I have tended to hold both of my '91 Westies to 65 MPH max. The first I drove
8500 miles last summer from MA to Utah, up to Waterton, Alberta and home. It
cruised beautifully at 65 and I got 22-24 mpg on most of the trip. The Eisen-
hower tunnel climb found me (fully loaded) in the truck lane in 2nd or 3rd
at the steep end though!

Just received my "new" '91 and took it our for a test run. Cruises quietly at
65 on the highway -- and even in the Berkshire Hills on the 2 lane! It has
28K well maintained miles on it, the previous one had 15K miles at the start
of my summer trip. So both of these were low miles well maintained vehicles.

I consider 65 on the highway "gentle" driving - if you listen to your engine
and keep the vehicle well maintained. The real key is to be in tune with the
engine (also watch the tach!), have a good "feel" and "ear" for any signs of
engine strain. It's kinda like riding a hunter (horse) -- becoming one with
your mount!

Kenyon
> 
> There have been a couple questions about optimal cruising speeds.  One
> today said 65 mph for an 81 air cooled van.  Another Westy owner once
> suggested 55 as optimal (for water cooled late 80's models).  I happened to
> meet this guy while I was on a trip.  He claimed to have been a VW
> mechanic.  My gas mileage soared!  But otherwise, at what point are you
> being too hard on the van?  Under some circumstances 55 would be TOO slow
> (in terms of traffic and conditions).
> 
> Any thoughts out there?  I, too, tend to try to drive my van gently.
> 
> Kathy
> 87 Westy GL
> 
> 

-- 
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  Kenyon Fairey, Re.D.                            Adjunct Assistant Professor
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