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Volkswagen VR6 specs: 2.8L (173.6 ci) 6-cylinder, 81 x 90.3 mm (3.1890 x 3.5551 in) bore and stroke, 10:1 compression. Rated 140-172 hp. SOHC.
The Volkswagen VR6 is undersquare — the 3.5551" stroke exceeds the 3.189" bore by 10.3% — a layout that trades peak RPM for leverage and torque low in the range. The 3.5551" stroke puts mean piston speed at 4,000 ft/min around 6,750 RPM, which is where a production bottom end is generally considered at its limit. Each of the 6 cylinders displaces 28.9 ci (474 cc).
10:1 on aluminum heads is in the range that usually runs on pump premium; aluminum sheds heat faster than iron, which makes the same number a little more forgiving.
It is one of 5 engines in the VR6 family, sitting between the 170.4 ci and 219.6 ci members. 2 factory variants share these dimensions, rated from 140 to 172 hp. Factory fitments include the Volkswagen Eurovan, Volkswagen Golf Mk3, Volkswagen Jetta Mk3 and 4 others.
| Displacement | 173.6 ci / 2.8 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.189" |
| Stroke | 3.5551" |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 0.897 |
| Block material | cast iron |
|---|---|
| Head material | aluminum |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Advertised HP | 140–172 hp |
| Bore/stroke character | 0.897 — undersquare — stroke exceeds bore, which favours low-end torque |
|---|---|
| Mean piston speed at 6,000 RPM | 3,555 ft/min — in the range typical of performance street engines |
| Displacement per cylinder | 28.9 ci |
| Static compression | 10:1 — in the range that usually runs on pump premium |
Each link opens the calculator with this engine's specs already filled in.
These records share identical bore, stroke, displacement and compression. They differ by model year and factory power rating.
| Year | Advertised HP | Code |
|---|---|---|
| — | 140 hp | AES |
| — | 172 hp | AAA, AAA (OBD2), AAY |