Date:         Sun, 25 Jul 2004 20:49:33 -0700
Reply-To:     Al Knoll <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Al Knoll <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Subject:      TANSTAAFL EG33 vs VAG TDI
In-Reply-To:  <200407260150.i6Q1oo6G002348@ylpvm18.prodigy.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

Sure wish I got 28mpg.  However the tradeoff of the TDI vs the EG33 SVX H6
DOHC is interesting.  With now about 50K miles on a SmallCar prototype, my
opinion is that the engine itself is phenomenal, the rest, not quite up to
my expectations.

The EG33 has a very flat torque curve allowing me to have a 3sp+Overdrive
that provides sparkling acceleration using 3d gear to 75MPH.  With the wide
torque curve (>175 lbs-ft from 1500-6500RPM) more cogs in the box just
aren't necessary.  I run 215/75-15 tires and a 0.77 top gear with standard
Ring and Pinion for the 094 transmission.

The whole issue is about thrust, torque multiplied by the overall drive
ratio in each gear adjusted to the rolling radius of the tire.  Simple
calculations, that really tell how much 'push' you get from your powertrain.

Saw a FastForward Syncro just down the street here in Calgary.  Recaros,
Westie upgrade interior.