VR6 engines...

[joop1987]

It's difficult to package a DOHC in a VR6. Too much stuff in a small space. My co worker had a head gasket leak in his and traded it in.

[fly2low]

VR6 allows for a more compact packaging and cheaper cost. It is a narrow angle V6 with one instead of two cylinder head.

In my car, I feel that it behaves more like I6 than V6, happy to be revved.


Having said that, if I might do a related question to OP's: I never understand why some people like to have V6 in their FWD cars. Sure, the powerband is smoother but the dynamics of the car is ruined. Nose heavy and plowing at turns.

If I have to get a fwd car, I will go with the I4 offering.

[fly2low]

Originally Posted by joop1987

It's difficult to package a DOHC in a VR6. Too much stuff in a small space. My co worker had a head gasket leak in his and traded it in.

VW's VR6 is DOHC. "Dual overhead camshaft, chain driven, four valves per cylinder, maintenance free hydraulic lifters, variable intake timing"

[JesseE]

Originally Posted by jaynutter2

Isn't the VR6 notorious for being unreliable and breaking down?

every single vw/audi has that same problem... its due to design not so much the "vr6" part... its just anything vw touches, it fucks up.... bad

[Flat Black VW]

Originally Posted by fly2low

VW's VR6 is DOHC. "Dual overhead camshaft, chain driven, four valves per cylinder, maintenance free hydraulic lifters, variable intake timing"

not all, there is a 12v and a 24v. 12v was in the MKIII and MKIV until 2002 or 2003 iirc, then the MKIV had a 24v. Rs are 24v.

Originally Posted by JesseE

every single vw/audi has that same problem... its due to design not so much the "vr6" part... its just anything vw touches, it fucks up.... bad

From my experience with far too many VWs is that engines are generally fine, electrical systems are where they screw up. Ive had a couple VRs that treated me VERY well, I still have one of them that has become a long term project.

To the OP, the VR is a great engine IMO, I have an OBDII MKIV 12v in a jetta that has become my long term project and will be converted to AWD. In the US we only received the VR as FWD (exception for the R32s) but in europe they were available as 4motion jettas. There are a few people who have done AWD conversions but it is very labor intensive. Ive always wanted to buy a rabbit truck and put a VR in the back, but whenever I think about it I realize if I were to truly put that much time and energy into a caddy there are many other engines I would choose first.

[Flat Black VW]

Originally Posted by dorifuto

The Bugatti veyron uses this type of witchcraft in the w16

In a way, for the W16 they basically took what would be the equivalent of two VR8s and put them in a regular V layout. Pictures explain better:

[fly2low]

Thanks for the correction. I meant current VW VR6. You ve been a vw enthusiast longer than i do. This is only my 2nd veedub.


Btw there are current awd vr6 offerings. I m not sure why you said fwd only?
Touareg, passat, cc

[fly2low]

Here is a pic of vr6 of my car, just for fun

[ianz28]

Originally Posted by fly2low

Here is a pic of vr6 of my car, just for fun

Pretty sure that is just a normal V6

[HunterGreene]

To ask why these aren't more widespread, there was an issue that I recall with the cylinder walls being too thin and failing earlier than expected.

[funbeatsfast]

The concept behind the VR6 is almost the opposite of a flat engine. Taller, higher center of gravity compared to a 60 degree V6 for packaging purposes. Likely a little longer than a comparable V configuration (though I'd have to verify), which makes it even less ideal for a RWD application. So, all around less than ideal. And yet... replacing the audi I4 in a porshe 944 with a VR6 could be a fun LeMons car

[fly2low]

It is a VR6. VW decided to label the same engine VR6 in some cars and V6 in the others. VW only has one 6-cyl non-hybrid gas engine offering for U.S. market.

[JDLAutoDesign]

Its pretty common to swap VRs into B5 Quattros and turbo the piss out of it. Its what I would do it I was to own another VW

[SkullWorks]

as far as AUDI products go smart money sticks with the standard 2.7l V6 (not VR) for real HP. I have one of these blocks next door and while very compact in size, weighs the same or maybe more (bare block) than a SBC 350 block (bare block)

VR is a cool motor no doubt, just no real benefit for a RWD car, (as mentioned numerous times already)

it would be cool for MR cars because it leaves more room on both sides for Turbos due to 15 degree V instead of 60 or 90,

As far as FWD applications go, I couldn't possibly care any less.