In a message dated 6/1/01 10:48:19 PM Eastern Daylight Time,
andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz writes:
That's a decent speed. You may or may not have been able to do more,
despite the easy cruise at 90. I think listees will be interested to see
how your engine holds up with time, especially if you drive it reasonably
hard (acceleration, not so much speed). I will too. Unfortunately one or
even 20 long-term reliable Lilley engines will not be statistically
significant, but I guess they would be some sort of hint. I hope for your
sake that yours and Mick' s, at least, are reliable long-term.
I have over 40,000 miles on my engine with no engine related problems.
I can go faster, but would not like the ticket...
And as far as reliability, the WBX is basically a modified improved T1
engine. The changes I made to the design of the engine are what MANY T1
engine builders do to increase the life of the air-cooled engines:
counterweighted cranks, balancing, stronger valve train parts that eliminate
weak weaker parts (solid rocker shafts, stronger valve spring retainers,
roller tip rocker arms, etc.) match porting exhaust and intake systems, cam
profiles (not wild but better suited to engine) better mufflers, careful
assembly are all used to increase the life of T1 engines. The use of proven
performance parts adds power, reliability and when carefully match, an
increase in efficiency that transforms into better mpg.
The only real question is the use of ceramic coatings to seal the headgasket
surface and the "life" of the headgaskets. I believe that the surface will
not corrode because it is not in an environment that would cause it to peal
off, I.E. combustion, and should protect the aluminum. And as far as "life"
of the gasket, it should be extended because of the reduction of heat that
the coatings provide. IF and when the gaskets go, I will only have to
replace the gasket, the heads should be fine.
Less than the cost of changing the timing belt in some conversions...
The use of the "Chip" should help also because the engine will run cooler and
better, increasing the life of the engine.
The coatings on the exhaust also help to further reduce the heat in the
engine compartment to make the engine last longer along with all the rubber
parts and FI parts.
So, I do not think that I have done anything to shorten the life of the
engine only extend it. In my driving, I rarely need to go past 4500 rpms to
get to speed (usually only first, due to the low first, even with the .457,
the 4.11 gear is the lowest that fits in the five speed nose cone and it is
low) after 1st it is @3600 to normal shift (unless I am accelerating hard)
So, if the average 2.1L engine life is @150,000 miles mine should exceed
that, 200,000+ miles? Time will tell...
If VW did it my way, many Vanagon owners would not complain about a lack of
power or reliability...
Except those that like 0 to 100 in 4 seconds...
Robert