Date:         Fri, 1 May 1998 00:33:11 -0600
Reply-To:     James Cohen <jscohen@SPRYNET.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From:         James Cohen <jscohen@SPRYNET.COM>
Subject:      Re: Wasserboxer Horsepower Increase, an intellegent discussion
Comments: To: davidb <davidb@SKYBEST.COM>
Comments: cc: vanagon@gerry.sdsc.edu
In-Reply-To:  <35486F71.D1C0874A@skybest.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

Get the fuel line magnets which align the carbon molecules so that the gas
burns more effciently!  ;)

You're on the right track with most of what you said.  I suggest buying
"How to HotRod VW engines" By Bill Fisher, HP Books.  Almost everything he
said back then can be applied now.  Especially since the WB is basically
the Aircooled engine with water jacketed heads on it.

But there is very little to be gotten out of the WB engine.  It is
inherently weak, and everything you might do to increase the HP will either
sacrifice efficency or long term reliability.

However, a perfectly running Balanced and Blue printed 2.1 will have decent
power and a fairly long life....if you don't mind changing the head gaskets
every few years!


>1.  Have the heads professionally gone through and increase the flow.
>Breathing is the weakest point.

Competition valve job is the best bet.  I wouldn't screw with porting
unless you have access to a flow bench and a dyno.  You could actually hurt
the engine more than help it.
>
>2.  Install 1.25 rockers.  1.40 ratio rockers may decrease reliability.

Ummm, I'm not convinced that this is really worth the expense. Maybe a 5 hp
increase?

>3  Balance and blueprint engine --I always do it!

This is the key to a longer lasting, better performing engine!!

>
>4. I like the S&S exhaust system, muffler and headers.

For a WB??  I wasn't aware that they made a set-up.  But I would eye this
VERY carefully.  Yes a freer flowing exhaust can increase hp, but you may
sacrifice torque.  And it may not really do anything....

>Now I'm open to more suggestions.  Is the above set up approaching 100
>HP?  (my goal)

Don't forget torque.  The 2.1 is like, 91 hp so that's pretty close. A
properly tuned exhaust and the rockers might get almost there.  But you
really need a dyno to make sure it all works.

HOw about a turbo?  That would get you there...well, you didn't say that
money was an object!

James

James Cohen

New York City, Williamstown, Ma
and Aspen, CO (winters)


85 Westy
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