TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Jul 18, 2008 10:22 pm

my 85 GL turns about 3800-4000 at 70mph with stock 14" tires and wheels. is that winding it up to much? I have been trying to stay around 60 mph for better mpg's. got 18.8 mpg last tank. after a full year of ownership of my first Vanagon I'm finally replacing the fuel lines this weekend. started just before 8 p.m. and ran out of light.seems pretty easy so far. I got the kit from Van Cafe. what is that 12mm hose for? I know some of you have used this kit,any help would be great. thanks

Sat Jul 19, 2008 7:25 am

Bruce Wayne wrote: my 85 GL turns about 3800-4000 at 70mph with stock 14" tires and wheels. is that winding it up to much? I have been trying to stay around 60 mph for better mpg's. got 18.8 mpg last tank. after a full year of ownership of my first Vanagon I'm finally replacing the fuel lines this weekend. started just before 8 p.m. and ran out of light.seems pretty easy so far. I got the kit from Van Cafe. what is that 12mm hose for? I know some of you have used this kit,any help would be great. thanks

Yea, 70 near 4000 look right and normal. And i think it's a bit high to drive it like that all day. But that me. With the Subi i added a hight fourth gear so i would loose 500rpm. Sound way better.

There is an old saying about that, keep a max 2/3 of engine power (red line) for long long drive.

Yea the FI hose job is quite easy, i don't know what is that 12mm hose?

Good luck
Ben

Sat Jul 19, 2008 2:19 pm

I confirm
4000 rpm at 70 mph is what a few vanagons I've driven get.

but you do want o keep it around 55-60 mph becasue these were madebac when that was the max speed you could drive and the engine and trannie were'nt made to do continual 70 mph

Sat Jul 19, 2008 2:28 pm

I think the 12mm hose is for use in the tank-filter-pump area.

Sat Jul 19, 2008 5:38 pm

yeah I looked by the pump,it's 12mm but only about 3 inches long.I got about 2 feet in the kit. the rest of the new fuel lines are all installed.I need to get some of that protective heat shield stuff that was on the old fuel lines.I reused some of it ,but some of it was pretty crispy.also added a new air filter since I had the box off and changed the oil.

Sat Jul 19, 2008 6:25 pm

That rpm and speed isn't harmful to the engine or tranny, even for extended periods. These vehicles were designed to operate flat-out all day long. I actually can't get my mind around why everyone thinks they need to be babied, but with the state that some of them are in I suppose it's a good idea. But a well-kept and tuned WBX can cruise as fast as you feel comfortable driving it. The one problem that develops, though, is escalating oil temps during extended high-rpm operation. That is one thing that should be addressed with extra oil cooling in order to run at high speed with confidence indefinitely.

Sat Jul 19, 2008 8:42 pm

tencentlife wrote: That rpm and speed isn't harmful to the engine or tranny, even for extended periods. These vehicles were designed to operate flat-out all day long. I actually can't get my mind around why everyone thinks they need to be babied, but with the state that some of them are in I suppose it's a good idea. But a well-kept and tuned WBX can cruise as fast as you feel comfortable driving it. The one problem that develops, though, is escalating oil temps during extended high-rpm operation. That is one thing that should be addressed with extra oil cooling in order to run at high speed with confidence indefinitely.

First, you said that they can... and after you say that they need an optional oill cooling system? Can they or not?

Many have driven the van at RPM for years, it all went well... for some, for other's, not so... so you are taking a 50/50 chance over reving that engine. Come on, it's a push rod engine, built for torque and not RPM, we all know that in a stok configuration that they have nothing left after 4500rpm.

Tenc, as much as i have respect for your work and post here, i do think the VW Boxer should be babied... and respected.

You say: a well-kept and tuned WBX can cruise as fast as you feel comfortable driving it
Well, that is the main problem, they are not well maintain!!!

Not so long ago, i had over 8 core in the back of my shop with a hole in it!

A Subi engine is starting to have fun at 4500rpm... until the cut off at 7200rpm.

I have driven and felt both side of the force :-) there is simply nothing to compare.

I'm finishing /testing a 2.5L 07 Impreza 176hp conversion in a light weekender... OUFFFFFF......

This one is a rocket ship.
http://www.benplace.com/fabian.htm

Cheers, Ben