LocostUSA.com

I'm looking at developing a Locost capable of very good milage and good acceleration.

I know a decent amount about what Honda motors are out there, but not what will work with a Locost. My origional thought for a low cost motor that will get good milage and good power when you want it using FI was the d series motor from Honda (I really wish the b series would work).

What other motors would work well in this type of application?


btw, what type of transmission would I need for these motors?

Sales pitch:

Use the entire FWD assembly and mount it mid-engine. See my book in sig on how to do it!

For really good mileage, you're going to have to make it very aerodynamic, which is the opposite of what most Locost cars are like! And yes, a small displacement Honda will do, or even a smaller engine, like the Suzuki three-cylinder.

And FWIW, the B-series can work (fit) just as well as any other drivetrain, as long as it's mounted mid-engine.

lol, should have seen the mid engine sales pitch coming

the only thing is, I don't know if I can do a mid engine car, I don't really know much / anything about frame design. Are there any frame plans widely available like the locost is for mid engine builds?

One problem you'll have with the b/d series engines is that they spin the 'wrong way' to use w/ just about every transmission out there.

--JOsh

The good news is that the locost is not any less aerodynamic going backwards

LOL

I think I'll stick with the basic Locost design and try to see if there is anything I can do about aero.

So I guess my best bet at an efficient engine is a toyota?

Well, how fast do you "need" to go? You can use a 20hp Diesel and get really good mileage. It's up to you where you want to make your mark on the wall!

What about a three cylinder Swift engine with a Samarui transmission? There was even a turbo offered.

I'd like it to be a decent sports car still, thats why I was thinking a small (1.5-2l) 4 cylinder engine with FI. Something with Honda's VTEC or Toyota's VVTL or whatever they call it and a turbo with a electric boost controller would probably work best I guess.

As for aero it seems that if I could get away with a helmet (don't know what the windshield laws are in PA), some bodywork for the rear wheels, and close up the edges of the passenger compartment and the top of the passenger side that may help.


I did look at TDI motors, but they are $$$, I'm looking at doing this relatively cheaply, which is one of the reasons I was looking at the d series motor.


that, and I love high reving motors, and not many diesels like spinning to 8000rpm

I second Dave's suggestion of the Zuki 1.3. There's an engine and tranny for sale right now on the classified boards and I'm betting he'd let you have the engine, tranny, and rear axle for around $400. His is the four cylinder four valve per cylinder, twin cammer version that I think stock puts out 100hp or so. I think it even has an aluminum block so it is very lightweight.
Turboed that would be a wicked little four banger.

You seem relatively unphased by the fact that the Honda engine spins the wrong way and has no rear wheel drive transmission that bolts up to it. IMO if you want to contain costs you need to look for something cheap and available in RWD configuration. It likely won't be a Honda.

How about the entire front drive package from a Honda CRI-HF? 62mph highway/45mpg city low friction engine. Still gets better mileage than anything else made today, including hybrids. The CRI S got 45mpg highway, too. That could work as well. And why does it have to be front engine/rear drive?

Use a non-turbo saab 2.0 from an older 9000. 35 mpg or higher in a 3500 pound car, mate it up to a t5 with an adapter plate to make it f/r or use it as a m/e setup. They make about 160 hp, plenty of torque... plenty of after market support. The gearing you choose can effect your final mpg, too, if you change it to f/r.

There used to be a SAAB formula series that used a turbo 1.6 back in the day. I don't believe that motor was ever in main stream production, but it would sweet if you could find one...

How about a 1.6 IDI diesel from the older VWs, super easy to work on (unless they really don't want to cooperate like mine) and can get 40 city and 50 hwy (that's with mine pretty worn out). 52hp and 70ft-lbs N/A and about 70hp and 100ft-lbs turbo. They even rev to 5k.

A Toyota 4AGE or FE will full fill every requirement for the OP.