Does anyone out there have a Berg 5speed Swingaxle available. I would even be interested in just the complete kit to convert my Swingaxle.
If you know any leads let me know.
Thanks,
P-
Original Post
Classified postings do not allow for discussion (replies are not allowed). Direct message the member if you would like to discuss the item.
The Classified section is open to any individual (non-commercial firms) posting of items for sale. Members posting commercial advertisements must be enrolled in a Supporting Merchant program.
Postings without relevant details (PRICE, location, condition, etc.) will be deleted.
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Does anyone out there have a Berg 5speed Swingaxle available. I would even be interested in just the complete kit to convert my Swingaxle.
If you know any leads let me know.
Thanks,
P-
If you know any leads let me know.
Thanks,
P-
There was a fully built one for sale on spyderclub I was contemplating it but did not follow up on it.
Please read the gene berg articule on these before you continue, as far as I know only 750 or so sets were sold and most of them found nice homes in faster car's then most of the speedsters on the board. The issue with the cooling problems with these kit's is what kept me away from them, at least until I can get a better cooling system on the 356
Please read the gene berg articule on these before you continue, as far as I know only 750 or so sets were sold and most of them found nice homes in faster car's then most of the speedsters on the board. The issue with the cooling problems with these kit's is what kept me away from them, at least until I can get a better cooling system on the 356
Michael, I'm not following your comment on the GB 5 speed and cooling problems in the 356 replicas.
Ron
Ron
The reason is that with a stretched out 5th gear people tend to keep the car in 5th for freeway use, all the time at 55-75mph say. The car is running at a much lower rpm, as such the fan rpms are not keeped up. With a stock fan shroud there is danger in overheating the motor because of this.
Gene berg said it best and I quote from his web site.
"So, if ours was so wonderful, why did we stop making it for so long? Two basic reasons. It took 5 years to sell 112 kits at a price of $742. Secondly, what we continually heard and still hear from many people we talk to today that want a 5 speed today, is that they are doing it to get an "overdrive". The problem is that "all" VW's ever made already have an overdrive in 4th gear. In my opinion, people who try to install a even higher than stock final drive for an air cooled VW are crazy. Our tests have proved conclusively over and over again that a higher overdrive causes the engine to get "less" mileage, and runs much hotter because the fan turns slower, which obviously shortens the life of the engine. Few people stop to think about what is actually happening when a higher overdrive is installed. You are giving the leverage to the car and taking it away from the engine. Like moving the teeter-totter leverage out to the heavy person's side rather than to the light person's side. Thus, taking more HP to drive the car the same speed regardless of the size of the VW engine. More HP is more heat, less mileage and a shorter life. I tried a bigger pulley to speed the fan up again. However, it took more HP, which caused as much heat as it removed. I have found nothing to cure these problems so simply stay with the factory overdrive 4th gear in the 5th location.
Maybe VW was smarter than many give them credit for. After all, if simply installing a higher overdrive would provide more mileage, longer life and better cooling you would think the first people to do so would be the VW factory. See GB 801-GEARING and GB 801-COOLING for more information.
I designed the 5 speed so people could have a close ratio 4 speed gear box utilizing and keeping the stock overdrive gear in the 5th gear position. Naturally, racers use them with all 5 close ratio race gears. Yes, with our Berg shifter you can speed shift all of the forward gears, even 5th."
End quote
Gene berg said it best and I quote from his web site.
"So, if ours was so wonderful, why did we stop making it for so long? Two basic reasons. It took 5 years to sell 112 kits at a price of $742. Secondly, what we continually heard and still hear from many people we talk to today that want a 5 speed today, is that they are doing it to get an "overdrive". The problem is that "all" VW's ever made already have an overdrive in 4th gear. In my opinion, people who try to install a even higher than stock final drive for an air cooled VW are crazy. Our tests have proved conclusively over and over again that a higher overdrive causes the engine to get "less" mileage, and runs much hotter because the fan turns slower, which obviously shortens the life of the engine. Few people stop to think about what is actually happening when a higher overdrive is installed. You are giving the leverage to the car and taking it away from the engine. Like moving the teeter-totter leverage out to the heavy person's side rather than to the light person's side. Thus, taking more HP to drive the car the same speed regardless of the size of the VW engine. More HP is more heat, less mileage and a shorter life. I tried a bigger pulley to speed the fan up again. However, it took more HP, which caused as much heat as it removed. I have found nothing to cure these problems so simply stay with the factory overdrive 4th gear in the 5th location.
Maybe VW was smarter than many give them credit for. After all, if simply installing a higher overdrive would provide more mileage, longer life and better cooling you would think the first people to do so would be the VW factory. See GB 801-GEARING and GB 801-COOLING for more information.
I designed the 5 speed so people could have a close ratio 4 speed gear box utilizing and keeping the stock overdrive gear in the 5th gear position. Naturally, racers use them with all 5 close ratio race gears. Yes, with our Berg shifter you can speed shift all of the forward gears, even 5th."
End quote
I agree. The two people I've talked to (STF forum) that are using the Berg 5sp use the 4th gear ratio in the 5th gear slot and then run close ratios on 1,2,3 and 4 gears.
Ron
Ron
Pat you can order a berg 5 speed from any of the vw trans builders weddel eng. rancho or berg. Expect delays as I waited almost a year for my kit to be made. Berg will only make kits when he has enough orders. They need to do this so they can assembly line the kit so to say. There is more to it then just having a 5 speed. Gear ratio and driving type and motor specs (motor power band) is important to give you what you are looking for. Talk to one of those trans builders and be honest and they will get you going. AS far as coolig there is no problems with the stock 4 gear for your final 5 drive it would be the same as if you had a stock trans but are now able to have 1 gear 2 gear 3 gear a little taller 2nd 4 gear little taller than stock 3rd and than your stock 4 in 5th place giving your car pull through all gears. If you notice on your stock trans from 3 to 4 the rpm really drop with the 5 its smoth like 1,2and 3.
Aloha, Greg
Aloha, Greg
Seems to me the Porsche 901 5spd conversion would be better choice -- probably cheaper (parts/repair) and allows for higher HPs too. Even with the Berg conversion I think you could compensate for the cruising heat build up with a larger sump, remote oil cooler and electric thermostat fan --- plus with the Speedster 600 lbs lighter than the Beetle that would make a difference in heat generated.