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

How slow are you willing to go 0-60 mph?

  • the faster the better!

    Votes: 23 15.2%
  • under 8.0 sec

    Votes: 6 4.0%
  • under 9.0 sec

    Votes: 7 4.6%
  • under 10.0 sec (original Elio claim)

    Votes: 89 58.9%
  • As slow as necessary to ensure 84 mgp hwy

    Votes: 26 17.2%

  • Total voters
    151

TeamCoconutOreo

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You can lower the compression by replacing the head.
Porting the combustion chamber of the head, a thicker head gasket, different pistons are other ways. With forced induction replacing the pistons is the best approach.

On another not, with 12.1 compression, a higher lift cam, maybe bigger valves and a little porting can significantly increase power especially if you tune the computer for premium fuel. With some machine work, a cam and some tuning I can see a significant increase in power. Not enough to make it a hotrod, but definitely enough to make it more fun!
 

CrimsonEclipse

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Compression Ratio can be changed by:
Changing the crank shaft for a longer throw for higher compression or shorter for lower
Changing the pistons to a dome for higher compression ratio or concave for lower
Changing the head for a dome (lower) or flatter (higher)
Adding a shim and or thicker head gasket.
Add or modify the valve timing for a virtual compression ratio change
(the Prius and its "Atkinson Cycle Engine" uses this technique but it's not really an Atkinson Cycle, but that's a different rant.....)

ANYWAY....

Adding any supercharging, including a turbo charger increases the total compression ratio which is why turbo charged engines are as low as 6:1 to 8:1 while normally aspirated engines are 8:1 to 10:1 (up to 12:1 in some cases)

Which of these will work for the elio?
When making an OEM engine for mass production, a turbo charged engine should be optimized from the block, not just strapping on a turbo with some duct tape.

There are many considerations including rings, piston quality and fabrication, durability and also resonance for the longer throws and different components.

How much effort will supercharging an engine compared to designing a 4 cylinder?
Will a strengthened transmission, suspension, frame, mounts, etc be required?
What type of liability will be involved?

Of course, many here can, and will modify and upgrade the Elio, and this is a good thing.

But EM will look at a list like mine above (but MUCH longer) and ask 2 questions:

Can we?
and more importantly:
SHOULD we?
 

CheeseheadEarl

Elio Addict
Joined
May 15, 2014
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Across the river from Minnysota
How much effort will supercharging an engine compared to designing a 4 cylinder?
Will a strengthened transmission, suspension, frame, mounts, etc be required?

Speaking just to the part I snipped, the P5 engine bay is already tight across the length of the motor with the IAV triple.

Forced induction is a better physical fit than a 4, unless they went with a v4, which is an oddity of it's own.

The transaxle is already proven behind higher hp motors, and (my opinion only) the cage style chassis will easily take more power.

Direct injection and/or upped displacement are also future factory higher hp options. DI would actually work well with a forced induction system, allowing higher cylinder pressures without detonation, as the fuel isn't added till needed.
 

3wheelin

Elio Addict
Joined
May 29, 2015
Messages
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Location
USA
Compression Ratio can be changed by:
Changing the crank shaft for a longer throw for higher compression or shorter for lower
Changing the pistons to a dome for higher compression ratio or concave for lower
Changing the head for a dome (lower) or flatter (higher)
Adding a shim and or thicker head gasket.
Add or modify the valve timing for a virtual compression ratio change
(the Prius and its "Atkinson Cycle Engine" uses this technique but it's not really an Atkinson Cycle, but that's a different rant.....)

ANYWAY....

Adding any supercharging, including a turbo charger increases the total compression ratio which is why turbo charged engines are as low as 6:1 to 8:1 while normally aspirated engines are 8:1 to 10:1 (up to 12:1 in some cases)

Which of these will work for the elio?
When making an OEM engine for mass production, a turbo charged engine should be optimized from the block, not just strapping on a turbo with some duct tape.

There are many considerations including rings, piston quality and fabrication, durability and also resonance for the longer throws and different components.

How much effort will supercharging an engine compared to designing a 4 cylinder?
Will a strengthened transmission, suspension, frame, mounts, etc be required?
What type of liability will be involved?

Of course, many here can, and will modify and upgrade the Elio, and this is a good thing.

But EM will look at a list like mine above (but MUCH longer) and ask 2 questions:

Can we?
and more importantly:
SHOULD we?
Since we're all talking about increasing HP and spare no expense...will the biggest motorcycle engine be possible to fit on our ELIO? Just asking.
 

outsydthebox

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Since we're all talking about increasing HP and spare no expense...will the biggest motorcycle engine be possible to fit on our ELIO? Just asking.

Are you referring to "the biggest motorcycle engine, or "the biggest engine PUT IN" a (production) motorcycle?......How about 600 cubic inches?

https://www.bosshoss.com/
 
Last edited:

3wheelin

Elio Addict
Joined
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Messages
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Location
USA
Are you referring to "the biggest motorcycle engine, or "the biggest engine PUT IN" a (production) motorcycle?......How about 600 cubic inches?

https://www.bosshoss.com/
I meant the largest motorcycle engine that'll fit our ELIO engine bay. Or how 'bout the engine they use on the Morgan 3wheeler?
 
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