At 3k rpm@  60 mph is not considered lugging and I don't drive with the
foot to the floor at lower rpm as well. I also don't lug the engine
elsewhere in any of the gears unless in first gear starting from a stop!

Velma 82diesel 1.6 na westy

On Oct 28, 2012 9:29 AM, "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:

Yes slowing down the engine means less power. It was geared the way it was
for a number of reasons. You just need to spend more time in third to
compensate. Not only are you making less power but you are increasing stress
on the engine. Unlike a real truck engine it really is not designed to be
continuously lugged. The increased torque requirement means higher stress
and cylinder pressures which increase heat and NOx emissions. I would invest
in the later-turbo diesel engine for the increased power and strength. The
pistons and crank are not the only differences.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf ...

Hi Volks!! Took my first trip with the air cooled tranny in Velma and loving
the rpm change at 60-65...