Howdy All,

As some of you may know, I recently relocated from Austin, Texas to Seattle,
Washington. Unfortunately, this was largely due to divorce.

However, I had a wonderful opportunity for reflection, introspection, and
even some fun on my cross-country drive in my Vanagon from Austin to Seattle
(trip report to come shortly).

Now for the irresponsible part. I know that this is a very politically
incorrect topic, but what the heck? Out of curiosity, what is the top speed
you have been able to achieve in your Vanagons?

Please respond with speed and type of engine configuration you achieved that
speed with. Also indicate if you were driving a passenger van, camper
version, or Syncro. I'm interested in everything from the early air-cooled
motors, all the way up to the crazy engine conversions. While I'm mostly
interested in speed achieved on flat roads it might be interesting to see
what a Vanagon can do on a seriously steep downhill stretch.

For me, I have an '87 hard-top passenger GL. My engine is a 3.2 liter
Porsche 911 Carrera motor and Porsche G50 5-speed. The Vanagon is equipped
with Bilstein shocks and H&R lowering springs. I have no spare tire or tire
carrier up front, so that probably hurt aerodynamics a bit. I had the van
loaded (but by no means overloaded) as I moved cross-country. I was using my
new Garmin c340 GPS (highly recommended) unit as an honest measure because
the speedo just isn't accurate over 100 (I've even had my speedo calibrated
to the Porsche wheel/tire combination I am running).

In Arizona on a cool, sunny morning I was able to achieve an honest GPS
verified 125 mph. This was done on flat, straight pavement with excellent
visibility. That speed was done in 4th gear. I discovered that 5th gear is
strictly for economy. The van would always go faster in 4th than it would in
5th.

Later in Washington I tired another couple high speed runs, but I had some
aerodynamic issues (see upcoming trip report). During the Washington runs
the best I got was 115 mph. I can easily believe that my aerodynamic issues
cost me at least 5 mph. Who knows where the last 5 mph when?

Anyhow, let's hear from ya'll. How fast? What configuration? Bring it on.

Cheers,
Bruce
motorbruce@hotmail.com