The flat-4 engine was used by the Ferdinand Porsche in KdF Wagen because it has a perfect primary balance and it can withstand long periods of steady high-rpm operation.  The air-cooled engines do like to be wound out partially because the volume of cooling air provided by the cooling fan increases with engine speed, so lighter-load and higher-rpm operation is desirable.  Apply the former reasoning to our WBX motors since they are in a simplification of terms like the  air-cooled Beetle motors, but with water jackets.

Chris S.

----- Original Message ----
From: Allan Streib <streib@CS.INDIANA.EDU>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Sent: Wednesday, December 5, 2007 2:41:21 PM
Subject: Re: 1-800-Howsmydriving?

Geza Polony <gezapolony@SBCGLOBAL.NET> writes:

> One thing you'll notice is that speed correlates (inversely) to fuel
> efficiency in these cars more than most. My experience is that
> there's about 3-4mpg difference between driving 55 and driving
> 70. I've never had any mechanical problems from driving fast,
> though.

I always heard that VW boxer engines like to be "wound up".  At least
this is what I was always told when I had my '72 Super Beetle.

Allan

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