Does size matter

[sonny8l3]

Hello, I have a 1600 motor. If I put a larger motor on my trike, would that increase the cruising speed, or is that determined by tranny gearing. If not, what would be the advantage if I'm NOT figuring on drag racing or hauling freight. Thanks for your time.

[DeathBySnuSnu]

With a stock engine, trans, tires......if 70mph is 4000rpm.

Then.

You put a 2332 in it.......70mph will still be 4000rpm.

The big motor will accelerate faster and pull more load, will be quicker but not faster.

Now if you change the gearing, or if you change the rpm limit of the engine, then you can get more speed.

So what is your objective here?

[DeathBySnuSnu]

Well.....

I really expected to answer some questions and/or expound on this subject quite a bit.

But anyway...

So a stock late model beetle which is a 1600 dual port has a top speed of 78 to 82 mph. It was originally meant to cruise at 70mph with very little left. Modern tires that are the "equivalent" of the tall skinny bias plies are actually a bit shorter. The reduction in diameter brings down the top speed and leaves you with a comfortable cruise of 65mph.

Older smaller engined models had even lower gearing and their top speed is lower.

The easiest way to get a little better highway cruise mph is to increase tire diameter. Keep the width down as big wide tires take more power than tall skinnies.

[sonny8l3]

Hello, I apologize for the late response, I got side tracked for a few days. I wasn't sure if, like pick up trucks, there is a chunk in the rear end that could be changed to adjust low end or top end performance. I was looking to see if I could lower my cruising RPMs easily. I reckon I will keep what I've go, it's doing a fine job. Thanks for your time,