I would agree, on flat Florida highways, I have accidentally, (and when I
say accidentally, I mean I forgot temporarily what I was driving) with the
radio on too loud, found myself hovering around 90mph. With a stock WBX 2.1,
the was in the neighborhood of 5K RPM's.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Shawn Wright
Sent: Friday, September 03, 2004 11:36 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: vanagon top speed, extrapolation

> I posted M. Jagersand's speed vs power data set the other day.
>
> Converted into Imperial units:
>
> Speed (mph)     Total drag (hp)
>
> 33.67           -10.72
> 44.89           -26.41
> 56.11           -46.59
> 67.33           -71.25
>
> 78.55           -102.59
> 89.78           -138.00
> 101.00          -180.49
> 112.22          -225.29
>
>
> So roughly, and I do mean a rough estimate, to go 112 mph in a Vanagon
> one needs around 225 hp at the driving wheels.
>
>
> I have to restate that this is an estimate, no doubt off by a bit, but
> it gives one an idea of the power involved.

I think it might be off by a bit, since I've seen an indicated 140km/h in
our '88
Westy loaded with a 95HP 2.1L, and had some pedal left. This was on our
first major trip in the van, and I haven't attempted anything near that
speed
again! But you're right - it does illustrate just how much power is needed
to
overcome drag beyond the speed limit - yet another reason to take it slow...
:-
)

--
Shawn Wright
http://Zuiko.sls.bc.ca/swright
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