200/300 Tdi owners - LT77 versus R380

[VTRover]

The other day someone asked me which is a better manual box for a 200/300 TDI. I thought about it and realized I had no idea if one is better than the other.

Any thoughts? Terry?

[Terrys]

Given a choice, I'd always go with an R380 over an LT77. The 77 has weak inerds and that's why they replaced them all in the NAS110 with R380. They can last forever, but need to be shifted with a very light hand. You can't slam them like a Muncy.

[daveb]

300tdi was only sold with the r380 behind it. have driven a few with this setup and I like it. Depending on what you are putting it in there can be fit issues with one or the other. The 300tdi version of the r380 is a good bit longer than a 4 cylinder lt77.

The other day someone asked me which is a better manual box for a 200/300 TDI. I thought about it and realized I had no idea if one is better than the other.

Any thoughts? Terry?

[Maryland 110]

Have had many of both. Currently have two 300 tdi's with r380's. I think the 4cyl lt77s shifts smoother. The lt77 was not a good match to the v8's. The r390 synchros leave a bit to be desired.

[RoverDover]

300tdi was only sold with the r380 behind it. have driven a few with this setup and I like it. Depending on what you are putting it in there can be fit issues with one or the other. The 300tdi version of the r380 is a good bit longer than a 4 cylinder lt77.

Problem with the r380 length is the bellhousing and input shaft length. I have an LT77 behind my 2.5 NA and plan on keeping it when I go 300tdi this summer.

[daveb]

you can do that if you wish, but it is much better to get the proper r380. This places the engine further forward where it belongs, so that the radiator/intercooler/oil cooler etc hoses and exhaust all fit properly. You can install the r380 on the lt77 mounts too but it does create some problems. not to mention that the early lt77's used behind the 2.25 and 2.5 engines are not as robust as the later lt77 and r380 units. synchro reverse is nice to have too!

Problem with the r380 length is the bellhousing and input shaft length. I have an LT77 behind my 2.5 NA and plan on keeping it when I go 300tdi this summer.