My Elio Alternate Project Is Underway.

[Mark BEX]

I like what I see here, except maybe for the ICE powerplant. I would like to see an engine a bit more mainstream with known reliability. Something like the 1.5 Toyota Yaris engine, or the the Honda fit engine.

The 1.5 Honda Fit L15 engine is very much a consideration. I am impressed that the L15 has the direct injection incorporated into the engine, I think it's the only engine in the world like that. It means no separate very high pressure pumps and lines to deal with.

But, baby steps first, the Elio was a 1.0 so that's where we start from, and that's what I am willing to afford to develop at the moment, and it seemed to suit 65,000 people beforehand :-)

 

[grampi]

The 1.5 Honda Fit L15 engine is very much a consideration. I am impressed that the L15 has the direct injection incorporated into the engine, I think it's the only engine in the world like that. It means no separate very high pressure pumps and lines to deal with.

But, baby steps first, the Elio was a 1.0 so that's where we start from, and that's what I am willing to afford to develop at the moment, and it seemed to suit 65,000 people beforehand :-)

Do you know what the HP rating is for the L15? I think the Toyota 1.5 is like 108. Either engine would make for a good performing ride...and dependable...

 

[Mark BEX]

Do you know what the HP rating is for the L15? I think the Toyota 1.5 is like 108. Either engine would make for a good performing ride...and dependable...

Yes, early ones were 110, later were 130, while the turbo is 170.

They have proven popular for light aircraft conversion, light weight and powerful.

viking aircraft engines - Google Search

www.google.com

 

[Mark BEX]

I hope you can see the difference between yesterday's B pillar, and today, widened aprox 1" each side at the top, 2" overall, and fits more snugly into the B pillar outer skin hollow..

I made the effort because I feel it's important that the rear seat passenger feels as open and as unconfined as possible, also opening up the view either side of the driver..

 

[Made in USA]

I hope you can see the difference between yesterday's B pillar, and today, widened aprox 1" each side at the top, 2" overall, and fits more snugly into the B pillar outer skin hollow..

I made the effort because I feel it's important that the rear seat passenger feels as open and as unconfined as possible, also opening up the view either side of the driver..

View attachment 25381

Definitely looks better now. Good job.

 

[JohnJ]

I seem to remember a while back there was some talk about a three cylinder Ford Econo Boost engine. It was used in a European model that they no longer make. It was small and powerful. Maybe worth a look?

 

[Mark BEX]

Starting to look like a chassis again ....

 

[JEBar]

Starting to look like a chassis again ....

View attachment 25383

in looking back you've really brought this project a long way in last 10 months

 

[Mark BEX]

in looking back you've really brought this project a long way in last 10 months

Uhh, don't remind me of the time ...

 

[84mpg]

Mark, just curious.... Do you anticipate the Bex to be about the same interior width as the Elio?
Sitting in the Elio, I could just reach both door openings with elbows extended out.