| Vanagon 30-50 3rd gear challenge | ||||||||||||
| Are you up for a challenge? This is not a competition but an attempt to get baseline figures of performance for different Vanagon types, engines, mods, years etc. | ||||||||||||
| It's quite simple if you want to participate. | ||||||||||||
| 1. Make sure your vehicle is reasonably empty. | ||||||||||||
| 2. Find a flat section of road (no cheating). | ||||||||||||
| 3. Drive in 3rd gear at a steady 30 mph. | ||||||||||||
| 4. Time full-throttle acceleration from a steady 30 mph to 50 mph with a stop watch. | ||||||||||||
| 5. Email the results to mrpolak@yahoo.com with "30-50 challenge" in the subject line and your information as in the table below. | ||||||||||||
| P.S. There are no unimportant results. If your time is same as someone else's, submit anyway for statistics' sake. Necessary evil disclaimer: Try at your own risk. I'm not responsible for any blown engines, accidents or disappointments. Death or serious injury may occur. | ||||||||||||
| Scroll down to see results sorted by time. | ||||||||||||
| Order by engine type, displacement, model: | ||||||||||||
| Year | Model | Time | Engine Type | Displ | Miles | Mods | Trans | Mods | Tires | Fuel tank state | Notes | |
| 85 | Westfalia | 6.6 | Zetec | 2.0 | 18,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 1.0 | Fully loaded for camping + wife and dog on board | |
| 87 | Syncro | 5.6 | Zetec | 2.0 | Turbo | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.5 | 4th gear 13.09s. Testing by Jim Akiba himself over a 3run average, so you know they are accurate. Turbo kit on a Bostig conversion. Ssssssssmoking! | ||
| 86 | Westfalia Syncro | 8.4 | Zetec | 2.0 | 30,000 | 4-sp | n/a | 195R14 | 1.0 | 2 adults, 1 kid on board. | ||
| 89 | GL Wolfsburg | 9.8 | WBX | 1.0 | 130,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.3 | A/C, p/s | |
| 85 | Adventurewagen Hi-Top | 13.3 | WBX | 1.9 | 70,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.1 | ||
| 85 | GL | 9.4 | WBX | 1.9 | 130,000 | S&S header, bullet-pack muffler | auto | n/a | 235/75 15 | 0.8 | ||
| 84 | Westfalia | 11.0 | WBX | 1.9 | 170,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 195R14 | 0.5 | extra 100lbs, tall tires, 800 ft asl, 75F temp | |
| 89 | Adventurewagen Hi-Top | 14.2 | WBX | 2.1 | 41,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 195R14 | 1.0 | FULLY LOADED: Full water, propane tanks, 2 adults, 3 children, 2 bikes and camping gear for 1 week | |
| 90 | Carat | 11.0 | WBX | 2.1 | no Cat, no O2 sensor, big muffler | auto | n/a | 205R14 | 1.0 | |||
| 87 | Doppelkabine Syncro | 15.0 | WBX | 2.1 | 99,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 235/75 15 | 0.2 | DJ-code WBX (112hp), elevation 10 meters (30 feet) | |
| 90 | GL | 9.0 | WBX | 2.1 | 70,000 | Boston Bob ported, Stebro muffler | 4-sp | Weddle 4.57 | 205/70 14 | 0.5 | extra 300lb | |
| 90 | GL | 8.2 | WBX | 2.1 | 60,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.3 | ||
| 89 | GL Wolfsburg | 8.9 | WBX | 2.1 | 134,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 205/70 14 | 0.3 | 24K on top end, 900 ft asl, light rain, zero agl | |
| 83 | Vanagon | 10.0 | WBX | 2.1 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 195R14 | 0.5 | extra 310lbs | ||
| 89 | Westfalia | 8.0 | WBX | 2.1 | 169,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 215/60 16 | 0.5 | ||
| 88 | Westfalia | 8.8 | WBX | 2.1 | 203,000 | n/a | 5-sp | n/a | 205/75 14 | 1.0 | lightly loaded | |
| 84 | Westfalia | 8.0 | WBX | 2.1 | 89,000 | DJ-code WBX, full stainless exhaust with Stebro stainless muffler | 4.sp | n/a | 195R14 | 0.3 | DJ-code WBX, 112 bhp, 10:1 compression. Full swap with authentic harness ECU, sensors, cooling system. 180lb of kids on board and some minor camping equip. 176K on body, 89K on engine. | |
| 86 | Westfalia Syncro | 10.5 | WBX | 2.1 | 153,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.5 | Empty | |
| 87 | Westfalia Wolfsburg ("Weekender") | 8.5 | WBX | 2.1 | 145,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 215/65 15 | 0.5 | ||
| 87 | Westfalia Wolfsburg ("Weekender") | 9.2 | WBX | 2.1 | 143,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.3 | 45/55 PSI in tires, 500ft asl | |
| 87 | Westfalia Wolfsburg ("Weekender") | 9.5 | WBX | 2.1 | 130,000 | 1.25 rockers, S&S header, Dynamax muffler, K&N air filter | 4.sp | n/a | 245/40 18 | 0.8 | Non-GL Camper, no built-in appliances, 3,800 lb curb weigh, 130k miles on VW of Canada motor, 275,000 miles on body | |
| 83 | Westfalia | 11.3 | WBX | 2.2 | 30,000 | GoWesty special | 4-sp | n/a | 215/75 15 | 0.3 | Van loaded for camping. GoWesty 2.2L with 1.9L Digijet ECU/harness. | |
| 87 | Westfalia Wolfsburg ("Weekender") | 8.3 | WBX | 2.2 | 30,000 | GoWesty special | 4-sp | n/a | 225/60 16 | 0.5 | 200lb extra stuff, 700 ft asl (above sea level) | |
| 85 | Westfalia | 8.0 | WBX | 2.3 | 3,000 | GoWesty special | auto | n/a | 27x8.5 14 | 0.5 | ||
| 87 | Westfalia | 7.5 | WBX | 2.5 | GoWesty 2.5 special | 5-sp | GW special | 215/60 16 | 1.0 | Michelin Hydroedge tires, GoWesty 2.5L engine with 5-speed GoWesty gearbox | ||
| 85 | GL | 6.0 | VW VR6 12V | 2.8 | 120,000 | Chipped, custom exhaust | 4-sp | n/a | 225/75 15 | 1.0 | Elevation 1200 ft, did 4.2s in 2nd gear. :-) | |
| 85 | Westfalia | 6.0 | VW I-4 1.8T | 1.8 | 50,000 | APR Chip, custom exhaust | 4-sp | n/a | 215/75 15 | 0.3 | ||
| 90 | Westfalia Syncro | 6.4 | VW I-4 1.8T | 1.8 | Chipped ECU, 2/5;; exhaust/K&N air filter | 4-sp | .77 4th gear | 235/70 15 | 0.5 | 98F of heat in Sacramento - turbo would do even better in colder temps | ||
| 87 | Westfalia | 8.5 | VW I-4 | 2.0 | 20,000 | Eurospec | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.3 | extra 150lbs | |
| 85 | Westfalia | 8.0 | VW I-4 | 2.0 | 10,000 | Tiico | auto | revalved | 235/50 15 | 1.0 | Average of two way run in a head wind | |
| 80 | Westfalia | 9.5 | Type IV | 2.0 | 20,000 | Stock Boston Bob | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.8 | ||
| 86 | Custom Camper | 7.5 | TDI | 1.9 | n/a | 5-sp | 1.14 4th | 30x9.5x15 | 1.0 | Fully loaded for camping + cat, elevation 8000 ft. | ||
| 89 | Westfalia | 4.0 | TDI | 2.5 | 35,000 | Stage 2 chip | 5-sp | see notes | 225/75 16 | 1.8 | Trans mods: 2 1.88 3 1.08 4 .70 4.86R&P, TWO tanks, 5500lbs | |
| 82 | Westfalia | 9.8 | TD | 1.6 | intercooled | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.5 | Loaded, ready to camp | ||
| 91 | GL | 8.5 | TD | 1.9 | 80,000 | K&N filter | 4-sp | n/a | 225/65 17 | 0.5 | ||
| 85 | Westfalia | 7.2 | TD | 1.9 | 10,000 | Giles pump, air/water intercooler, T3 tubo, 2.5'' exhaust, 16 psi boost | 4-sp | n/a | 215R14C | 0.8 | Michelin XCD tire, 27,5'' OD, 1/2 tank of propane. | |
| 91 | Westfalia | 4.5 | SVX | 3.3 | 116,000 | headers | 4-sp | granny low | 225/60 16 | 0.5 | ||
| 85 | Westfalia | 4.2 | SVX | 3.3 | 72,000 | headers | 4-sp | 1:13 3rd | 225/55 16 | 1.0 | ||
| 88 | Westfalia Syncro | 8.5 | SVX | 3.3 | stage 1 v5 chip | 5-sp | 1.08 3rd gear | 215/75 16 | 0.5 | Fully loaded plus canoe | ||
| 95 | Adventurewagen Hi-Top | 7.1 | Sub | 2.2 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 184R14 | 0.3 | |||
| 84 | Vanagon | 6.5 | Sub | 2.2 | n/a | 4.sp | n/a | 225/60 16 | 0.5 | |||
| 84 | Westfalia | 6.2 | Sub | 2.2 | 50,000 | Cone intake | 4.sp | n/a | 195/75 14 | 0.6 | 5000ft asl, no A/C, no P/S | |
| 90 | GL | 5.4 | Sub | 2.5 | 85,000 | n/a | auto | n/a | 215/65 15 | 0.3 | 89 octane fuel | |
| 85 | Westfalia | 4.9 | Sub | 2.5 | 28,000 | Shaved heads, valve mods, P&P intake, custom air filter | 4-sp | .77 4th gear | 205/65 15 | 0.5 | Van loaded for camping. Engine rated 191hp, dyno tested. Benny Boy's ride. | |
| 84 | Westfalia Wolfsburg ("Weekender") | 5.9 | Sub | 2.5 | 35,000 | n/a | auto | n/a | 225/65 17 | 0.5 | ||
| 82 | Vanagon | never | NA Diesel | 1.6 | 15,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 1.0 | 3rd gear 30-50mph is not possible ;-) | |
| 82 | Westfalia | 33.0 | NA Diesel | 1.6 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.5 | Done in 4th gear | ||
| Order by time: | ||||||||||||
| Year | Model | Time | Engine Type | Displ | Miles | Mods | Trans | Mods | Tires | Fuel tank state | Notes | |
| 89 | Westfalia | 4.0 | TDI | 2.5 | 35,000 | Stage 2 chip | 5-sp | see notes | 225/75 16 | 1.8 | Trans mods: 2 1.88 3 1.08 4 .70 4.86R&P, TWO tanks, 5500lbs | |
| 85 | Westfalia | 4.2 | SVX | 3.3 | 72,000 | headers | 4-sp | 1:13 3rd | 225/55 16 | 1.0 | ||
| 91 | Westfalia | 4.5 | SVX | 3.3 | 116,000 | headers | 4-sp | granny low | 225/60 16 | 0.5 | ||
| 85 | Westfalia | 4.9 | Sub | 2.5 | 28,000 | Shaved heads, valve mods, P&P intake, custom air filter | 4-sp | .77 4th gear | 205/65 15 | 0.5 | Van loaded for camping. Engine rated 191hp, dyno tested. Benny Boy's ride. | |
| 90 | GL | 5.4 | Sub | 2.5 | 85,000 | n/a | auto | n/a | 215/65 15 | 0.3 | 89 octane fuel | |
| 87 | Syncro | 5.6 | Zetec | 2.0 | Turbo | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.5 | 4th gear 13.09s. Testing by Jim Akiba himself over a 3run average, so you know they are accurate. Turbo kit on a Bostig conversion. Ssssssssmoking! | ||
| 84 | Westfalia Wolfsburg ("Weekender") | 5.9 | Sub | 2.5 | 35,000 | n/a | auto | n/a | 225/65 17 | 0.5 | ||
| 85 | Westfalia | 6.0 | VW I-4 1.8T | 1.8 | 50,000 | APR Chip, custom exhaust | 4-sp | n/a | 215/75 15 | 0.3 | ||
| 85 | GL | 6.0 | VW VR6 12V | 2.8 | 120,000 | Chipped, custom exhaust | 4-sp | n/a | 225/75 15 | 1.0 | Elevation 1200 ft, did 4.2s in 2nd gear. :-) | |
| 84 | Westfalia | 6.2 | Sub | 2.2 | 50,000 | Cone intake | 4.sp | n/a | 195/75 14 | 0.6 | 5000ft asl, no A/C, no P/S | |
| 90 | Westfalia Syncro | 6.4 | VW I-4 1.8T | 1.8 | Chipped ECU, 2/5;; exhaust/K&N air filter | 4-sp | .77 4th gear | 235/70 15 | 0.5 | 98F of heat in Sacramento - turbo would do even better in colder temps | ||
| 84 | Vanagon | 6.5 | Sub | 2.2 | n/a | 4.sp | n/a | 225/60 16 | 0.5 | |||
| 85 | Westfalia | 6.6 | Zetec | 2.0 | 18,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 1.0 | Fully loaded for camping + wife and dog on board | |
| 95 | Adventurewagen Hi-Top | 7.1 | Sub | 2.2 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 184R14 | 0.3 | |||
| 85 | Westfalia | 7.2 | TD | 1.9 | 10,000 | Giles pump, air/water intercooler, T3 tubo, 2.5'' exhaust, 16 psi boost | 4-sp | n/a | 215R14C | 0.8 | Michelin XCD tire, 27,5'' OD, 1/2 tank of propane. | |
| 86 | Custom Camper | 7.5 | TDI | 1.9 | n/a | 5-sp | 1.14 4th | 30x9.5x15 | 1.0 | Fully loaded for camping + cat, elevation 8000 ft. | ||
| 87 | Westfalia | 7.5 | WBX | 2.5 | GoWesty 2.5 special | 5-sp | GW special | 215/60 16 | 1.0 | Michelin Hydroedge tires, GoWesty 2.5L engine with 5-speed GoWesty gearbox | ||
| 85 | Westfalia | 8.0 | VW I-4 | 2.0 | 10,000 | Tiico | auto | revalved | 235/50 15 | 1.0 | Average of two way run in a head wind | |
| 89 | Westfalia | 8.0 | WBX | 2.1 | 169,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 215/60 16 | 0.5 | ||
| 84 | Westfalia | 8.0 | WBX | 2.1 | 89,000 | DJ-code WBX, full stainless exhaust with Stebro stainless muffler | 4.sp | n/a | 195R14 | 0.3 | DJ-code WBX, 112 bhp, 10:1 compression. Full swap with authentic harness ECU, sensors, cooling system. 180lb of kids on board and some minor camping equip. 176K on body, 89K on engine. | |
| 85 | Westfalia | 8.0 | WBX | 2.3 | 3,000 | GoWesty special | auto | n/a | 27x8.5 14 | 0.5 | ||
| 90 | GL | 8.2 | WBX | 2.1 | 60,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.3 | ||
| 87 | Westfalia Wolfsburg ("Weekender") | 8.3 | WBX | 2.2 | 30,000 | GoWesty special | 4-sp | n/a | 225/60 16 | 0.5 | 200lb extra stuff, 700 ft asl (above sea level) | |
| 86 | Westfalia Syncro | 8.4 | Zetec | 2.0 | 30,000 | 4-sp | n/a | 195R14 | 1.0 | 2 adults, 1 kid on board. | ||
| 91 | GL | 8.5 | TD | 1.9 | 80,000 | K&N filter | 4-sp | n/a | 225/65 17 | 0.5 | ||
| 87 | Westfalia | 8.5 | VW I-4 | 2.0 | 20,000 | Eurospec | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.3 | extra 150lbs | |
| 87 | Westfalia Wolfsburg ("Weekender") | 8.5 | WBX | 2.1 | 145,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 215/65 15 | 0.5 | ||
| 88 | Westfalia Syncro | 8.5 | SVX | 3.3 | stage 1 v5 chip | 5-sp | 1.08 3rd gear | 215/75 16 | 0.5 | Fully loaded plus canoe | ||
| 88 | Westfalia | 8.8 | WBX | 2.1 | 203,000 | n/a | 5-sp | n/a | 205/75 14 | 1.0 | lightly loaded | |
| 89 | GL Wolfsburg | 8.9 | WBX | 2.1 | 134,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 205/70 14 | 0.3 | 24K on top end, 900 ft asl, light rain, zero agl | |
| 90 | GL | 9.0 | WBX | 2.1 | 70,000 | Boston Bob ported, Stebro muffler | 4-sp | Weddle 4.57 | 205/70 14 | 0.5 | extra 300lb | |
| 87 | Westfalia Wolfsburg ("Weekender") | 9.2 | WBX | 2.1 | 143,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.3 | 45/55 PSI in tires, 500ft asl | |
| 85 | GL | 9.4 | WBX | 1.9 | 130,000 | S&S header, bullet-pack muffler | auto | n/a | 235/75 15 | 0.8 | ||
| 80 | Westfalia | 9.5 | Type IV | 2.0 | 20,000 | Stock Boston Bob | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.8 | ||
| 87 | Westfalia Wolfsburg ("Weekender") | 9.5 | WBX | 2.1 | 130,000 | 1.25 rockers, S&S header, Dynamax muffler, K&N air filter | 4.sp | n/a | 245/40 18 | 0.8 | Non-GL Camper, no built-in appliances, 3,800 lb curb weigh, 130k miles on VW of Canada motor, 275,000 miles on body | |
| 89 | GL Wolfsburg | 9.8 | WBX | 1.0 | 130,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.3 | A/C, p/s | |
| 82 | Westfalia | 9.8 | TD | 1.6 | intercooled | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.5 | Loaded, ready to camp | ||
| 83 | Vanagon | 10.0 | WBX | 2.1 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 195R14 | 0.5 | extra 310lbs | ||
| 86 | Westfalia Syncro | 10.5 | WBX | 2.1 | 153,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.5 | Empty | |
| 84 | Westfalia | 11.0 | WBX | 1.9 | 170,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 195R14 | 0.5 | extra 100lbs, tall tires, 800 ft asl, 75F temp | |
| 90 | Carat | 11.0 | WBX | 2.1 | no Cat, no O2 sensor, big muffler | auto | n/a | 205R14 | 1.0 | |||
| 83 | Westfalia | 11.3 | WBX | 2.2 | 30,000 | GoWesty special | 4-sp | n/a | 215/75 15 | 0.3 | Van loaded for camping. GoWesty 2.2L with 1.9L Digijet ECU/harness. | |
| 85 | Adventurewagen Hi-Top | 13.3 | WBX | 1.9 | 70,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.1 | ||
| 89 | Adventurewagen Hi-Top | 14.2 | WBX | 2.1 | 41,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 195R14 | 1.0 | FULLY LOADED: Full water, propane tanks, 2 adults, 3 children, 2 bikes and camping gear for 1 week | |
| 87 | Doppelkabine Syncro | 15.0 | WBX | 2.1 | 99,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 235/75 15 | 0.2 | DJ-code WBX (112hp), elevation 10 meters (30 feet) | |
| 82 | Westfalia | 33.0 | NA Diesel | 1.6 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 0.5 | Done in 4th gear | ||
| 82 | Vanagon | never | NA Diesel | 1.6 | 15,000 | n/a | 4-sp | n/a | 185R14 | 1.0 | 3rd gear 30-50mph is not possible ;-) | |