Throwing my .02 into this, having owned and driven a number of VW/Audi I-4
powered vehicles both in this country and in Europe, 4500 rpms for an
extended period of time seems to be fine.  In fact, maybe it is just my
right foot but on long trips in my '87 Jetta (9A trans) I would often find
myself creeping up to 80 mph which was a little over 4k on the tach.  Yes,
the VW/Audi I-4 is not the smoothest or quietest at those engine speeds, but
I don't think that was the issue.

Scott Walker

----- Original Message -----
From: "Alistair Bell" <albell@UVIC.CA>
> The engine seems to enjoy running. Mind you this is only one data point,
not
> a proper survey. Can you tell me the source of your statement "...NONE of
> these engines are designed to run at very high rpm's (4500+) for long
> periods..."?
>
>
> Alistair
>
> --
> '82 Westy -> diesel converted to gas in '94
> albell@uvic.ca
> http://members.shaw.ca/albell
>
>
>
>
>
> on 7/4/04 10:14 am, Andrew Fox wrote:
>
> >> How does one gain an advantage by replacing my 1.9L or 2.0L with a
1.8L?
> >
> > If you want to go fast in a vanagon you need very high rpms.  These
> > smaller engines are CAPABLE of running at higher rpms with more
horsepower
> > than the wasserboxer.  However, one of the reasons i would never
consider
> > a vanagon engine conversion is that NONE of these engines are designed
to
> > run at very high rpm's (4500+) for long periods like they will be when
> > connected to a vanagon transmission and driven on the freeway at 65+
mph.
> > Of special concern are the TDI's.  The diesels are really made for low
end
> > torque and the transmissions that use them are geared appropriatly.  I
> > asked overland parts who used to offer a TDI conversion for the vanagon
> > and they confirmed that the TDI in a vanagon with stock transmission
is'nt
> > going to make you go any faster.
> >
> > Andrew Fox
>
>