MK1 4sp to 5sp swap

[1979rocco]

I have a 1979 scirocco with the factory 4sp, was wondering if anyone has done the 5speed conversion, im sure i will need some linkage, and im wondering what transmission will be a direct fit for the 1.7, does anyone know the transmission # that would work the best? Im NOT looking for the close ratio GTI tranny. just tired of going down the highway at 3k. If anyone has these parts in western Pa, LMK.

[Doug T]

I have a 1979 scirocco with the factory 4sp, was wondering if anyone has done the 5speed conversion, im sure i will need some linkage, and im wondering what transmission will be a direct fit for the 1.7, does anyone know the transmission # that would work the best? Im NOT looking for the close ratio GTI tranny. just tired of going down the highway at 3k. If anyone has these parts in western Pa, LMK.

Well, you are going to still drive at 3K on the highway but you won't have to drive at 4K to do 65 MPH with a 5 speed. Your motor wants to spin at 3-5K with 4K as the sweet spot but at 4K they start to get loud.
The FF trans code is a drop in 4+E 5 speed non close ratio. That is the trans that came in the 1980 (1.6) and 81 (1.7) Scirocco with 5 speed. You can find them in cabbys too. The FF trans flanges will fit your axles / CVs. You need the driver's side trans mount bracket off the 5 speed and the links. So now you want think about the flywheel size or weight reduction and a new clutch. Get all new bushings.

[scotttu]

I did the swap when I did a motor swap - not sure if I changed that bracket out or not, if I did I put the jetta bracket in since my Trans and engine are from a jetta.

I still need to swap out the linkage with a 5 speed, the 4 speed will work but after you adjust it it will be tight getting into 5th...so it will work.

You will enjoy having a 5th gear, on the highway anyway, you won't see much difference otherwise.

No more 4500 rpm at 70mph.

If I can find the linkage I will get mine swapped out proper this year. I have a few minor things left to do.

I'll be watching this post so keep us posted!

[Doug T]

I did the swap when I did a motor swap - not sure if I changed that bracket out or not, if I did I put the jetta bracket in since my Trans and engine are from a jetta.

I still need to swap out the linkage with a 5 speed, the 4 speed will work but after you adjust it it will be tight getting into 5th...so it will work.

You will enjoy having a 5th gear, on the highway anyway, you won't see much difference otherwise.

No more 4500 rpm at 70mph.

If I can find the linkage I will get mine swapped out proper this year. I have a few minor things left to do.

I'll be watching this post so keep us posted!

You must have used the 5 speed bracket off the 5 speed trans because the interface bolts to the 4 speed case are different on the 4 and 5 speeds.

[fredybender]

Did this in the track car last year (I parted a 79 shell, to put on Dagomar's body)
You must also have, or modify the 4spd shifter in order to have the 5th spd stopper: here is a site, that has a lot of good info:

http://www.4crawler.com/Diesel/ForSa...l#Introduction

[1979rocco]

Thanks for the info and the pics! I bought this car last year with tons of new factory VW parts alredy installed, including sachs clutch pressure plate and flywheel... Is the 5 speed clutch, PP, and flywheel different than the 4sp?

[fredybender]

Thanks for the info and the pics! I bought this car last year with tons of new factory VW parts alredy installed, including sachs clutch pressure plate and flywheel... Is the 5 speed clutch, PP, and flywheel different than the 4sp?

Depending on the transmission code of the 5 spd: 020's can have a large or small spline; meaning you will need a disc with the appropriate spline to match to the trans.

[1979rocco]

Depending on the transmission code of the 5 spd: 020's can have a large or small spline; meaning you will need a disc with the appropriate spline to match to the trans.

thanks again... much appreciated. I will post some pics soon, very clean original paint 32k mile car. Gotta love em!