> In order to keep him
>from over-reving the engine, it would be helpful if he knew the rpms at 70
>mph, which is the top legal speed in this state.  (Of course, all of us
>remember that we never exceeded the speed limit when we were his age.)

My 91 Automatic at 72 MPH is indicating a RPM of 4000. However when you
climb  a grade I've noted about a 5% increase in RPM.

More importantly though, is that "over revving the engine"  could mean,
When do the Valve springs begin to fail, when do the rods grow, or when
does significant wear begin.

Well the Red area is at the 5500 or so RPM. Thankfully I cannot report an
idicated speed to go along with it.  As far as "significant wear" A good
rule of thumb is to keep piston speed below a 1000 fpm. That RPM for a 3"
stroke of the 2.1 engine is 4000 RPM.  It seems that at around and above
this 1000 fpm piston speed the rings begin to resonate and increased wear
occurs.

Another individual on the list stated that I believe a crankshaft center
bearing would also wear at an accelerated pace at "high speeds",  He didn't
define high speeds, but did say that this phenomena was known for all VW
flat engines.

I hope this helps

Mark Keller
91 Carat WLE
Lazarus