Club 80-90 Forums

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?

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.

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

Cx

...but would they dare reply ?

Why not?

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

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...

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

Thanks Simon.

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

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