My first 2.1 L vanagon I purchased with 40,000 miles on her.  Changed
the oil religiously.  I ran it on the opened flats of Ohio at 80-85 MPH
for over an hour at a time. If I remember correctly this is just below
redline. Knowing I had taked care of the oil, and the cooling system was
 sealed and running cool, I had no fear of blowing the engine.  At 121,000
miles I sold this van and have no idea if it is still running.

            Eric                   86-VW4x4
            vw4x4@fyi.net          86-SS Syncro
            Pittsburgh, PA USA     1936-Chrysler
                                   92-Jetta GWC
            www.fyi.net/~vw4x4/vw4x4.htm