Date:         Sat, 17 Nov 2001 19:06:14 EST
Reply-To:     Wolfvan88@AOL.COM
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Robert Lilley <Wolfvan88@AOL.COM>
Subject:      Re: How much power can a stock FI make?
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

The stock FI setup is also used on the 2.5L upgrades.
Probably can handle go to 150~180 hp

>>>aircraft-grade head bolts

Head studs other than stock can pull out of the case during thermal expansion
of the engine.

>>>ceramic-coated heads and pistons

The coatings put a barrier between the aluminum head and the rubber head
gasket. With this barrier the head cannot corrode due to coolant contact.
Another benefit is the better controlling of heat,

>>>ratio rockers

The ratio rockers increase low end power and overall power.  Making the ports
bigger to increase airflow kills low end power. Polishing the intake ports
also kills low end power and can make fuel pool in the intakes at low speed.

You can clean up the intake port, keeping the wall slightly rough, then If
you match port the intake port gasket to the intake port then match the air
runners to the intake port gasket to increase air flow.

>>> lightweight valve train

Eliminates the need for stronger springs.  Stronger springs or spring
pressure reduce power and increases cam and lifter wear.



>>>Counterweighted crank

 Increases bearing life, makes the crank stronger, enables the flywheel to be
lightened a few pounds, reduces engine vibrations, makes rods run true and
keeps them from being side loaded, increases horse power, makes engine last
longer.

You would not need to do this IF YOU DO NOT:
-Rev the engine past 4000 rpms
-Do not accelerate hard


Many WBX engines are run at high rpm, at this rpm the uncounterweighted crank
FLEXES in the middle...



>>>Mr. = Lilley has never proven there value to me.

The modifications I made only increase the WBX's life SEEMS Bob is like many
companies that DO NOT WANT their product to last LONG.  Bob probably makes a
good rebuild (No experience but only read) but only wants to make it last
about as long as a stock engine not beyond.

Adding power to a stock engine can shorten its service life. When you
increase the HP in an engine, there are other areas that need to be addressed
to make the engine live a long life. I want my engine to live past the
100,000 to 150,000 mile life.

It is true that Bob and I disagree on several points.
I am based my modifications on 18 years of VW experience, GBE, Machine shop
experts and other performance engine specialists. I see that the WBX shares
some of the problems with the T1 engine.

Robert