My Ecotec Manx Conversion
- Piledriver
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Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
The VW automatic from a Vanagon is sturdy and has T4 CV flanges, even the earlier version from Busses and T3/T4ss are good for ~3-400HP. The 411/412 and late Bay bus obviously had T4 CVs as well, original T4 flanges will bolt onto the T3 version..
Require offset engine mount or offset axles.
They can deal with more power, stock, than any 091-based trans no matter how much money you throw at it.
The tq converter allows it to handle shock loads much better, and the cast iron diff housing on the Vanagon version is pretty strong, the ones used as drag trans passed 800+ HP.
Any of them could deal with a NA Ecotec with ease.
The lower tubes would have to have clearance for the trans sump.
Same engine<>trans adapter, would just need a custom flex plate (Kennedy probably makes one)
Require offset engine mount or offset axles.
They can deal with more power, stock, than any 091-based trans no matter how much money you throw at it.
The tq converter allows it to handle shock loads much better, and the cast iron diff housing on the Vanagon version is pretty strong, the ones used as drag trans passed 800+ HP.
Any of them could deal with a NA Ecotec with ease.
The lower tubes would have to have clearance for the trans sump.
Same engine<>trans adapter, would just need a custom flex plate (Kennedy probably makes one)
Last edited by Piledriver on Sun Jan 10, 2016 4:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Addendum to Newtons first law:
zero vehicles on jackstands, square gets a fresh 090 and 1911, cabby gets a blower.
EZ3.6 Vanagon after that.(mounted, needs everything finished) then Creamsicle.
zero vehicles on jackstands, square gets a fresh 090 and 1911, cabby gets a blower.
EZ3.6 Vanagon after that.(mounted, needs everything finished) then Creamsicle.
- Steve92004
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- Joined: Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:03 pm
Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
Thanks I want to do that, seen any detailed build threads?
I don't want to tear my buggy apart and not be able to pull it off
I don't want to tear my buggy apart and not be able to pull it off
- Piledriver
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Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
I have not seen one lately but they were once immensely popular for off-road use, Class 1/unlimited buggies.Steve92004 wrote:I want to do that, seen any detailed build threads?
I dint want to treat my buggy apart and not be able to pull it off
IIRC you can even get a limited slip or torsen diff for them if funds allow.
Even with that it would cost a fraction of what a much weaker fully built 091 would.
I'm sure Google can turn up something.
If you have an 091 in there the Vanagon automatic will fit lengthwise, the location of the lower bars and axles would be the ~only significant issues.
The governor is throttle position operated, so that would need fabbed, but the shifter is a simple cable shift rig.
Addendum to Newtons first law:
zero vehicles on jackstands, square gets a fresh 090 and 1911, cabby gets a blower.
EZ3.6 Vanagon after that.(mounted, needs everything finished) then Creamsicle.
zero vehicles on jackstands, square gets a fresh 090 and 1911, cabby gets a blower.
EZ3.6 Vanagon after that.(mounted, needs everything finished) then Creamsicle.
- Steve92004
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:03 pm
Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
Do you know what year/model I would want?
My throttle is fly by wire I would have to come up with something there
My throttle is fly by wire I would have to come up with something there
- Piledriver
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Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
I _THINK_ all Vanagons with autos had the 090.
Sometimes cheapest to buy the whole vehicle with a sick engine.
So that would be 1980-91 iirc.
Probably the biggest downside is lack of engine braking, that's why automatic equipped cars used to frequently have bigger brakes or at least better semi-metallic pads from the factory.
Modern automatics have lockup converters and can provide engine braking.
Not a lot of folks have gone here visible online, it was mostly pre-internet.(<95 or so)
You'd have to add a cable to the loud pedal to run the trans, but set up right you could play with the shiftpoints via a simple cable adjustment. You can also apparently lighten the spinning counterweights in the governor.
The Ecotec can spin a LOT faster than a stock WBX or T4 so the gearing will likely work out, esp with big tires.
Sometimes cheapest to buy the whole vehicle with a sick engine.
So that would be 1980-91 iirc.
Probably the biggest downside is lack of engine braking, that's why automatic equipped cars used to frequently have bigger brakes or at least better semi-metallic pads from the factory.
Modern automatics have lockup converters and can provide engine braking.
Not a lot of folks have gone here visible online, it was mostly pre-internet.(<95 or so)
You'd have to add a cable to the loud pedal to run the trans, but set up right you could play with the shiftpoints via a simple cable adjustment. You can also apparently lighten the spinning counterweights in the governor.
The Ecotec can spin a LOT faster than a stock WBX or T4 so the gearing will likely work out, esp with big tires.
Addendum to Newtons first law:
zero vehicles on jackstands, square gets a fresh 090 and 1911, cabby gets a blower.
EZ3.6 Vanagon after that.(mounted, needs everything finished) then Creamsicle.
zero vehicles on jackstands, square gets a fresh 090 and 1911, cabby gets a blower.
EZ3.6 Vanagon after that.(mounted, needs everything finished) then Creamsicle.
- Steve92004
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:03 pm
Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
I found a thread here where a guy did a crumco baja build with an ecotec and vanagon trans from Fields but it was a total custom tube build and that tranny was custom and big bucks
I'll call Kennedy in the morning and check the local salvage yards
Thanks!
I'll call Kennedy in the morning and check the local salvage yards
Thanks!
- ajdenette
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Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
You may want to look for the 1984 to 1991 Vanagon auto that has transmission cooler ports and I would suggest replacing it with one offered by the Vanagon vendors to replace the stock coolant trans cooler that can leak and would add complexity to the cooling system.
Alex
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- Fiatdude
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Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
I found a guy (and since lost him) that was doing killer auto's in north LA or maybe into the valley -- -- I believe his whole auto business was for the off road guys -- I believe I found him on the internet.....
It might be Transaxle specialties in Chatsworth http://www.transaxleengineering.com/Pages/History.html
It might be Transaxle specialties in Chatsworth http://www.transaxleengineering.com/Pages/History.html
- Steve92004
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Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
Could i just cool it through my radiator? It's got a transmission cooling circuit I'm not using
Last edited by Steve92004 on Mon Jan 11, 2016 9:00 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Steve92004
- Posts: 103
- Joined: Mon Jul 20, 2015 12:03 pm
Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
Thanks!Fiatdude wrote:I found a guy (and since lost him) that was doing killer auto's in north LA or maybe into the valley -- -- I believe his whole auto business was for the off road guys -- I believe I found him on the internet.....
It might be Transaxle specialties in Chatsworth http://www.transaxleengineering.com/Pages/History.html
I'm going to give them a call
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Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
Jeff is the Auto Man and have seen no issues with his work. I have spoken to him a few times and hoe knows his stuff, sent a few guys there who have ended up with Auto's and are all happy with his work.
Buy a Kit, Build a Dream
- Piledriver
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Re: My Ecotec Manx Conversion
Yes.Steve92004 wrote:Could i just cool it through my radiator? It's got a transmission cooling circuit I'm not using
Addendum to Newtons first law:
zero vehicles on jackstands, square gets a fresh 090 and 1911, cabby gets a blower.
EZ3.6 Vanagon after that.(mounted, needs everything finished) then Creamsicle.
zero vehicles on jackstands, square gets a fresh 090 and 1911, cabby gets a blower.
EZ3.6 Vanagon after that.(mounted, needs everything finished) then Creamsicle.