[T3] Max rpm

[Dennis Stiefel]

In real work driving I am usually nowhere near redline, unless I am fight an
uphill freeway onramp.  According to my tach I'm never over 4000 rpm, but
there's slight lag in the analog gauge.  My personal limits, based on how it
feels, is 20 in first (rarely if ever seen), 35 or so in second, and 55-60
in third.  I top out at 80 and rarely hold that, though she will do so
willingly.  In fact, she likes running 70 better then 60, probably due to
being further up the power curve,more responsive and able to maintain that
speed without a lot of throttle movement.

I made a spreadsheet thatI calibrated to the tables VW gives in their owners
manual for my '71.  All you have to do in input your gear ratios (again,
from the owners manual for your year) and the tire circumference, which is
easily found online or measured on your spare wheel.  It also has the
automatic ratios.

I back fitted the rpm that give you VW's stated top speed of 84 mph.  The
normal redline is bout 4100 rpm using this table.  However, the 43mph figure
in second gear yields is an eyebrow-raising 4800 rpm!

A screenshot is at:
http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/465522.jpg

I can email it to anyone who wants it.  Send me an email at:
philhof2002 at yahoo.com

-Phil Hof
_______________________________________________
Gee if a 71 is geared the same as a 72 than this means I was cranking well
over 6000 RPMs doing 60 MPH in 2nd. I done this more than once. I surprised
it lasted a year and a half looking back.

Dennis Stiefel
72 Fastback FI MT
71 STD. Beetle
67 Ford F-100 (hart of Crown Vic)
Rainsville, AL