Date:         Tue, 11 Dec 2001 09:52:19 EST
Reply-To:     Willolyn99@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bill Marshall <Willolyn99@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Tiico speed info
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

For all those who showed interest...

- the speedometer showed 102 mph
- I did it on I-10 in Phoenix near 43rd Ave, going uphill (no tail wind,
either)
- rpm's were just under 6000 (tiico redlines at 6300-ish)
- standard 4-speed tranny ('85)
- tires are 185r14 8-plys (stiff)
- new brakes, drums, rotors, and MC (reduces risk a little)

       Traffic was moving 80mph, a Jetta was harrassing me, and I had a big
opening in front of me, so I went for it - just for posterity.  The van
handled fine.  I was amused, because the WBX engine shuts off at 5300 rpm or
so, limiting speed to 96-97 mph.  I figured this engine is good for maybe 115
mph.  I have no desire to do it again, just wanted the triple-digit for the
books.  {land speed record? ;-) hehehe}
       The Tiico engine just begins hitting the power band at 3800-ish rpm,
so the acceleration from 65 to 80 is very quick during passing.  Even loaded
up with camping gear, wife, and 2 greyhounds, it still pulls up hills nicely.
 I rarely downshift anymore.  Cruising at 75 on the highway is very easy and
comfortable. (speed limit here is 75)

PS:  I don't encourage speeding, etc, etc, blah blah blah, safety first, YMMV

Bill Marshall
85 Vanagon GL/ Tiico
Phoenix AZ