Basic data about Syncro

[602]

Hi,

As mentioned in my intro, I know little about VWs. So a couple of very basic questions.

Was the Syncro fitted with the air-cooled engine? When did it change? Was it always rear engined?

My INDESPENSION Trailer Handbook indicates that the Transporter has a towing capacity of 2000kg. Is it the same for the Synchro, and does engine size make a difference?

Does the Syncro have a reduction gearbox, or what?

I won't be buying until we sell our place in France. After that, if convinced, I will be looking for a VERY tidy example. I assume such an animal exists?

602

[Aidan]

take a look at the syncronauts pages, link at top right.......
but 1985-1992, watercooled only, a development of the five speed box with reduction geared reverse and low gear, only syncros tow 2 tonne, but hard to get 70% tow ratio at that weight as gross vevhicle is 2.6 and train 4.6 tonnes so they are not land rover like tow vehicles and they are all originally under engined by modern standards but they more than make up for it in other ways and are pretty unique, wether it's the right vehicle for you I don't know, but I love mine

take a good read through the syncro section and forum there's tonnes of info there formally and informally

good luck with selling in France

[syncropaddy]

if convinced, I will be looking for a VERY tidy example. I assume such an animal exists?

Yes they do exist but expect to pay handsomely ........... Read the 'paint my wagon' thread. That Syncro has cost me in excess of 12000 euro so far

[toomanytoys]

Mmm... A syncro is not for the faint hearted. its a passion, an infection, as said, lots of info on these pages to read...

Expect to pay handsomely for a really sorted one that wont need much doing for a few years... in my opinion if you really want one and can afford it, its well worth having everything rebuilt (or whatever if it isnt already done)... but it also depends on what you want to do with it.... People like syncronutz will build you a fantastic machine to suit your needs if you like....

Read.. learn, come to some events and see if its what you want to get passionate about... and put up with the rest of us dribbleing nut cases.....

[602]

but hard to get 70% tow ratio at that weight as gross vevhicle is 2.6 and train 4.6 tonnes

Hi Aiden,

Thanks for info. I'm puzzled by your reference to 70% tow ratio. I know about the 85% recommendation by Caravan Club for novices, which I suspect refers ONLY to caravans, and has no legal relevence anyway. If you have a Group.B licence, the MGW of the trailer must not exceed the ULW of the tow car.(I suspect there may be a loophole for very light tow-cars. Kit cars?) If you have a Group.B+E licence, you can tow up to 3500kg (more if you are very rich ). All subject to the manufactures stated towing limit.

Yes, I'd like to come along to some meetings, learn more about your trucks. But it would probably be in my Discovery (my 1960 Landy has a broken lay-shaft) or my wife's KIA. She did have a SAAB "Classic", but it ran amok from a standing start, wrote off three vehicles in about two seconds. We can always park round the corner.

602

[toomanytoys]

Sure you would be welcome to come in your disco.. we wont mind pulling you out when you get stuck...

Oh.. can you fill out your profile a bit so we know what area you are in.. (might be some local syncro action on...)

[602]

Hi Toomany,

So how do I go about adding to my profile? Be gentle, I'm now well into my second child-hood, and am a seasoned Techno-wimp. I understand the individual words, its the sentences that confuse me.

Hmmmm! I have twice been pulled out by Ford Escorts. First when I had a front wheel waving in the breeze....the 2.2 BMC diesel was a lot lighter than the RR B80 it replaced. And in a Landy which had a sawn of telegraph pole wedged under its spring plate. Balaclava time.

602

[toomanytoys]

Go to "user control panel" (near top of page) and then select the "profile" tab.. a few lines down there is a boc for "location" put in nearest town and perhaps county...