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What's the difference between this "autostick shift" that I've been hereing about and the regular stick shift? Is the autostick kind of like a moder day automatic tranny or what?
Hiya 71,
You know what a manual transmission is, so I'll focus on the AutoStick.
The AutoStick was introduced in the 1968 model year. It is a clutch-pedal-less, 3 speed, dry clutch, torque converted, semi-automatic transmission. In other words, the driver shifts without the use of a clutch pedal. All the driver has to do is to let up on the gas, change the shift lever position, and re-engage the gas pedal.
Shifting is accomplished electrically with the aid of a vacuum system. The actual AutoStick transmission is basically the same as the manual in its two top ranges (first and second range in an AutoStick correspond to third and fourth gear in a manual). The AutoStick may be driven by going through the ranges, Low, First, and Second OR it may simply be left in First for around town driving. It is definitely NOT an automatic transmission in the sense that term is used today. Performance in a well maintained AutoStick is close to that of a manual, but a manual does have an slight edge in acceleration and top speed.
Mike
1970 AS Bug
That was great explaination.
However, I'd like to add that the Autostick has a reputation as a granny shifter. I wouldn't recommend speed shifting with it.
Having four gears does allow for faster acceleration if you are geared correctly.
Another problem is the two section oil pump. One section of the pump is for engine oil, the other section of the pump is for the autostick.
You can't use a full flow adapter cover. I'd much rather be able to use a larger volume oil pump and filter my oil.
Scott Novak
There was also another similar VW "automatic" transmission, little known in the U.S. but not that rare in Europe.
It is known as the "Saxomat" transmission and was basically a regular standard transmission coupled to a
centrifigal clutch. It used no clutch pedal and relied on engine speed to couple the engine/transmission.
Hiya Scott,
Interesting that you should mention the "granny shifter" business. I've heard that before. I think that comes from the "style" of driving one usually sees associated with AutoSticks.
However, in a well maintained AutoStick the shifting time (this comes from VW) is one-tenth of a second. This is the actual engagement time rather than the individual's motion at the shift lever. So, what this boils down to is that the AutoStick will shift gears as fast as you can throw that shifter.
Mike
1970 AS Bug
Ok how about this witch is rarer to find in a type 1?
There was also another similar VW "automatic" transmission, little known in the U.S. but not that rare in Europe.
It is known as the "Saxomat" transmission and was basically a regular standard transmission coupled to a
centrifigal clutch. It used no clutch pedal and relied on engine speed to couple the engine/transmission.
Those crafty Germans:)
SO what your saying is the autostick shift is inferer to the regular stick shift. And as far as U.S models are concerned the autostick is a short of a automatic with manumatic shifting,or a cross between stick shift and automatic right?
So just as I get my daughter's 74 Super on the road, somebody at work gives me a 68 with the auto shift. (how do you turn down a free bug?) Anyway, we got it running and drove it a couple of miles. It shifts into first a little clunky and when I shifted to second, the tranny would kick in at all. It's been sitting for a couple of years, so it could be anything.
Anybody have any ideas?
Thanks,
Dennis
SO what your saying is the autostick shift is inferer to the regular stick shift. And as far as U.S models are concerned the autostick is a short of a automatic with manumatic shifting,or a cross between stick shift and automatic right?
Geez 71, how did you come to that conclusion?
The VW was designed and built as an everyday driver car. To get from one point to another it is required that a car be able to start, run and stop. That is what a VW does.
To those who think that running an engine to its limits and speed-shifting through the gears is the important part of driving then really, the VW Beetle is the wrong car for you.
THe VW autoshift transmissions are as good as any transmission ever put in a VW. They allow you to start out with a gear ratio suitable for moderate acceleration and then shift to a higher ratio for greater speed. What more do you ask of a transmission?
The only drawback is that few people take the time to understand the working of the transmission and take the time to properly maintain it. Because of this, aftermarket manufacturers have not made parts available.
If you have a 400 HP V-8 Mustang with a 5-speed transmission, it is senseless to compare it with a 125 HP 6 cylinder automatic Mustang. They look alike but are made for entirely different purposes. Such is the case with the VW, regardless of the transmission. You simply can't cmpare it with a high-horsepower, high-acceleration, heavy duty car.
The autostick is not inferior to a "regular" transmission. They are the same thing, just connected to the engine differently.
Hiya TRC,
That the car moves at all is a good sign that the AutoStick can be brought back to life. My guess from the brief description you gave is that the vacuum hoses and connections need to be checked out and your control valve probably needs some adjustment. All in all, pretty minor stuff.
If I can get you e-mail link to work I'll send you an article I wrote some time ago about maintaining an AutoStick. It might help to get you started on the project.
Mike
1970 AS Bug
ps............David, nicely said! My sentiments exactly. I've always thought the AutoStick is much closer to Porsche's vision of an economical and reliable means of transportation than the hot-rodded Bugs many seem to be infatuated with.
I see now so all the difference is that one has a clutch pedal and the other dose'nt I get it!!! right?
I see now so all the difference is that one has a clutch pedal and the other dose'nt I get it!!! right?
Close, but no cigar. The auto-stick is a 3 gear trans, while the regular trans is a 4 gear. Also, the auto-stick couples through a torque converter that the regular trans does not have.
Ok it dose'nt have a clutch pedal, one less gear and a torque converter. Now do I get it?
David H,
I've got to strongly disagree. First of all, the Beetle was designed with military use in mind. Can you say Kubelwagen? It was one of the first vehicles with four wheel independent suspension. It uses a lightweight aircraft engine with a very low center of gravity, which helps handling. When it was designed in the 30's, it actually outperformed many vehicles of the day.
Acceleration can be very important when driving in Metro areas. A small engine with limited horsepower needs all the help that 4 gears can give it.
The extra complexity of the autostick adds to the number of parts that must be maintained and can fail. That reduces reliability.
The Beetle is one of the most modifiable platforms ever built. Why not customize it to your taste? The Beetle is so overbuilt in many respects that it's easy to get more performance out of it.
There is no reason you have to drive your Beetle like Aunt Tilly.
And By George, I think 71_superman has got it!
Scott Novak
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