Quick update:

I swapped in a SOHC transmission with double overdrives (4th (.923) and 5th (.744)) in the I Mark last weekend. This new transaxle has a 3:57 final drive (rear end) instead of the 4:11's the DOHC came with. (And 5th was .829.)
I mentioned I was going to do this. (I did. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />)
It used to turn 2800 rpm @ 70 mph and now it is at 2100 rpm to do 70 mph.
It sure slowed down the wind up or take off, but the boost builds fairly quickly and is real smooth and quite cruising home.
A lot of people who hear it running have a hard time believing they're hearing a diesel engine.

No hard figures on fuel mileage yet.

Curtis

Awesome..... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I could use an overdrive or something in mine also. About all I can do is bigger tires though.

It sure is a satisfying feeling to drive something you created on your own, isn't it..... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Keep us posted on the fuel milage.

Oh, and if you use a VW relay like I did, make sure to get the "fast glow" one, I ordered one tonight for 40 bucks and it'll be in tomorrow.

I tried finding that relay at a few Auto Parts stores on the way home tonight. They just looked at me all puzzled! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> I laughed as I walked out the door.
Did you have to go through the VW Dealer?
I'm going to get one ASAP.

Yea, I'm pretty happy with this one. And will be even happier when I get the AC working next week.
Now I need to get my WVO Still cooking and make me some cheap fuel! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

I'll take some pictures of Jerry driving it while I'm out there visiting next week! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Anybody in Texas need some big parts from Jerry? I'll have room on the return trip.

Curtis

I bought mine at Napa. For an 86 Jetta. I would think any auto parts store should be able to get it.

I have all the wiring connections wrote down, but I'll have to get that this weekend for you.

Curtis, I trust you had the ways of your lathe WELL-covered for this operation?

My grandfather would'a smacked me across the head if he ever caught me doing that to one if his machines. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />



Randii (who has done something like what is illustrated on a crummy old Harbor Freight drill press!)

Don't tell anyone. That picture you see there was actually staged. I cut the disc down several days earlier and had the machine all covered up in welding blankets, except for the spinning parts. Then I decided it was a kodak moment, so it was re-cresated for the picture. You wouldn't have been able to tell it was a lathe had I taken the shot during the actual process.
Not to worry, I'm very picky about my lathe.
It may be a cheap unit but it has served me well.
I remember your the one who told me about them.
I just replaced the Chinese motors on it with some German ones. Works a lot better now. More Power!

Curtis

Thanks for the explanation, I was tempted to call Melissa and tell her you'd been drinking from the parts cleaner again. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" />

Randii (still envious of that setup -- I gotta drive 25 miles to get to the machine shop I get to use!)

NOT THE PARTS CLEANER , IT IS THE CATS BOWL, SHE HAD TO PUT IT ON THE TOP SHELVE SO HE COULDNT FIND IT HEHE JERRY

You guys know I don't drink!
But, paint fumes can be fun sometimes.
And I've got some humm dinger cleaner from work that will put a man on the moon.

I was at Jerry's last week with the car and we spent some time making new a/c hoses and mounting the A/C compressor on the little I Mark. Got charged up and it's working like a champ now.

Jerry even got to drive the I Mark. I think he was impressed at how well it did. He said it felt like it had more power than the 1500cc gas motor. We drove it several times in the Atlanta rain.

I've now got a Turbo Gas Radiator for it that will go in this weekend and I think it needs the exhaust opened up. We found the stock gas muffler was just too restricting. Jerry just happened to have a better one that we bolted on and it helped the turbo spool up. It will get a complete 2 1/4 " burp pipe with a free flow muffler next week. I'm swapping the radiator out because it tends to get a little warmer than normal at 70 mph. Another gift from Jerry. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Hoping the bigger pipes will help boost the milage too!

szawww98e (woops! Cat got on the keyboard putting in her two cents worth in on this topic)

Been sick (strep throat) since I got back, and this is the first time I've had time to post up about the trip East.
Step son used my down time to swap in another engine into his race car.Since I wasn't using the lift, or tools!


Curtis