Volks -

I imagine that this discussion has run thru the list several times in the
past?   The important thing to remember when you are comparing speeds is
that speedometer accuracy isn't guaranteed.  Even if it is right on factory
spec, different circumference tires will change the indicated speed at a
particular engine RPM.

When I drove across country in my '87 Westy, with 185R-14 Michelins on the
front and no-name 195-14 6-ply snows on the rear, my indicated speed was 70
at 4100 RPM.  As far as I know it's a stock 4-speed manual.  A couple of
times I tried running at a steady 60 while timing myself aginst the mile
markers and found that it was taking a little bit less than a minute to go a
mile, so my ground speed was faster than my indicated speed.

If I understand it correctly, the speedo reads a front wheel.  The tach
reads engine speed, so larger rear tire circumference will reduce the RPMs
needed to go a particular speed.  If you put different circumference tires
on the front and rear, that will change the ratio of indicated speed to RPM
as well.

So - if you want to talk about how fast you can travel at a particular
engine RPM, it might be best to check your speedometer so you can adjust
what it is showing to actual ground speed.

- Mike Finkbiner
'87 Westy

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Date:    Fri, 4 Jun 1999 08:11:09 -0700
From:    Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Re: 4spd to 5spd conversion

Not sure where you guys are coming from on this.  My 1.9 will cruise all day
@4000 (my personal red line).  That's around 75 mph.

Karl Wolz

----- Original Message -----
From: Robert Lilley <vwvanman@EXCITE.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Friday, June 04, 1999 5:59 AM
Subject: Re: 4spd to 5spd conversion

>There is one incorrect assumptions here.
>
> > re:  "I don't like to be going 65 and feel that I am
> > overworking my little engine."
> >
> > There are two incorrect assumptions here.
> >
> > 1.  "Little engine" will pull Vanagon at 65mph at lower
> > rpms.
> >
>
>The 2.1L Wassserboxer CAN pull the vanagon at 65 with a .70 fifth gear
RPMs
>@3100 with some simple "bolt on" performance parts, because mine does.
>
>Robert

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