Spridget Tech Talk (MG Midget & Austin-Healey Sprite)
I love my 1098 but I'm curious if this swap can be done. We don't have any snowmobiles running around down here in the keys so i don't know anything about them. Could a snowmobile swap work? What kind of horsepower do these put out?
Some of the fastest autocross cars (in the "A-Modified" class) use snowmobile engines, so it can be done. Here's an example of one:
http://www.napylon.com/Phantom.htm
Likewise, sportbike engines such as from a Hayabusa can also be used like some of the "Lowcost" Seven guys are doing. One of the problems with both of these options is a relative lack of torque.
No torque.
Snowmobile Engine's cooling system is predicated on being surrounded by cold air as a starting point. I don't get to Florida too often, but I seem to recall heat as a constant atmospheric condition.
If you had much experience with snowmobiles, you would know that they have a reputation of being like women: a lot of "work for a ten second ride". ;->
Pete
Some snowmobiles will overheat at 45 degree F.
Pete pretty much said it all...
Peter's right.
Most snowmobile, watercraft and motorcycle engines dont develop a lot of torque. Those that do, do so at pretty high RPM.
Also, they are designed to move a much lighter vehicle, so they use a very small clutch and flywheel.
You'll want one that is water cooled, and those can be pricey. The Legends cars proved that an air-cooled motorcycle four cyl engine in a car body doesnt fare very well... the front two cylinders run cool, while the back two run hot.
Could be a fun project to adapt one, but it sounds like a lot of work to me compared to swapping out for a modern Honda, Toyota or Mazda four-banger.
How about a V8? :)
http://www.h1v8.com/page/page/1562068.htm
You'd have to ditch the belt drive too, and find some way to fit a transmission unless you can shave the car down to under 600 lbs. Sounds pretty difficult!
A Mazda rotary sounds like a more plausible powerplant, now they are not exactly known for thier torque either, but atleast they are desinged to be run in cars, and folks have done this with sucess.
Sean, almost any swap is possible given the right amount of engineering and money, but may not result in the best overall vehicle. I've seen Chrysler Hemi's and Jag XK engines in Spridgets as well as Mazda rotarys and several type of quad cam fours. It really depends on what type of performance you want from your car when completed. The snow mobile engine doesn't sound like the best candidate to me. Take a look at the modified Sprites and Midgets in the British V8 Newsletter gallery and get some idea of what might work best for you. http://www.britishv8.org/Photos-MG-Conversions.htm