Ultimate reliability, but it's cammed for low-speed (3000 rpm max), continuous power, like all other aircraft recip engines; not suitable for an automotive engine.  Now if you can get a cam for it, and figure out how to cool it properly, you'll have one hell of a performer!

Mike B.   
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Jim Cochran 
  To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM 
  Sent: Friday, July 10, 2009 4:33 PM
  Subject: Re: 666 torque, say no more - NVC ;^D

  Actually, I've been thinking about the older Continental 6 cylinder
  airplane engine for a Westy swap.. it was horizontally opposed, flat
  configuration. And because it was built for aircraft, it might even be
  semi-reliable.

  Jim
  "more things broken than fixed, and losing ground every day... what
  fun!"

  On Jul 10, 2009, at 12:25 PM, Jack R. wrote:

  > Unreal project, that must be way loud & hot inside:
  >
  >
  >
  > The German Engineers at work. Maybe a great alternative for a
  > Vanagon Engine
  > conversion!!! ..
  >
  >
  >
  > http://jalopnik.com/5302246/awesome-defined-the-10+liter-radial+engine
  >
  >
  >
  > My definition of 'hybrid' now means an aircraft engine in a car  ;^D