Date:         Wed, 3 Nov 1999 15:58:14 -0600
Reply-To:     John Rodgers <inua@SCOTT.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         John Rodgers <inua@SCOTT.NET>
Subject:      Re: W.B. Turbo?
Comments: To: Tippos@AOL.COM
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Robert, one of the problems with adding equipment like a turbo is what to do
with the extra heat that is generated. The wasserboxer, in my opinion, just
won't take it. Right now my 2.1L is down for a rebuild because a piston melted
a hole tin the top. Something was not right and it gave up the ghost. Unless
the engine is specifically designed for a turbo, or in the case of hot-rodding
the engine, re-engineered for the application, I don't think it is a practical
application at all. There are somethings that might be done, and if the engine
is carefully blueprinted it will handle some extra heat, but I personally
wouldn't opt for a turbo.

The direction I am headed at the moment is to clean up the weak spots in the
stock engine, and with a few changes increase the performance and particularly
the longevity of the engine. Balanceing the rotating machinery is one giant
step. The crank, rods, and pistons will be matched and balanced. I'm also
taking a close look at the compression ratio as well. By going to a 1.9 head
instead of going back to the 2.1 head, the compression ratio can be raised
slightly without machining the heads.  Ratio rockers are expected to improve
performance as well. Following the example of others, I plan to port ( grind
out the ports on the heads to exactly match the exhaust pipe connection) and
polish(polish the ports to exceptional smoothness) the heads which will improve
scavenging, The cam may be reground as well, but it will be for an essentially
street profile, nothing radical at all. That would not follow the intent and
purpose. A new water pump and a new close tolerance oil pump will be added to
maintain superior oil pressure.

None of this is really new, just following the examples K. Wilfy and Robert
Lilley.

I think the wasserboxer to be an engine well balanced to the vanagon, and when
overhauled, if certain issues of performance are addressed, you can get good
power from the engine as well as long life.

John Rodgers


Robert Tippey wrote:

> Hello Vanagon Friends
>
>     I'm new to the list but not THE CAR.
>     I read a message written by John Benditt in which he mentions
>     adding a blower for 150 HP. Has there been any R&orD regarding this
>     application? I like my wasserboxer but more power is appealing.
>     NO, I don't want a Subaru or other unrelated transplant option, thanks.
>
>     Rob  '91 Syncro