Gearbox/tyre/engine combination

[poshbuggers]

I'm converting my Westy to Syncro running gear and wondered if I could get some advice on the best combination of tyre/gearbox for a given engine.

Here is where I am at the moment:

I have a 1.6D Westfalia in GWO. I have an accident damaged Syncro LHD donor (was a TD) being stripped of its necessary parts. I also have a running Syncro with great drivetrain and f+r difflocks. I hope to run a 1Y 1.9 diesel from a Mk3 Golf which I will run for a few months, service/belts etc before taking the engine out. I want to run the 16" Merc ML wheels I have with AT tyres and the Syncro Services lift kit. I will also have front and rear difflocks.

Currently the Westy has a 1.6d, which runs sweetly and returns good mpg - but its slow and will be underpowered in a Syncro.

I've tried looking at the gear ratio tables but can't work it through the 1.9d/box/wheel and tyre setup.

Can anyone suggest which tyre/gearbox combination would suit the engine best to get better (or equivalent) performance from the Syncro 1.9d to the 1.6 2wd?

[alexm77]

I'm no expert on this (previous owner did the install), but my 2WD van's got a 1Y engine with a 4-speed 2.0Ltr Aircooled DK gearbox, also on 16" ML Alloys. I've recently put new tyres on which are 16/215/75. According to my satnav, the speedo is about 2% off, whereas with the stock ML tyres (16/225/75) it was about 4% off.

I can't vouch for the accuracy of the satnav, but worked this out from cruising on the motorway at a steady 60mph. In my very limited experience, it seems like a good combo, getting up to 70mph on the motorway without the revs sounding too high - wouldn't want to push it much beyond that though.

[Cariad]

Can't help I'm afraid although Mike Ghia or Aidan could.

Cx

[syncroandy]

...but would they dare reply ?

[poshbuggers]

Why not?

Will the Syncro Illuminati push pins into their voodoo dolls if they do

[toomanytoys]

Aidan will.. and is in the best postiton to advise and supply a rebuilt box to suit...
Isnt a 1Y a non turbo 1.9 though??? might find it a bit gutless...

[Simon Baxter]

1.9D will struggle with a Syncro.
Mike Ghia already has replied on this hasn't he?!

[poshbuggers]

Thanks Simon.

No, Mike hasn't yet replied as far as I am aware.

[joolsvw]

Hi

I have a 16 inch syncro with a 1y TD engine in it. I love the thing - its got plenty of grunt off road when I have a play. However be warned - its no motorway cruiser as is. The gear ratio is low and then you put an engine in that has a lower revs peak output - so if you expect more than say 50-55mph you are revving the bo**ocks of it and I wouldnt recommend it. So for gentle pottering about and offroad frankly its the biz. If you want to go on a 300 mile drive sure you can do it but it aint gonna be quick and perhaps a shade tedious (compared to the other cars I own anyhow).

Dont let me put you off by saying this - I love it to bits - but think about the implications and how you intend to use it.

BR

Jools