[elhigh]

I first read about a project like this when I started collecting Mother Earth News back in the 90's. The magazine I was reading it in was considerably older, and I can't remember exactly how old. They did pretty much everything you guys have mentioned, with the exception of EFI considerations. I think they switched down to a smaller carb to cope with the lower airflow. I also can't remember what kind of results they got, more's the pity, but I think what they got was stronger than what you guys are talking about, closer to 40%. But Mother was likely to shout exaggerations quite a bit back then, and the stock mileage was atrocious.

I don't think they cut conrods though. The article mentioned being able to undo the mods and have the vehicle in its original configuration with one quick afternoon's work.

I've seen a couple of projects that used a VW engine shortened by two cylinders to make an opposed twin. Performance goes out the window. Thinking of that though, does anybody know if anyone's tried the same trick with a Subaru EJ? If you could have even just 30% of the power, that's still a solid 50hp in a compact powerplant - not bad for a flyweight commuter.