Hey guys,
I don't know where to turn to to ask questions for this kind of stuff, so I thought I would at least start here.
I know some of you are professionals in your fields, and so now I ask for a bit of your time and some ideas.
***Warning, this is probably going to be a long post****
I was talking to my wife the other day about various subjects, and the topic of gas prices came up.
My 720 Nissan gets somewhere between 16 to 18 mpg in the city. It makes me money, and is a very useful vehicle. I wanted to get a motorcycle this year and use it as my daily commuter, but I was voted down. I was, however, given free reign to pursue any project I desired to follow.
I have decided to build myself a car. Nothing terribly fancy, (at least by my standards) but something streamlined and efficient.
Yes, I know this is a tremendous and long-term undertaking, but I am determined to see it through to the end.
I have a few design ideas rattling around in my head, but the overwhelming choice of parts and how to power and move this thing from my brain into my driveway is a daunting task.
I have been looking at my basic chassis/unibody/suspension setup, and while nothing has yet been built, it's final design will be dependent on what i use to power it. So far, I have opted for an MR setup (mid-engine, Rear wheel drive) This will keep the bulk of the vehicle's weight over the rear wheels and would balance out the fact that i would be in front.
My dilemma is the selection of the powertrain. The first iteration of my plan was to use a motorcycle engine from a mid 80's Honda Goldwing, but im not sure about how to connect it to a final drive. A few goldwings have a reverse gear, so that isn't the issue. The issue is cooling and reliability. In a motorcycle, the engine performs well, it's cooling ability is supplemented by the fact that you have air to help this process. It's application in this regard will greatly hinder this ability, and would only cause frustration. the lack of an alternator also makes me consider other engines.
After looking at the powertrain setup on the older Volkswagen models, I considered using this option as it is both air cooled, has an alternator, and lends itself to it's use in my project. However, I have heard several different opinions as to it's reliability. it's a small relatively lightweight engine, and because of its' intended automotive application, would suffice in my endeavor.
Another powerplant option I was considering was a Mazda rotary. I figured that a lightweight, high-rpm engine would be awesome for power, but I have also heard that they can be just as bad as bigger v8 engines in regards to fuel consumption. Coupled with the fact that they are notorious for blowing apex seals and leaking oil (or so I've been reading alot of) It would lead me to believe that this just isn't the engine of choice for what I'm looking for.
A small Civic or Suzuki L4 engine seems to be the answer, but I have reservations about cooling, weight and transmissions. While I could use this mounted sideways, I would like to keep everything as streamlined as possible. ( This is, after all a tandem seat configuration vehicle) I have yet to completely weigh the pros and cons of this option, but then again, that's why I'm here.
Again, I know this is a HUGE undertaking, and who knows, maybe this could be a new mass produced economy vehicle?
Just a note here, If you have nothing but personal criticism post it somewhere else. I know what a project like this entails and know that lots of time and money will be invested in this work. I don't plan on getting this thing built in the next few months, and there is still lots of drawing board designs to be explored. Designs change all the time based on lots of factors, and that's why I'm here. I need feedback. An expert I am not. Nor am I an engineer or designer. I 'm just a guy with an idea, and want to see this come to fruition. I'm not going to do this alone, and all credit is going to be given to those who help. I'll even drive this thing TO YOU so you can enjoy it too!
Help me guys, you're my only....er, my , um......yeah. Give me some feedback... (bad princess leia "only hope" joke)
_________________ To the Oquirr hills for awesome thrills! Go-go 4wd, Activate!
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