Non Turbo vs Turbo transmission

[GTM]

Hi all:

My son has the manuals so need to ask if there is a difference between the non turbo and turbo transmissions for a 1990 TSi??

His 2nd gear syncro is gone and I found a very clean looking non turbo tranny for $90 which I'd rebuild before doing the swap if they are the same.

Only factual info please, I'm not into urban legends. And yes he can double clutch on the up shift but not as easily to down shift for him.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[GoSpeedRacerGo]

The gearing up top is different I believe. Just find yourself a cheap toasted 1g Tranny on dsmtrader.

 

[GoSpeedRacerGo]

Oh and there is no chance if it's AWD.

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by GoSpeedRacerGo
The gearing up top is different I believe. Just find yourself a cheap toasted 1g Tranny on dsmtrader.

No, it's not an AWD.

I thought I had read somewhere that 5th gearing was lower for the non turbo but have not been able to confirm this.

I could also see the ring and pinion ratio change which would give different performance across the board reflecting the significant hp difference between the non turbo and turbo.

The idea here is to go through the tranny and fix any bearings and syncros, however if I have to buy a 5th gear set then the $90 tranny isn't such a good deal unless someone has those at a realistic price.

The jerks at the smog station wasted his 2nd gear but he didn't tell me about it for a month after it happened. It's one thing to screw up your own car but to take a customer's car out and hot rod it while they are not around really fry's me arse. It's our word against theirs so prove it...

Any other input or sites where I might find what those 5th gear ratios are would be helpful.

I have until Wed. morning to make a decision on how to procede.

Cheers,
GTM

 

[nigma]

the difference is prety big in non turbo and turbo gear boxes.. first of all final drive is absolutely diferent and diferencials are not interchangable ( you cannot find true LSD for non turbo even quaif dont make it) , then every single gear is diferent gear ratio, and the last thing non turbo gear box weights less then turbo one so you can asume that is is also weaker
i'll include image from manual so you'll see all the ratios and other information

 

[GTM]

Originally posted by nigma
...
the last thing non turbo gear box weights less then turbo one so you can asume that is is also weaker
i'll include image from manual so you'll see all the ratios and other information

Thanks for the reply and image.

I called one of the local dealers and they told me there was no difference. Based on that info I bought the tranny which feels great in all gears shifting on the bench. Obviously a bit dissappointed on reading your post that they are not the same.

At this point I think the plan will be to make the swap without even inspecting anything so he will have transportation. In another thread someone had posted it takes 45 min to pull the unit, based on a first time do, a 1/2 day investment should have it done. I'll then go through his tranny for the 2nd gear syncro which is non existant. I fear the shifting hub will also need replacing since it's been ground into gear too many times.

Anyone have a good source for tranny parts?

Cheers,
GTM