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Volkswagen AAA 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 172 hp. SOHC.
The Volkswagen VR6 (AAA) 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 11 engines in the VR6 family, sitting between the 170.4 ci and 219.6 ci members. Factory fitments include the Volkswagen Golf Mk3, Volkswagen Jetta Mk3, Volkswagen Corrado and 3 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 | 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 |
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