Vanagon EuroVan
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Date:         Sat, 18 Aug 2001 09:29:29 -0700
Reply-To:     Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
Subject:      Re: Rotary Motor
Comments: To: Andrew Grebneff <andrew.grebneff@STONEBOW.OTAGO.AC.NZ>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

I had an old RX-7 ('85) and I got better gas mileage than I get with the Vanagon. I'd average 19-25mpg - depending on how much foot I used. However, I do agree with you that a rotary would not be a great choice for a Van motor because the rotary has so little torque at low RPM - this was even noticeable in the RX-7 which is not a heavy vehicle by any means.

On the other hand, it would be cool to see one. I know that Kennedy Engineering makes an rotary to VW trans adapter.

Perhaps if you used a late model RX-7 twin turbo rotary motor, you might have an interesting combo - but you would probably need to beef up the transmission.

Todd

Andrew Grebneff wrote:

> >I am looking for pictures or information > >on installing a rotary, specifically in > >a syncro Van. The main concern at this > >point, before it commences is one of ground > >clearance and/or cover height. > > A Wankel rotary in a VW van would be an evil pig. > > This is because the rotary develops almost all of its torque at > near-redline RPM. For a heavy van what you need is an engine with a good > spread of torque, including at low RPM. A rotary would work... but you'd > have to rev it to get off the line, which is annoying; also shortens clutch > life and economy. Speaking of economy, you'd better have a supertanker that > you can tow around to keep your Vanavannah (most Mazda rotaries are called > Savannah in Japan; some are Cosmo, giving Vanasmo) fed. And a bank account > to suit. > > Did you know that VW owns the patents to the Wankel engine?? > > Andrew Grebneff > 165 Evans St, Dunedin, New Zealand > <andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz> > ph 64 (3) 473-8863 > fax 64 (3) 479-7527 > 84 VW Caravelle GL (to be fitted with SVX engine & Porsche G50 trans) RWD > 87 Corolla 1.8 DX CE80 diesel sedan FWD > 89 Corolla 1.8 DX CE96 diesel van/wagon FWD > 89 Corona 2.0 D Select CT170 diesel sedan FWD > 92 Toyota Estima Lucida (=Previa) 2.2 turbodiesel RWD


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