best transmission for regular driving

I'm not too knowledgeable re: gear ratios, and I don't know how the various transmissions used by the various makers are called, but what is the recommendation for good, all around driving?

In my IM speedster that I used to own, I figure the transmission was chosen for straight line driving. I really did not like it, as the 'gap' between second and third gear was really large, and the engine lost rpm during the shift. It was not good for spirited 'sports car like driving', which is what I would like.

I don't know if my question is that clear, but in my plans for a future IM, I need to know what I should look for (in a new or used car, that is)

Thanks
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<,

3.30 first
2.07 second
1.31 third
.89 fourth
3.88 R/P

You'll love it.

Or you can opt for a little less grunt off the line with slightly higher (lower number) ratios, but nicer gaps between gears with this:

3:88 R&P

1'st = 3.09
2'nd = 1.76
3'rd = 1.13
4'th = .890

Those should get you nice splits between gears, keep the engine in the power band AND give adequate cooling on the highway. You may find that you prefer 3'rd gear around town, but that's OK, too. These engines were designed with revs in mind so they like 3K - 4,500 It all depends on the engine you have, where the power comes on and how much torque you have to deal with.

Either way, look over here first:
https://www.speedsterowners.com/forum/readmsg.asp?t=19659

(you may have to cut and paste....)

I found info below on SAMBA which has the stock ratios by year. The second link has year/feature by trans serial number.

http://www.midsouthvw.com/TechTips/tech_tip_TransaxleCode.htm

Thanks for the advice. Still confusing, but perhaps less so. The problem is trying to get to drive someone else's car (without coming to Carlisle, that is, which is probably what I need to do next Spring) to try different set ups.

Cheers to all.

Yes Bob, that's what you need to do ;-) We haven't seen you for a while anyway. Are you about to rejoin the madness?

I'll drink to that Lane. So, maybe there is a new "Rooster" in your future Bob???

Hmmm. I wonder what "normal" driving is. When I drive my hybrid, I'm thinking about fuel economy. When I drive Natalie, the goal seems to be to red line it in every gear and get to the speed limit as quickly as possible. Also, downshifting into second and powering around turns without slowing down much also seems to be "normal" for me now :)

That's due to the chemicals that Carey uses to cure the leather for the upholstery. Exposure tends to remove inhibitions.

Bearing in mind that you typically absorb those chemicals through your butt.....

;>)

All things are possible. I'm just starting to look around once again, but this time with a better idea of what I would like to end up with. I may not know the technical terms, but I do know what I want this time.

The Rooster was a gorgeous car, but ended up not being the car I needed. I just looked at the photos that are here under my name, and yes, it is a beautiful piece of machinery, and I must admit I do miss it somewhat. Taking it to Carlisle that one year was such a great time.

Bob, Hope you find the right ride and join us for Carlisle! ~Alan

Bob, when I drove your car I thought it was the car I needed....I just couldn't afford it. :-)

RC you need to first decide what ENGINE you can afford.
(littleHPneedshighgearing)

Personally, I'd love to go with a Subie 5 speed, but with conversion prices somewhere around $3500 I don't think I'll be going that route soon.

901 or 915 Porsche 5 speed. They can be had reasonably cheap and they bolt up to Porsche, T1, T4 and VW motors without adaption.

Go here: http://www.instant-g.com/

Scroll down to the Data Information and play with the free 915 or Generic ratio chart. Change the values on tire sizes etc and figure out top speed to rpm and cruzing speeds.

Have fun!

Couldn't leave the itch alone, could you Bob ?

That slippery slope is very hard to avoid! Part of the 'Madness'!