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Date:         Tue, 7 Dec 2004 14:42:10 -0800
Reply-To:     Al Knoll <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Al Knoll <al_knoll@PACBELL.NET>
Subject:      130 MPH in a vanagon
In-Reply-To:  <200412072141.iB7Lfh6U009781@mtac3.prodigy.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

For those with a head for numbers, the SVX theoretically produces ~230 lbs-ft of torque at 5000rpm in factory tune. With a 0.77 Top and the 4.86 R&P this places the peak torque at at a speed of 110mph using 215/75x15 tires. At 6000rpm the torque is still above 210 lbs-ft. Using the gearing mentioned 6000rpm is 132mph. Now in my westy, if I postpone shifting until 6200rpm in 3d (~90mph) 4th is engaged at 4000 rpm (~220lbs ft of torque and below the peak). It has been my experience that the SVX pulls quite strongly from 4000 to redline, delivering above 215lbs-ft throughout the 4000-6500 range.

The drag/thrust analysis is left as an exercise for the curious. Assume a drag coeff of 0.48 and do the calculations on how much thrust is necessary for a level ground velocity of 130MPH in still air at sea level. Working backwards through the math using your rolling radius measured with the double rollout method and the 0.77x4.86 effective gear ratio, you may be surprised.

E.G. (215lbs-ft/(0.77x4.86))x Rolling radius in feet gives thrust at 6000rpm for a factory tuned SVX using your tires and wheels.

Guessing is not an acceptable substitute for analysis, analysis is not a substitute for actual experimental data.

fizzix, remember, it's all just fizzix.

YMMV especially ton-up.


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