Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
VanagonEuroVan
Subject:Re: RPM vs MPH
From:Budd Premack
Date:Sat, 18 Dec 1999 01:51:05 -0600

>
>Every van is slightly different because of tire size and tread depth.  To
>get exact figures for your van, try about 3500 rpm and see how long it
takes
>to go one mile, using the mileposts on the highway.  Adjust your rpms until
>you can do one mile in 60 seconds, which equals 60 mph.  Then you can
easily
>compute how many rpms for 30, 40, or 70 mph, etc.
>
>For example if 3650 rpm = 60 mph, then 4258 rpm = 70 mph (3650 x 70/60).
>If you are in Canada, you can just use kilometers.  For example, 120 kph =
>30 seconds for 1 km.
>
>The vans can easily handle 75 mph for all day, which is the freeway speed
>limit for almost every state between IA and CA.  Last year I drove 5000
>miles (MN-CA) at 75 mph for about 3000 miles, and slower where wind,
>mountains, or speed limits were relevant.
>
>If you keep the tach at the top of the green zone, about 4300 rpm, you
won't
>do any damage.
>
>Prior to my CA trip, I asked the List a similar Q about high speed cruising
>and I received replies from several hot rodders who say they regularly
>cruise at 80-85 mph, with no problems.
>
>Enjoy your trip!
>
>Budd Premack
>86 Syncro, 73 Super
>Minneapolis, MN (Land of Sky Blue Waters)
>

Have something to add on this topic today? Revive this thread in the forum »