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Volkswagen BDF specs: 2.8L (170.4 ci) 6-cylinder, 81 x 90.3 mm (3.1890 x 3.5551 in) bore and stroke, 10.7:1 compression. Rated 200 hp, 2002–2005.
The Volkswagen VR6 (BDF) 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 28.4 ci (465 cc).
10.7:1 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, the smallest at 170.4 ci. 4 factory variants share these dimensions, rated at 200 hp across 2002–2005.
| Displacement | 170.4 ci / 2.8 L |
|---|---|
| Bore | 3.189" |
| Stroke | 3.5551" |
| Cylinders | 6 |
| Compression ratio | 10.7:1 * |
| Bore/stroke ratio | 0.897 |
* Compression ratio from a single source; not yet cross-verified.
| Block material | cast iron |
|---|---|
| Head material | aluminum |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Fuel type | gas |
| Advertised HP | 200 hp |
| Years | 2002–2005 |
| Year | Version | HP @ rpm | Torque @ rpm | Comp. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | BDF net | 200 @ 6200 | 195 lb-ft @ 3200 | 10.5:1 |
| 2003 | BDF net | 200 @ 6200 | 195 lb-ft @ 3200 | 10.5:1 |
| 2004 | BDF net | 200 @ 6200 | 195 lb-ft @ 3200 | 10.5:1 |
| 2005 | BDF net | 200 | 195 lb-ft | — |
Factory specification sheet.
| 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 | 28.4 ci |
| Static compression | 10.7:1 — 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 200 hp | BDF |
| 2003 | 200 hp | BDF |
| 2004 | 200 hp | BDF |
| 2005 | 200 hp | BDF |
2 factory vehicles, 2002–2005. Each year opens that model's engine table.