 0.73@ 2950rpm @ 66.8mph
- @ 0.77@ 2950rpm @ 63.4mph
- @ 1.14 @ 3000rpm @ 43.5mph
- @ 0.70@ 3000rpm @ 70.9mph
- @ 0.73@ 3000rpm @ 68.0mph
- @ 0.77@ 3000rpm @ 64.4mph
28"
- @ 1.14 @ 2850rpm @ 42.8mph
- @ 0.70 @ 2850rpm @ 69.8mph
- @ 0.73 @ 2850rpm @ 66.9mph
- @ 0.77 @ 2850rpm @ 63.4mph
- @ 1.14 @ 2950rpm @ 44.3mph
- @ 0.70@ 2950rpm @ 72.2mph
- @ 0.73@ 2950rpm @ 69.2mph
- @ 0.77@ 2950rpm @ 65.6mph
- @ 1.14 @ 3000rpm @ 45.1mph
- @ 0.70@ 3000rpm @ 73.4mph
- @ 0.73@ 3000rpm @ 70.5mph
- @ 0.77@ 3000rpm @ 66.8mph
So, let's look at the tire ratios I'd likely use
General Grabber AT2:
- 215/65/R16 with a load index of 98 @ 1654lbs a tire @ 27.0" - currently have
- 215/70/R16 with a load index of 100 @ 1764lbs a tire @ 27.9"
- 225/75/R16 with a load index of 108 @ 2205lbs a tire @ 29.3"
Brakes
I currently have the Front & Rear Small Car Big Brake kits installed for my 2WD. I have a note out to them on what's required for them to work on a Syncro.