DG 1.9 WBX currently 4 speed. Is 5 speed possible?

[boardmonkey]

Hi,

I have a 1.9 DG with a 4 speed gearbox and wondered is it possible to fit a 5 speed gearbox to these easily enough.

Many thanks, Richard

[Ralf85]

Why do you want a 5 speed box? The 5th gear is the same as the 4th gear in terms of gearing. It doesn't give you an extra top end gear.

[boardmonkey]

Hi,

So theres absolutely no benefit to engine running at lower revs, fuel efficiency etc...

Excuse my ignorance

[Aidan]

5 speed box has top gear only 4% longer than the 4 speed equivilent generally, is more prone to failure, has a rubbish gearstick set up and is hard to find in good condition. WBX engines are designed to rev, don't have much power (so can't pull much longer geasrs) and the fuel economy saving will be negligeable - these are not modern vehicles, keep it 4 speed;. drive at 60-65 enjoy the view and spend the money on fuel - you'd spend a lot of money to get a miniscule fuel saving which will take many many miles to pay back before you actually started to save any money.
Fuel economy is best achived by driving sympathetically, not carrying excess weight, not sticking stuff on the roof, having the wheel bearings and brakes in good condition, correct tyre pressures etc....
If you want a fast modern type vaguely fuel efficient camper then you should have bought a T5
just my ho of course

[kevtherev]

What they say..
Aidan sums it up perfectly.
For a fifth gear you need power

if you want to see what it's like fit tyres 4% bigger in circumference on the rear.

[jamesc76]

Or get Aiden to so expertly to fit a 5th instead of 4th in a 4 speed box then fit ontop of that larger rear wheels! Tho I'm running 2.2 scooby lump!

[CovKid]

I do actually have a 5 speed box and I can tell you, 1st may as well not be there. I rarely use it. The most you'll move is 3 foot and straight into 2nd. In fact I usually rev a bit more and pull away in 2nd now - saves faffing. As said, just go up a wheel size. I'm about to go fit 195 70 tyres on my 15" rims as it'll actually suit my 5 speed better, making 1st more useful, helping a little in top gear, and to my mind filling the wheel arches better (I'm not a low profile man).

Yep, for all the hassle involved it'll be more fruitful upsizing your wheels/tyres.

[boardmonkey]

Hi,

Thanks for all the feedback, in your replies Id like to say no I dont want speed as happy crusing at 60mph or a souless T4/5, I love my bus and the noise the engine makes. I am only the 2nd owner from new.

I just want to economise fuel costs as Nellies a thirsty bitch and Id love to take her over to the continent next year and cruise up from Spain have a surf etc without spending squillions on petrol.

Anyway, next steps seeing as the gearbox is as is would be to convert to LPG so thats the next thing on my wish list...after fixing my leaky head, a rust removal session and paint job if I can find a sympathetic farmer with a spare barn I can strip Nellie down in.

Cheers All !

[faggie]

or fit a bigger more fuel efficient engine so you dont have to drive van as hard not all big engines drink petrol like its going out of fashion