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Date:         Tue, 12 Oct 2004 18:16:05 -0500
Reply-To:     Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bruce Nadig <motorbruce@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject:      101 MPH Vanagon!
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed

Howdy All,

As of last Wednesday, I successfully completed my first 1,000 miles in Project Vanagon (Vincent) since I installed the '87 Porsche 3.2 liter Carrera engine and G50 transmission. Over the weekend my buddy, and Porsche Master Technician, Steve came over, and we (mostly Steve) adjusted the valves. I still need to do an oil and filter change, but that should happen in the next couple of days.

Anyhow, today I had to drive down to San Antonio to take care of some business. That gave me my first extended trip in the van, and it was on fairly straight, although frequently congested, Interstate 35. On the way to San Antonio I was able to achieve 101 MPH in 4th gear (the G50 'box is a 5-speed). I would have kept going, but I had to slow for traffic. For a brick, 101 isn't too bad.

On the way home, I had a couple more opportunities to let Vincent stretch his legs. Once again I got him up to 101 mph in 4th but had to slow for traffic. The greatest achievement of this second top speed run is that it was uphill, into the wind. Vincent was still pulling hard and accelerating in 4th as I went uphill. Once again, I ultimately had to slow for traffic.

I have a set of South African Big Brakes, but I haven't installed them yet. I did, however, realize one additional braking characteristic of the Vanagon: if you lift off the throttle at 101, the van itself acts as its own aerodynamic brake. Man, once you are off the gas things things slow down FAST.

I wish that traffic had been a little bit lighter so that I could have gotten up a bit more steam and seen what Vincent would do in 5th. All in all, I can't complain. 101mph in 4th, uphill, into the wind makes me happy for now.

By the way, I feel very confident that the indicated speed was accurate. I have had my speedometer calibrated. In addition, I went through a construction zone that has one of those portable radar trailers that displays your speed. At that time it displayed 73mph, exactly what was showing on my speedo.

Once I got closer to Austin I did have one of my first stealth encounters. A silver Honda with all sorts of decals and a huge can hanging off the back passed me. Traffic was light enough at that point that I was able to thread my way up to him and take him by surprise. I don't know what was going through his mind, but I'd like to know what he was thinking.

Now I need to make arrangements to get some dyno time.

Cheers, motorbruce@hotmail.com


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