Diesel conversion - transmission options Options

[type11969]

Mulling over a tdi swap into my 914 while I should be working on dynamics HW . . . One big hurdle seems to be the transmission. 914 tranny isn't geared for a diesel and it would be expensive to re-gear it (if even possible). What other options are available? Seems like it would be convenient to use a VAG diesel tranny that was already set up for the tdi engine . . . but most are front engine front wheel drive. Anyone know of any VAG front engine RWD cars using a tdi engine? Old Audi, perhaps? I suppose a diesel Vanagon tranny might work but my guess is the gearing wouldn't be great in that either.

Other options? Linkage I figure I would do with cables.

Thanks,

Chris

[type11969]

Some good intro info over on the tdiforums on the thread I started. To summarize:

It "might" be possible to mount the engine and stock transmission tranversely . . . quick measurement between the nuts on the suspension mounting points reveals 32" of clearance . . . guy online measured one setup he had at 34". Yeah, I know, too big but that is between the crank pulley and edge of the tranny. If I can get the pulley ahead of or behind these points the clearance opens up. Gotta figure out the distance between the crank centerline and tranny output shaft centerline . . . I'm sure the trunk will need to be hacked in this config but I can rotate the engine towards the front of the car to hopefully minimize this. Also, since I will not be using the driveshafts to compensate for the steering angle like in a fwd setup I will have some more flexibility with engine placement relative to the stub axles in the 914. Mating the stubs to the VW driveshafts is another headache though.

Longitudinal tranny options:

The DHY unit has a 3.700 final drive and 1-5 ratios of 3.500, 1.934, 1.300, 0.943, 0.789 B5 passat v6
The DHL unit has a 3.889 final drive and 1-5 ratios of 3.500, 1.934, 1.226, 0.838, 0.683 B5 passat diesel
DQY====3.778=2.118=1.360=1.029=0.755=3.389==Jetta/Golf TDI, for reference

I'm sure it is impossible to find the DHL unit, not sure how tough it is to find the DHY unit, Cap'n? So, just for comparison, at 3000 rpm with a 195/50 r15 tire in fifth gear with a DQY tranny I would be going about 80mph. With a DHY tranny I would be going 70. Could always use a bigger wheel/tire combo too to drop the rpms further. I know this is only part of the picture but cruising rpm is a pretty big part.

So there do seem to be some options to make this work. It will be interesting to see what comes up as I dig deeper.

-Chris