GB mentions that in his tech papers. It's a bad idea to go beyond 1:1 because the cooling system is directly tied to engine RPM. Those close ratios help a ton, though. I have a full stock 4 speed and often want a bit more out of 2-3 in California traffic. Plus, stock 1st gear is a joke. It's like having a 3 speed with a tractor granny.
They totally missed the chance to explain that point in this video. This 5th will be lower than a "freeway frier" 4th. the guy is excited about it only doing 1800rpm but they are probably only doing 40mph.
I bought a 63 baja bug I've been working on, put a 2110 in it and turns out the swingaxle is close ratio especially 3rd and 4th gears. Works great off road and around town but terrible for the highway. I'd love to have a 5th gear but don't know where to start? I sent an email to the Berg website earlier today and found this video looking around. Any help pointing me in the right direction would be greatly appreciated!
@@hotvwsmagazine thanks for the response! I read your magazine religiously for years when I was a teenager and first had VW's. I'm 59 now and getting this Baja Bug recently has been the best thing I could have done. I'm having fun with it. I'm going online after I finish typing this and starting a new subscription!
no, they just have the normal 4th gear in the 5th position and then have a close ratio 1 through 4 below it. Your needs to be turning 3000rpm at 60mph to have enough fan speed to cool the engine.
They were made as a close-ratio underdrive 1st through 4th close ratio for the drag strip, but with a stock 4th ratio in the 5th position to drive home with. Your uneducated comment is a waste of time.
