Re: "Smooth" VR6

[Edward Armstrong <armstron@crl.com>]

Eric said
> > try that in that fragile thin walled VR6 and your 
> > going to get meltdown.  The VW engineers that I had at my and my crews 
> > disposal on the ride and drive told me that that the VR6 could go up 
> > MAYBE 15% in hp before the block would twist it's self to death.  
> 

Eliot said
> and if you read my earlier posts, you will see that i also said that. and
> i also said that very few owners would tweak for more power in an
> atmospheric engine. 
> 

- There is room for more than subtle improvements to the VR6 power.
Just got done rereading an article on the New Dimensions Passat where they
got a 15% improvement with just chip/air filter/throttle body/intake 
polish/exhaust system job. I believe they are working on a turbo
conversion as well. An article by a English tuner took the VR6 to 260 hp
with more serious but apparently streetable mods. These articles were in
EC Jan '95. 

And don't forget the VSR intake manifold that can boosts midrange hp by
20. It's a straightforward but expensive conversion, though @ about $3000. 
These are examples of increasing hp in atmoshperic engines.

The ace in the hole for the VR6 as far as turbo mods go is its long
stroke design. This apparently lowers emissions and the VR6 is 
exceptionaly clean. Both Toyota and Audi and others are experiencing
increasing difficulty meeting emision standards with their turbo
motors especially with manual transmissions. Witness no manual trans
turbo Celcia anymore.

I really don't beleive the VR6 is even near its performance potential
in stock form. When its power ouput is increased and it is dropped
into a Sycro platform (Golf, Passat, whatever) you will have an
outstanding car.
   
                  My opinions only
                  - ed