Date:         Wed, 11 Mar 1998 09:06:25 -0500
Reply-To:     Patrick Dooley <pdooley@GTE.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         Patrick Dooley <pdooley@GTE.NET>
Subject:      Re: turbo?  supercharched?
Comments: To: NACHTAIN 7 <NACHTAIN7@AOL.COM>, Vanagon@VANAGON.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

>i constantly see postings for increased power via engine swaps.  why hasn't
>anyone been able to turbo or supercharge their 2.1 wasserboxer?  this
doesn't
>seem to be that hard.  or does it?  it seems that would be the way to get
the
>extra horsepower and torque.  well?  anyone?   i'll check the archives too
>


I have turbocharged a golf motor in a rabbit pickup.  The rabbit/golf block
is cast iron, and responds better to turbocharging than an aluminum block,
like the waterbox.  I know Porsche has made many aluminum turbo motors, but
thats Porsche.  The fact is, forced induction puts severe heat and
mechanical stress on a motor.  The waterbox is stressed out enough in stock
trim lugging around heavy campers.  The sealing surfaces in them tend to be
challenged too.  I know these motors can last a long time, but that seems to
be the exception rather than the rule.  Don't mean to offend anyone by
hammering the waterboxer, I just don't think its a good idea to turbo one.
If you want power, do an engine swap with an Audi 5000 turbo - smooth,
reliable, high torque and power.