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Volkswagen ABV specs: 2.9L (174.6 ci) 6-cylinder, 82 x 90.3 mm (3.2283 x 3.5551 in) bore and stroke, 10:1 compression. Rated 187 hp. SOHC.
The Volkswagen VR6 (ABV) is undersquare — the 3.5551" stroke exceeds the 3.2283" bore by 9.2% — 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 29.1 ci (477 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. Factory fitments include the Volkswagen Corrado VR6, Volkswagen Golf Mk3 VR6 (Europe), Volkswagen Passat B4 VR6 (Europe).
| Displacement | 174.6 ci / 2.9 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.2283" |
| Stroke | 3.5551" |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 0.908 |
| Block material | cast iron |
|---|---|
| Head material | aluminum |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Advertised HP | 187 hp |
| Bore/stroke character | 0.908 — 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 | 29.1 ci |
| Static compression | 10:1 — in the range that usually runs on pump premium |
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