Since the pulley ratio is fixed, it's gearing that determines the cooling capability. Note, a Karmann Ghia had taller gears due to the lower load on the highway. If you drive in the desert at temps above 40ºC, you'll learn how important gearing is to the cooling.krusher wrote:I don't agree with the "geared for cooling" on vw's as its the pulley pulley ratio that determines fan speed. I would think vw geared as they did to keep the engine in a better power zone.
For your Suby conversion, I have driven a couple of Suby cars with Beetle gearboxes. Both turbo and non-turbo. They seem to be happy at high rpms (that a stock VW gearbox will generate).
IMO, gear it tall. Use a 3.88 R&P, or consider the aftermarket 3.44. If using the 3.88, use a .89 fourth gear. Use a .82 if you want really tall, but beware, the gap between a stock 1.26 third and a .82 is not for everyone.