The Ever Falling Hp Of The Elio.... :(

[Sr.MailMan]

Anybody remember that the Elio engine already has 12:1 compression,on regular 87 octane fuel.
How much more pressure will the cylinders/head gasket be able to handle?
And...at what cost to fuel mileage, or octane increase requirement.

 

[outsydthebox]

Anybody remember that the Elio engine already has 12:1 compression,on regular 87 octane fuel.
How much more pressure will the cylinders/head gasket be able to handle?
And...at what cost to fuel mileage, or octane increase requirement.

You are right. Those are some of the reasons that "if" a turbo is offered, It will have to be more that a simple "bolt on". It will require a separate engine assembly line.

 

[Coss]

You are right. Those are some of the reasons that "if" a turbo is offered, It will have to be more that a simple "bolt on". It will require a separate engine assembly line.

You can lower the compression by replacing the head.

 

[W. WIllie]

Or by going to a thicker head gasket...Cheaper.
My G1 had 10-6-1 comp. It ran fine on regular. It is all about how the ECU is "programmed" along with some other variables.......Added the turbo...I use Premium as "Insurance." That works real good to about 6 pounds of boost.

 

[skygazer6033]

Not the head, the pistons. For cost purposes I'm sure the Elio engine will use cast pistons. To use any serious amount of boost will need forged pistons with much lower compression probably around 8 to 1 or less. An intercooler to get the inlet temp down and you're ready to rock. The bottom end appears to have cross bolted mains and to be pretty robust. Not really a weekend bolt on but well worth the effort.

 

[Anderson Howard]

Has anyone heard if the transmission is geared at 1to1 or is 5th gear an overdrive?

 

[Sethodine]

Has anyone heard if the transmission is geared at 1to1 or is 5th gear an overdrive?

Yes, 5th gear is overdrive

 

[TCBronson]

I agree the compression needs to be lower for a Turbo and the amount of boost is also factor. I can see Elio adding a "performance" model in the future not focused on maximum MPG but maximum FUN!

 

[WilliamH]

I agree the compression needs to be lower for a Turbo and the amount of boost is also factor. I can see Elio adding a "performance" model in the future not focused on maximum MPG but maximum FUN!

Yeah, but traditional wisdom says you can't run "regular" gas at more than about 9.5:1 and Elio is set up to use it at 12:1. I'm going to guess Elio will come up with a solution or have a supplier who can figure it out.

 

[outsydthebox]

You can lower the compression by replacing the head.

Much cheaper to use lower compression pistons...but, still (head or pistons) gonna require a separate (engine) assembly line.