Hi all,
I am designing a single seater rear engine car based on a Terrapin plan with quite a few modifications. At present I am trying to decide between car engine and bike engine......
As I see it car engine is a piece of cake but low on power compared to a bike so getting to the point
If I go the bike route I know that most rear bike engine builders use a chain to a sprocketed diff (big bucks) where as front engine bike boys use an adapter to fit to a shaft (much cheaper), has anyone done this with a very short shaft for rear engine?
Anyone want to convince me that car or bike engine is the way to go

[Edited on 7/1/05 by Lotusmark2]

I think I recognise this post from somewhere?

The chain and diff option isnt that expensive. Have a look at the Sylva R1ot which IIRC uses a modified fiesta diff.

link

The Fisher Menace uses a set up similar to what you describe has a prop adaptor on the output shaft of the gearbox conected to diff via 2 UJs joined together.

link

If its a single seater for track use only I would go for the chain option as you can keep the engine transversely (less oil surge issues) also significantly less power losses via a chain than a CWP diff.

On the road I am not convinced that a chain is ideal due to the maintenance requirements.

As for engine the light weight of a single seater may mean that you dont have to use the big expensive bike engines. I am sure a 600cc lump will move it along quite nicely and they are cheap as chips with 100bhp+

Cheers

Jim

Adam: fancy meeting you here

Jim: thanks for the links, I will have to give Sylva a call to see if they will sell the diff as a seperate item.
I must admit I am paranoid about chain drives (having been a biker for many years) they can be such a nightmare if you dont keep a very close eye on them

Oh and Jim, where are these cheep as chips engines

[Edited on 7/1/05 by Lotusmark2]

The wonders of ebay I've seen 600 engines go for under £400

or for a bit more assurance colibriman has a good reputation here for supply of engines. On his site he's got a ZX6 or CBR1000 for £550.

link

A CBR1000 in a single seater will go very nicely I would think.

Cheers for that.
mmmmm CBR1000 single seater
beats the mini engine that the plans were designed for

That was exactly my suggestion 'elsewhere'

Adam

yep, everyone is telling me the same.
Cheers
Mark

i should sell some of my engines... if the missus ever gets hold of the garage key im in BIG trouble

I quite fancy an engine that needs a bit of work, got anything VERY VERY cheap in that garage of yours?

i think they all work! got a running fzr1000, a spare, plus two zx9r c's.

you in lancashire? ive been in bolton working all week.

you have a u2u