From:   Dave Ohlemacher [mailto:Dave@ohlemacher.com]
<mailto:[mailto:Dave@ohlemacher.com]>
Sent:   Friday, November 20, 1998 10:10 AM
To:     Phillip Bouton
Subject:        Re: simple engine RPM question-need shifting advice

German engines are made to hug the redline, at 3500, you're a long way off.
Besides, I think (and have read) it's harder on an engine to struggle
through a higher gear at low rpms.  What you don't want to do is keep it at
5000 rpm for an extended period of time, that causes undue stress, but to
run it up to 3500-4000 when shifting is fine.
Needles to the right!
Dave
86 Vanagon GL

Phillip Bouton wrote:
        >
        >
        > I also have been perplexed by the same issue.  The manual says to
stay
        > in the green.  On my 87 Westy that is between 2 and 4k rpm.
Europeans
        > would rather sacrifice an engine to save gas in the long run
because
        > gas is so expensive.  In my van it seems that in order for the
next
        > higher gear to start around 2k, you definitely need to be shifting
        > around 3500 or higher.  Otherwise the next higher gear will be
between
        > 1.5 and 2k.  However, I can't say that I do this consistently
because
        > it is so hard to let myself rev the engine that high in the lower
        > gears.  Does anyone have any reassurances or other comments?
        >
                > ><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>J
        > Phillip Bouton
        > -----Original Message-----
        > From: Jarod Bishop [mailto:jbishop01@FOXINTERNET.NET]
<mailto:[mailto:jbishop01@FOXINTERNET.NET]>
        > Sent: Thursday, November 19, 1998 7:38 PM
        > To:   vanagon@VANAGON.COM <mailto:vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
        > Subject:      simple engine RPM question
        >
        > I recently bought an '87 Syncro.  Having never owned a VW, I'm not
        > used to
        > running the engine at a higher RPM rate like people have told me.
        >
        > The speed seems to max out at around 3500 but I give some more gas
and
        > get
        > it past 4k before shifting, but I've heard you should go atleast
4.5k
        > or
        > 5k.  I was hoping to get input on what others typically run their
vans
        > at
        > before shifting up.
        >
        > Thanks

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