---"Robert A. Alexander"  wrote:
>
> Michael - I was wondering about the same!  Still think brake-jobs are
> cheaper than engine-jobs!!!  I've never found a mountain road where my
> '85GL would coast beyond 80mph!  I can't imagine the rationale behind
> using such a little engine as in the VW for braking purposes!
>
Well, let me give you a little rationale; fried brakes!
Try going down Pikes Peak just for an extream example.  You'll be
smoking half way down if you don't use the engine.  'Course , to get
technical, the speed has a lot to do with it.  You could crawl down
and not burn the brakes, but with any speed the release of kinetic
energy is more than the brakes can dissapate.

Also, there is the control factor.  On mountain roads you want to have
braking as you come off the accelerator.

TBill
83.5 Westy
(been there)

_________________________________________________________
DO YOU YAHOO!?
Get your free @yahoo.com address at http://mail.yahoo.com