Motorcycle engine in an LCV

Post by **firestarter_phil** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 2:54 pm

Hi there,

I have owned my pick up for the past 18 years and it's in a real mess and time for a change in life.

I have managed to get hold of a brand new chassis (which I am pretty pleased about all things considered) and am toying with the idea of a bike engine as a new power plant.

The car is only ever going to do small distances and I thought it might be something a bit different.
Being a pickup it is fairly light weight (about 650kg without engine and gearbox I believe) and I thought that something like an 1100cc Blackbird engine at approx 160 bhp and 95 ft/lb torque would work.

I reckon you will get quite a good balance on the car with the engine up against the bulkhead and can always put in some "ballast" in the back if the wheels need more weight above them.

I had assumed Ford Escort rear axle and convert the front to Sierra brakes (not sure about front suspension)

Basically, I would like to run this by people who have done even sillier things to their moggies and test the water.

Any views would be strongly appreciated.

Cheers
F_P

Post by **superchargedfool** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 3:57 pm

Brill idea!

My main input would be that the consensus of opinion of bike engined daftness is stick to suzuki donors as they cope gearbox and clutch wise better than the others.

I thought about it a while ago but then went further down my own route instead.

Go for it inline as far back in the engine bay as poss through a prop would be my way but maybe you are thinking of mid engined with a chain and sprockets?

Post by **plastic_orange** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 6:38 pm

Blackbird/X11 engine is the one I'd choose - plenty torque and with Honda build quality. A chap on the X11 site has one for sale - very cheaply at the moment.

Pete

Post by **jonathon** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:31 pm

I have been chatting with another guy doing a similar conversion. I would'nt put the engine in the engine bay, but rather fit it mid engine style just behind the cab. Plenty of room and easily accessable with good weight distribution.

Post by **aussiemike** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 7:46 pm

i have had e-mails from the guy selling the x11 engine and he is a sound guy and believe me what he has for sale is a hell of a good deal!
you could probably get the wieght down even less with fibreglass/carbon fibre bodywork too.
cheers, michael.

Post by **morrisman1** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 11:13 am

where is the power of those engines? its not really practical in a road car to rev it out to 9000 every gear change. if you have no power below 4000rpm then it might not be a good idea

Post by **polo2k** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 6:52 pm

how would you reverse with a bike gearbox? I think the kit car guys do it in th diff some how

Post by **aussiemike** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:35 pm

i think that anyone that seriously considers doing this conversin might not want thier car to be completly practical, as all modifiers know, the more we tinker sometimes the less 'everyday user friendly' the car becomes.
pity firestarter phil has not posted up any more intentions to help 'fuel' this discussion.
cheers, michael.

Post by **plastic_orange** » Fri Oct 03, 2008 7:45 pm

My X11 (1137 cc) puts out 143hp (measured on dyno at rear wheel) at 9000 rpm. and revs to around 11k (mild tuning on my bike).
Peak Torque (85lbft) is around 7k, but plenty grunt below that.
http://www.hondax11.nl/default_uk.htm?h ... ations.htm

Pete

Post by **tortron** » Sat Oct 04, 2008 1:55 am

reverse can be set up with a starter motor type job