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Rotaries
GO - 5/3/03 at 01:54 PM

Any rotary engined locosts out there?

I got thinking about it the other day, small, light and powerful, exactly what you need in a locost!

RX7's are rotary powered, as I believe are the earlier RXs. Anyone think of other rotaries? I think Toyota may have made one once apon a time.

Are there any issues involved with rotary engines that don't apply to piston engines, i.e. would I be asking for more hassle by going that route?


Simon - 5/3/03 at 02:35 PM

Graham,

Think it would certainly make an interesting talking point.

Have a look at:

http://www.dmack.net/mazda/information.html

It's an aircraft based site, but quite informative.

Also

http://www.rx7-uk.co.uk/

Nice animation showing how it works!!

Also and RX7 enthusiast's site:

http://www.delphinus.demon.co.uk/other/wankel.html

I don't think it should give you any major headaches. After all, it's still only an engine. You'll need mountings for engine and box made, but we're all doing that, aren't we. As for rear end, is it IRS or a live axle (or a transaxle).

Certainly different.

Good luck

ATB

Simon


Jon Ison - 5/3/03 at 03:16 PM

allways said if i aint gone BEC then i would have gone Rotory, drove a grass car with one in, very nice, only difference little or no engine braking, there light and powerfull, good luck, go for it.

if you do though IMO only think Mazda, seen them for sale re~built well under £1k, try motoring news or a add on Findit.co.uk


darren(SA) - 5/3/03 at 08:18 PM

An engine that can rev easily to 13 000rpm, go for it!


locost7-online.com - 5/3/03 at 08:50 PM

Ive been looking at this for my Tiger Avon, there is a company near me specializing in them Rotechnics, ive seen them in single seaters...neat, tidy and quick!


Stu16v - 5/3/03 at 11:09 PM

Rotary engines offer immense power for their size/weight, coupled with a low centre of gravity.
Minus points are that they are VERY difficult to silence to acceptable levels, and are VERY thirsty on juice.
I have seen Westys and Strikers with these motors in, so no problem insurmountable.

HTH Stu.


GO - 6/3/03 at 10:33 AM

Cheers for the advice guys.

I've just found an rx7 being broken so am enquirying for more details... apparently its only got engine and transmission left, looks like found it just in time!

I could start a new group... RECs!!


UncleFista - 6/3/03 at 04:14 PM

http://www.softarc.com/~ron/locost/locost.html

http://www.mindspring.com/~robmk2


Glenn - 6/3/03 at 07:00 PM

Its what im using, a 13b turbo to be exact, good for 500bhp without spending masses of cash. should be more than enuf even for me.


thetankwad - 7/3/03 at 02:39 PM

I gave up on the locost idea and bought a Mazda RX3 last month with an RV8 in it. it used to run a 2000cc rotary engine. Mazda bought the Wankel design off from Audi after NSU (the only other rotary producers you care to think about, and a sub company of Audi at the time) went bust on warranty claims. My advice, (if you persist in going for a rotary engine), dont take an old one circa 70's or even early 80's. Keep it limited to RX7's, as they are the only ones common enough to find parts for, and reliable enough to not have to look for parts every 37.4 miles.


Champion Builder - 13/3/03 at 08:20 PM

Check out American Locost sites- rotaries seem very popular amongst that locost community. I ahve found plenty of build pages (USA) detailing rotary powered locost builds.


PHULL - 16/3/03 at 12:20 PM

well guys if u have any rotary questions
the guys at www.ausrotary.com will be more than glad to help.


sg_frost - 17/3/03 at 01:11 AM

the sealing vanes in the rotor tend to carbon up and not seal the engine very well, usually caused by old people driving the car sensibly. Rev the engine harder for a while and it should clear. Got that information from someone who used to work for mazda.