Date:         Thu, 30 Jun 2005 18:10:40 -0500
Reply-To:     Max Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Max Wellhouse <maxjoyce@IPA.NET>
Subject:      Re: Gearing/rpm
Comments: To: Kim Brennan <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <D8B8EEBC-128D-4CF8-9D6E-E061FD588157@mac.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed

If you are curious what "taller" gearing will do, I had my 90 GL's tranny
rebuilt by Mr. Weddle and had him put a 4.57 ring and pinnion and a .77 4th
gear.With the Agilis 61's I am running a true 70mph at 3400rpm now.  I have
a first generation Boston Bob engine with minor cam and head relief.  It's
been dynoed at 85 BHP at 5000 rpm and 105 ft./lb. of torque at
3000rpm.  The lower rpms at cruising speed is a big plus, but if you choose
to do this, spend the extra $200 and get a taller 3rd gear too, as I have a
1400 rpm drop off from 3rd to 4th.  The van will churn up to 60mph in 3rd,
but it would be even more beneficial to be able to downshift to 3rd and
plant it when trying to pass someone on a 2 lane road.   I believe he has a
.70 fourth gear, but I would hate to see someone do that and then not have
the engine power to pull that taller gear up even minor hills.  I woulf bet
Daryl C. could also do this and advise on feedback from his customers as
well.

Max

At 12:31 PM 6/30/2005, Kim Brennan wrote:
>Yep, that souinds about right for stock trans and tire/wheels.
>
>Yep, in Southern Cal, you just about get run over driving at 70. Get
>used to sitting in the right lane. :)
>
>On Jun 30, 2005, at 10:52 AM, Karin Baker & Raymond Paquette wrote:
>
>>My tach reads about 4000 RPM at 70 MPH.  Does this seem about
>>right?  It's
>>an 87 Synchro.