The Elio Engine

[Jim H]

I didn't read thru the entire thread but did see some comments about using a motor already in production for the first generation Elio. I have a 2001 Honda Insight with a 1.0 three cylinder engine designed to work with a CVT or Manual transmission, auto stop, also has electric power steering. The insight engine has a timing chain, parts are readily available at any Honda dealer and the motor is rock solid with many cars reaching 300k with just normal maintenance. The down side "if any" to the Insight is the battery pack, which is not needed in the Elio.

I know Honda lost money on the Insight, but that was mostly due to the aluminum body, battery assist, batteries and extensive engineering involved in producing the most fuel efficient "Car" ever build for production. I don't know what it would take to negotiate a deal with Honda for the engine and other components but since they are now out of production a deal might be possible. Just a thought...


http://www.edmunds.com/honda/insight/2001/

Welcome to the forum and for having the courage to jump right in. I think there are many engines that would work in the Elio. the problem is keeping the cost down to the $6800 level. The forum has tons of information on the development of the Elio and I hope you will enjoy viewing the topic. Thanks for joining this historic journey in personal transportation.

 

[scb]

the prototype Elio I believe is powered by a Yugo motor, that vehicle was a heavier car than the Elio, the Yugo was getting 27 miles per gallon on the highway does anyone know what the miles per gallon is with that same motor in the aerodynamic Elio

 

[goofyone]

The original plan was to simply take the Geo engine and update the cylinder head however they quickly realized that was not the best idea. IAV quickly realized that as they were going to have to cast entirely new engine blocks anyhow so it would be best use the Geo engine design as a starting point and update everything to take advantage of modern materials and engineering. Because of this IAV believes this engine is able to achieve better fuel mileage and increased torque verses what they could have using a straight Geo engine block. However it also means that this is essentially an all new engine.

While there is still a lot we do not know Elio Motors has told us a good deal about this engine. You can find out some really good information by visiting our Tech Talk Archive thread which contains links to articles written Elio Motors has written about various aspects of this car and engine along with links to the relevant discussion threads where this information has been discussed.

http://www.elioowners.com/threads/tech-talk-archive.1128/

 

[Ty]

the prototype Elio I believe is powered by a Yugo motor, that vehicle was a heavier car than the Elio, the Yugo was getting 27 miles per gallon on the highway does anyone know what the miles per gallon is with that same motor in the aerodynamic Elio

It's a Geo Metro engine. Elio is very upfront about the donor motor.

 

[scb]

1. Thanks for the correction that the motor being used is not a Yugo motor but Geo Metro.but part of my original question was,does the engine perform any better in the Elio car than it did in the Geo Metro

Moderator CComment: Merged into existing Elio engine discussion thread

 

[Gas-Powered Awesome]

They have not tested it for performance. Why would they test an engine they aren't going to use? It's just a mule engine to move the thing around, mainly short distances for shows and the press.

 

[goofyone]

Thanks for the correction that the motor being used is not a Yugo motor but Geo Metro.but part of my original question was,does the engine perform any better in the Elio car than it did in the Geo Metro

The only information I remember seeing was a test done on the P2 which resulted in a 66 mpg combined rating and 74 on the highway. That prototype only weighs about 900 lbs however it also runs a 25 year old motor so all things being equal it does show that with a nice newly engineered engine and much improved aerodynamics that 84 mpg is a realistic target.

 

[aknaten]

When did phones have a dial?

I don't know but I also remember phones before they had dials. You picked up the hand set and the operator said "number please", and I remember phones that had to be cranked. Wow, I told you I was a little old lady. I guess I'm older than even I realized. Z

You could also listen in on multi-party line phone systems. Early Internet.

 

[RogWild]

MILESTONES – IAV ENGINE –

Since Elio Motors has released little information about the development of the IAV Engine, I thought I'd try to create some tasks/goals that I think they have to achieve to get these engines 'ready' to be placed in Production Elio vehicles. NOTE: I am NOT an auto mechanic, so some of these may be WRONG, or I may have left out some important steps..... but it is an 'attempt'. Feel free to comment, or ADD to these, so we can 'check off' the steps as they are revealed to us.

1. [1 or 2 years ago] Design the Engine.
   
   
2. [ Spring 2014] Make MOLDS for engine parts.
   
   
3. [Apr-Aug 2014] Receive Cast engine parts.
   
   
4. [?] Machine Cast engine parts.
   
   
5. [?] Inspect all parts for tolerances.
   
   
6. [?] FlameSpray cylinders
   
   
7. [?] Obtain all additional engine parts (gaskets, valves, springs, air filter, dip stick, timing chain, exhaust headers, water pump, etc.)
   
   
8. [?] Test 'FIT' all parts.
   
   
9. [?] Assemble Complete ENGINE.
   
   
10. [?] Connect Fuel, Lubrication, Cooling Systems.
    
    
11. [?] Check for leaks/flow.
    
    
12. [?] Initial Engine RUN.
    
    
13. [?] Bench test & Dyno engine.
    
    
14. [?] Endurance TEST engine.
    
    
15. [?] Install IAV Engine in FIRST “E” Series Vehicle.
    
    
16. [?] Make 29 Additional engines for the test vehicles.
    
    
17. [?] Set up the production and assembly line at the Shreveport Plant.

Moderator Comment: Merged into existing engine discussion thread. I actually liked the idea of this thread however the forum can't seem to keep things focused enough so it has to go into the larger thread.

 

[genebee]

MILESTONES – IAV ENGINE –

Since Elio Motors has released little information about the development of the IAV Engine, I thought I'd try to create some tasks/goals that I think they have to achieve to get these engines 'ready' to be placed in Production Elio vehicles. NOTE: I am NOT an auto mechanic, so some of these may be WRONG, or I may have left out some important steps..... but it is an 'attempt'. Feel free to comment, or ADD to these, so we can 'check off' the steps as they are revealed to us.

1. [1 or 2 years ago] Design the Engine.
   
   
2. [ Spring 2014] Make MOLDS for engine parts.
   
   
3. [Apr-Aug 2014] Receive Cast engine parts.
   
   
4. [?] Machine Cast engine parts.
   
   
5. [?] Inspect all parts for tolerances.
   
   
6. [?] FlameSpray cylinders
   
   
7. [?] Obtain all additional engine parts (gaskets, valves, springs, air filter, dip stick, timing chain, exhaust headers, water pump, etc.)
   
   
8. [?] Test 'FIT' all parts.
   
   
9. [?] Assemble Complete ENGINE.
   
   
10. [?] Connect Fuel, Lubrication, Cooling Systems.
    
    
11. [?] Check for leaks/flow.
    
    
12. [?] Initial Engine RUN.
    
    
13. [?] Bench test & Dyno engine.
    
    
14. [?] Endurance TEST engine.
    
    
15. [?] Install IAV Engine in FIRST “E” Series Vehicle.
    
    
16. [?] Make 29 Additional engines for the test vehicles.
    
    
17. [?] Set up the production and assembly line at the Shreveport Plant.

you could a couple of tare downs to measure wear.... GB