VR6 engines have been produced since the 1980s by Volkswagen. The family belongs to a class of engines called V-Line. They are German-engineered engines with a unique design and sound.
The family consists of several engine variants found in mostly in cars. One version, called the Horex, is used in motorcycles. Since these engines are older, they are not as common today.
However, they set a solid foundation for successive engines, namely the VR5, that are equally popular.
Volkswagen VR6: Basic Specifications
VW initially launched this engine type to meet the unique needs of a select vehicle class. Specifically, the engine was designed for front-wheel drive vehicles equipped with transverse engines.
Through this modification, VW could install its new six-cylinder engine in cars that previously took four-cylinder engines. This was accomplished by creating a narrower angle between cylinders.
This allowed the engines to work with just one cylinder whereas many other V-lines needed two. The earliest version of these engines had 12 valves while later models got 24.
Engine specs vary based on production year:
- Production Run: 1991 to Current
- Cylinder Head Material:
- Cylinder Block Material:
- Configuration: VR6
- Bore: 81mm to 89mm
- Stroke: 90mm to 96.4mm
- Valvetrain: DOHC – Two Valve/Cylinder and Four Valve/Cylinder
- Displacement: 2.8L to 3.6L
- Compression Ratio: 10:1 to 12:1
- Max HP: 138hp to 300hp
- Max LB-FT: 173lb-ft to 260lb-ft
Although these engines were versatile and used in many of Volkswagen’s cars (they were even sold to Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Porsche), they weren’t without problems.
While revolutionary at the time, their technology has since been surpassed. Today, a similar four-cylinder variation is stronger and lighter-weight than the original. Although they were made as simple and cost-effective engines, their reliability falls behind that of what more modern engines offer.
The engines also have more lag time than competitors and successive versions, including the VR5. Common mechanical problems include cooling system issues and leaking head gaskets.
The spark plugs and wires can also wear out quickly. If they’re not replaced in time, this can cause the engine to misfire. Keeping up with regular oil changes can prevent damage to the spark plugs and other sensitive components.
Although it’s not a mechanical problem, another concern among owners is that since the engines have been phased out, replacement parts are becoming increasingly scarce. They’re also more expensive.
Volkswagen VR6: Applications
The Volkswagen VR6 arrived in 1981. It was used in the following cars:
- Passat
- Passat Variant
- Corrado
- Golf Mk3
- Golf R
- Jetta
Volkswagen VR6: Tuning Potential
The Volkswagen VR6 has a stock power output ranging from 138 to 300hp depending on the variant.. As with any engine, however, there are options available for modifying the engine and increasing its power.
Since the engine family contains various engines that have been adapted to many Volkswagen cars, some parts and components are specific to a certain engine year or model.
There are a variety of options available to get more horsepower, turbo power, and overall better performance.
Common components for modifications:
- Intake
- Exhaust
- Turbo Kit
- E85 conversion
- Stroker kit
With a turbo kit, you can boost your engine’s power between 350 HP and 600 HP. One brand that makes these parts is Full Throttle. The kit comes with a more advanced turbo-charger and other components needed to safely and efficiently increase the engine’s power.
This includes an inline fuel pump, an electronic boost controller, a stainless steel downpipe, a stainless steel manifold, stainless steel lines for oil and water, fuel injectors sized 500 ML, a turbo boost controller, and a fuel pressure regulator.
A common problem with aftermarket turbo kits is managing charge air temperatures. Typically, an air-to-air intercooler is enough to do the job, however, it’s not always enough.
For those who want super low and consistent charge air temperatures, HPA offers a liquid cooled short runner intake.
10.5° VR6 vs 15° VR6
One of the main differences in these two variants is age. Engines with a 15-degree design were designed up until 2005. In 2005, the 10.5-degree variant (called the BLV) was designed to give the engine more horsepower.
It also featured a direct-injection technology and was outfitted just to the Volkswagen Passat.
Another difference between these two versions concerns the angle between their cylinder banks relative to earlier models. Both replace the earlier engine design that had a traditional angle between 45 and 90 degrees.
With the newer engines, you’ll find just one cylinder head instead of two. This makes them easier to produce, modify, and service. They’re also more common on newer vehicles, which makes it easier to find replacement parts.
The 15-degree engine is more powerful in stock form because of a design modification that improved its power and efficiency. The 10-degree engine is simpler in design and layout, however, which makes it easier to modify.
What component in the VW VR6 engine ignition system could cause the battery to discharge when turned off when the part is defective? When car was running (engine light was on) battery would go dead if not started every day. Now that car does not run, or start (acts like no spark, has fuel), battery maintains its charge.
Problems with car electrics are notoriously difficult to diagnose.
A car I once had, would suddenly open the passenger window by itself.
Got a huge quote to hunt down the problem, which was never taken up.
Good luck in tracing it yourself, maybe start with buying a multi meter.
Hi I have a 2000 VW bora with a 2.8L 12 valve engine. I have not been able to find a new 2.8l only a used or remanufactured. Water got aucked into intake and I believe I may have bent a rod. I am just trying to figure out what my best option would be and price difference. I am very leery of buying from alot of places based on others misfortunes. I just need help getting pointed in the right direction. Thank you.
I have a 2.9 l engine but it still in a car atm any help
Slightly incoherent but useful. The most powerful version is the 3.6L version fitted to the R36 Passat, and it is the 10.5 degree angle, it has the designation BLV. There are other 3.6L versions (BLW for example) fitted to other vehicles including the Transporter, all with anything between 250-60 and 300 HP.
The progression is from the original 12 valve 2.8L motor (15 degree V), to a 24 valve version. Then a 3.2L 24 valve as used in the R32 Golf and the Passat, which changed to a 10.5 degree version about the same time as the change was made to Direct Injection. The final versions was the 3.6L version, still in use in the USA and China, with a version used in Europe in the Skoda Superb. None of those are the R36 221 kw (actually 296 hp) version but typically have around 200-210 kw.
Engines are actually generally regarded as very reliable with perhaps the late 3.2L being the best. All use a timing chain, with the 3.6L version especially the R36 high performance model having some possible issues with the chain tensioner a little earlier than the less stressed versions. However the engines are typically good for well over 400K if maintained properly. Early models had coil issues but later models do not seem to have this problem to any degree. Models 2008 and earlier (B6 Passat) did have issues with the automatic park brake with the control wires subject to wear and subsequent shorts that could do serious electrical damage to the ECU as well as to just the brake action. This was apparently resolved from 2009 on as the wires were re-routed and better protected. There can also be issues with oil leaks around the timing chain area.
The major issues with these vehicles is not the engines typically but the transmission as the 6 speed dual clutch system invariably used has a hydraulic/mechanical actuator (the Mechatronic unit) that can give trouble, and the dual clutch mechanism can also wear. Servicing these is a major operation and although many can be serviced and repaired, replacement is expensive if necessary.
All in all a reliable and reasonably powerful engine, and in the R36 versions, distinctly more powerful than common outside specific performance vehicles with a sub 6 second 0-60 (0-100 kmph). Best collectable version, later model R36 2009-10 years. Just FWIW, and speaking as an R36 owner.
My sister got shafted by a Buffalo New York repair shop, not sure if they are crooks or just stupid! After a year of nutzing around with multiple motor changes in her 99 Eurovan she finally got it back with a noisy clatter in the upper part of the engine.
I’m her brother and now get to fix it. I’m a Chevy guy so am unfamiliar but not afraid.
Hoping for some coaching from experienced vw people. How many vw’s use a swapable engine? Or is there a likely failure that would cause upper engine noise?
Thanks for any coaching,
“Everything you need to know” – except the engine’s length, which is what I needed to know, so it’s false advertising …