[teensvan]

Hi All.

Just read an artical in the MMM about changing the 5th gear ratio to a lower one. Has anyone had this done as this looks an option for a heavy van like our burstner 748-2. My be able to stay in 5th at 50 MPH much better for driving on A roads. I expect this topic was discussed in the old web site.

steve & ann ---teensvan.

 

[88847]

Hi steve

what year is your van?

POurs is a 2005 model as i thought yours was, i contacted burstner about the short fifth gear and was told that mine had been upgraded
I have no problems sitting at 50 in fifth.....give burstner a call, they are really helpful


Paul

 

[teensvan]

Hi Paul.

Our van is Feb 2004, Engine is only reving at 2000rpm at 60mph and looses power quickly uphill, seems OK in 4th and is running at 3000rpm at 60mph.

steve & ann ---teensvan.

 

[88847]

Steve

I know for a fact that when in fifth at 80 my RPM is 3000, at 60 in fifth RPM is 2200

I have noticed that there is a little power loss when i hit the inclines, but if i put my foot down i usually get up them, unless it is a steep hill where i do not get any run at it then i do struggle

Did you think of fitting a van aaken smartbox,(www. van aaken developments.com ) i have one on order through a friend who owns a garage, bit expensive , but i am told they do the business and reduce the amount of gear changing and raise the bhp quite a bit

Paul

 

[teensvan]

Paul.

Thanks for the info will look into rechipping as another way to go. Never tried to do 80MPH do they go that fast downhill with a following wind. 8O

steve & ann ---teensvan.

 

[88847]

Steve

when Jumbo is on the motorway............move over.........

sits well at 70 and more if needed, very stable

How many miles have you done, i believe they go better the more miles you do

Paul

 

[teensvan]

:? Hi Paul.

Our van has now done 9100 miles so should be run in. I may keep in 4th to long as I dont use 5th until nearly doing 60mph. I was also thinking that if you go into 5th at to low a speed it puts to much strain on the 5th gear causing early failure, there has been a lot of talk about this subject on the old site, shame it has all been lost.

steve & ann. ---teensvan.

 

[Otto-de-froste]

smart box & gearing

This topic came up on the old site, and I was interested because my van seemed disappointingly slow for a 2.8.
Comments I received included the option of chipping, and the allegedly indifferent quality control / compliance with specs of the Fiat 2.8.
The provision of a lower 5th gear, and the power increase option on newer Fiats suggests the increase in weight and wind resistance on a coachbuilt vehicle is something that Fiat are aware of.
Since a good proportion of their product goes to motorhome buyers, it is in their interests to introduce ways of improving performance and enjoyment for owners.
I use my vehicle for commuting 2 or 3 days a week, and I have found it travels faster eastwards than westwards. The road where this is manifested is the Sheffield to M1 Parkway. The gradient is predominantly downhill eastward.
On the way out I can usually run at 70+ with very little throttle, and 85 is achievable without stress.
On the way back I usually keep in 4th to attain 65+ or accept 55 to 60 in 5th.
On the rare occasions when there is no westerly wind, it has been known to achieve 70 in 5th on the same road.
On a vehicle this size, the wind resistance has a more substantial effect than I had anticipated.
I plan to install the van Aaken Smart Box in the near future, but don't regard it as a means to run at high speeds, but more as an aid to comfortable driving.
Cleaning the flies from the luton is not a job I relish.
If anyone has the smart box installed please let us know your experience.

 

[88847]

Maybe all fiat 2.8 owner who are looking for some increased torque and perhaps a better fuel consumption shoul get together and contact VAN AAKEN direct as a bulk purchase and see if they will drop there price

Perhaps MHF members should start doing that with lots of other products aswell

Have a page for the most required item, them contact the supplier for the best price

Only a suggestion

Paul

 

[Otto-de-froste]

I'm with you on that RedOne.
There's also TorqTec at Mansfield who offfer a similar unit.
van Aaken does seem to be a reputable group though.

Anyone else interested drop a line and we can approach as a group.

Paul F.