just wondering where everyone changes gears on stock VW type 1 engines? ive got a pretty recently rebuilt 1600 single port and generally change at 3k maybe 3.5k if i feel like it.

where does a VW engine with stock internals redline?
where does everyone like to change gears?

Nick

3-3.5k for beetle (1600) and kombi (2000), 4k if I'm keen.
I know a lot go higher though.
Stock type 4 motor factory fitted rev limiters were ~4.5-5k from memory.

the stock 1600 redlines when she starts valve bouncing, thats when u change gears coz she aint gonna go ney faster in that gear!

Sounds like a typical answer for you :duh
How many kg did the factory balance to again? :blush

I asked the Vee Dub centre here the same question and I was told that they can handle 7500rpm!! I have never gone that far but my buggy regularly sees 5000 rpm off road and nothing bad has happened (yet).

are u talking about a STOCK 1600? or a 1600 with a counterweighted crank etc? cause i was under the impression that 4500rpm was about the highest you could take them without bending a pushrod or something!!

i wouldnt even take most new ricers to 7500.

Just for interests sake, we were talking rotaries yesterday. Apparently some mob decided to rev one to it's max before it let go. It got to 55,000rpm before giving up. An interesting bit of trivia.

Squiz....

holy god damn! 55,000 revs!!!! what rotory was it? a stock engine or custom? 12a? 13b? 20b?

I think it was either a 12a or 13b. That had to keep on advancing the timing as it was getting fuel starvation. Also everyone hid as it got higher and higher. Another mob did 47,000rpm. I'll have to check my sources to see where they got the info from.

Squiz....

i wouldnt like to be the lucky bastard who sat there advancing the timing.

My engine is mostly stock with a mild cam but improved rocker arms. I don't think you really need to rev a stock engine past 4000 anyway as you don't accelerate any more past 4000. I only rev to 5000 to keep up the momentum in soft sand, when changing gears could mean getting bogged.

with my 72 Type 3 notchback..
1st to 2nd.. around 10-15mph
2nd to 3rd ...25-30mph (35 if i'm really pushing it)
3rd to 4th ... 35-40mph if cruising, 45-50 if getting to highway speeds.
highway speed for me is about 55-60mph.. fast enough
i've heard of people saying on this forum that a stock type 3 can go off the clock.. 90mph for me... but i really doubt my car could do that!!

Revving the crap out of a rotary is one thing, but if you want a VW dong to sing, balance the crank properly, debur and polish all internal galleries, high lift cam, double stronger valve springs and some decent push rods... But then, Volksie motors sound best and perform best when they're not over revving. Just need good timing, gearing and fuel delivery...

I cant say what revs my car is doing as it has no tacho. If i am cruising my gear shifts are as follows -
1st to 2nd @ 10mph
2nd to 3rd @ 25mph
3rd to 4th @ 30-35mph

If i am racing the motor for god knows what reasons
Shifts are as follows -

1st to 2nd @ 25mph
2nd to 3rd @ 40-45mph
3rd to 4th @ 65mph
Max speed (85-90mph on flat ground)
(Oil light on down hill run (apx - 100mph)

Motor is a rebuilt Singleport 1600. Nothing special.

mmmm stock not much point in more than 4500, with heavy single springs mine bent a valve at 8100rpm, (don't ask, screwed down change into the left handers at qld raceway )

stock rev limit is 5500 or so with the stock carb - the carb throttle is small enough to restrict it to this apparently.

I dont really like roads that are 80km/h uphill because it is a bit too much for 3rd gear and it feels like you are lugging it in 4th