The Elio Engine

[Mike W]

That's not a problem, you're obviously and auto-didact! You teach yourself what you need to know!

 

[Mark327]

Referencing back a couple of post, I believe the all alum eng will be a winner.
It's the Flame Spray thing that will make or break the design. That's the only really 'new technology' here.
OK, not exactly 'brand new' but for the level of vehical, yes.
I too, hope down the road, a Turbo. Possibly a DOHC\4V head to boot.
But, a DIESEL, would be interesting. Could that break the 100\MPG barrier?

 

[Ty]

Referencing back a couple of post, I believe the all alum eng will be a winner.
It's the Flame Spray thing that will make or break the design. That's the only really 'new technology' here.
OK, not exactly 'brand new' but for the level of vehical, yes.
I too, hope down the road, a Turbo. Possibly a DOHC\4V head to boot.
But, a DIESEL, would be interesting. Could that break the 100\MPG barrier?

A diesel would surely add the low end grunt that you need to make a commuter car more efficient in the city. They are typically a lot heavier though and more expensive to maintain which offsets most of their advantage (At least in my truck). I've seen where there is a diesel/gas hybrid where they found a way to get a gasser to diesel. That is, to autoignite at higher pressure without the pre-detonation which plagues higher compression gassers. THAT engine wouldn't be as heavy or require the level of maintenance diesels to. Plus, they would start a lot better in colder climates.

 

[Mark327]

Most all Diesels are Iron block (there's your weight) and iron or alum head. I dono of an alum block diesel - yet.
If the design guys had a possible future diesel in mind, (requiring much higher cylinder pressures)
then this is a true possibility.
But I'll be happy with a black 5\spd when they arrive...

 

[JEBar]

Most all Diesels are Iron block (there's your weight) and iron or alum head. I dono of an alum block diesel - yet.
If the design guys had a possible future diesel in mind, (requiring much higher cylinder pressures)
then this is a true possibility.
But I'll be happy with a black 5\spd when they arrive...

I'm not a mechanic or automotive engineer .... nor do I play one on TV ....

statement, I've always heard that diesel motors required stronger blocks than gasoline motors .... once GM tried to convert one of their gasoline 350's to a diesel .... I don't recall it working too well ... the reason I've always heard centered around high compression ratios needed in a diesel .....

question, the IAV motor is supposed to have around a 12:1 compression ratio .... would this IAV aluminum block lend itself to a diesel conversion

 

[Ty]

Most all Diesels are Iron block (there's your weight) and iron or alum head. I dono of an alum block diesel - yet.
If the design guys had a possible future diesel in mind, (requiring much higher cylinder pressures)
then this is a true possibility.
But I'll be happy with a black 5\spd when they arrive...

I'm with you. I'll just be happy to not have to drive my 16mpg diesel 44 miles a day! Well, I'm not exactly with you... I'm thinking about getting an orange one.

 

[Mark327]

.... once GM tried to convert one of their gasoline 350's to a diesel .... I don't recall it working too well

It didn't.

 

[Mark327]

TY-
I'm commuting 110 miles\day.
2012 Impala 3.6 is getting 27ish mpg. Three fill-ups, a week. Already have 80k racked up....
84mpg would be better! Heck even a real-world 70mpg woudl be cool.

 

[Ty]

TY-
I'm commuting 110 miles\day.
2012 Impala 3.6 is getting 27ish mpg. Three fill-ups, a week. Already have 80k racked up....
84mpg would be better! Heck even a real-world 70mpg woudl be cool.

I hear you!
Truck = 44 miles/16mpg = 2.75 gallons per day... X 5 = 13.75 gallons per week = $34.38/wk... (diesel is $2.50/gal)
Elio = 44 miles/75mpg = 0.59 gallons per day... X 5 = 2.93 gallons per week = $5.69 /wk... (regular is $1.94/gal)

Saving $28. 69 per week, $115 per month. Well, that isn't QUITE the car payment but it is close. Okay, a $5,500 loan ($1,500 already down)would run me $118/mo for 48 months...

Now, if diesel jumps back up to $4.00/gal.. That's a no-brainer! The Elio, even without being able to completely offset it's expenses, will still keep mileage off my truck and (at least a little) money out of the mideast.

 

[Mark327]

TY-

What are your thoughts on DEF?
That, Vs the 'Soot Cooker'?