Hi'all,
The subject really says it all, I want to build a diesel-powered Ural with sidecar. This is not exactly a new idea as there are several companies which are willing to do this conversion if you give them enough money. As I don't have enough money I'll have to do it myself, with the added advantage that I can make the thing exactly to my own needs. I am not alone in planning such a project as can be seen on
www.dieselbike.net
The stock engine in this bike produces about 27 kW which gives it a top speed of around 100 km/h on windless days. In other words, it is not a top performer but that is not the point of this machine. It produces plenty of torque at low speed so it is possible to shift up to the fourth (and highest) gear around 35-40 km/h. All in all it is just the sort of ride I like for our sometimes medieval Swedish country roads. If only it did not run on petrol, and if only it did not use so much fuel...
In comes the idea to put a diesel engine in this thing. Something with enough power to keep the top speed around 100 km/h, enough low-range torque to enable somewhat lazy shifting and above all the ability to run on as little fuel as possible, preferrably our home-grown rape seed oil or something similar.
A diesel of around 1000 cc should be able to fullfill the power need and the fuel needs. Now if only I could find an air-cooled 2-cylinder diesel boxer... Subaru makes a 4-cylinder diesel boxer but it is watercooled and way to big, both size- as well as power-wise. A Lombardini or Hatz might fit the bill but I have not found one which fits both my budget as well as the power/size needs.
So... if anyone around here has a good idea or even a source of engines... let me know. If Volkswagen can make a 270+ mpg 1 liter diesel then I can make a 100 mpg sidecar rig...
I wonder, has anyone ever tried to convert an aircooled BMW-type petrol engine to diesel? Just about anything would need to be strengthened but the end result might be worth the effort...