Date:         Wed, 26 Feb 2003 23:29:32 -0500
Reply-To:     mrvolkswagen@HOTMAIL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Chris S <mrvolkswagen@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: 2.6 SA engine kit
Comments: To: mark drillock <drillock@EARTHLINK.NET>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

> The old VW RSA spec sheet I have shows 100kW @ 5200 and 200Nm @ 3000 for
> the 2.6i. Someone convert these oddly round numbers to our units please.

The Audi 2.3L engine is rated at 130HP and 139 ft-lb of torque.  These
engines came in '88-'92 Audi 5000, Audi 90 and Audi 80 models and are built
well.  I recently sold my Audi 90 with about 360K miles on the engine.  It's
engine has had only routine maintenance and ran wonderfully.  I'd get about
25 MPG cruising at 80 MPH.  The car would cruise 90+ Mph all day which
translated to around 4000 RPM - as you see that's about where a 70 MPH
cruise puts you in the Vanagon.  Considering the power 'requirements' of the
brick-like Vanagon I'd say the engine's powerband is ideally suited.  The
inline-5 Audi engines are smooth, torquey and sound great! I think it would
make sense to put one of these into a Vanagon if one wouldn't have to raise
the rear decklid.   I've seen entire Audi 5000s go for about $600 due to
lack of popularity or just get an engine:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2404188361&cat
egory=33615

They're not very popular, therefore cheap, somewhat easy to find (IMHO) and
parts are readily available (www.performancemotorcars.com)

Chris S.
'85 Westy
www.knology.net/~vw/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers