Thanks all!
Quote:
Originally Posted by nimblemotors
The issue with motorcyle engines are they have no reverse.
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Ooops! I hadn't thought of that!
Perhaps an electric reverse would suffice.
I am drawn to 2-cylinder boxer engines because they have a low profile (height). Width is not a problem in this car, but the original engine had to be tipped by around 30degrees to fit under the parcel shelf. With a low enough boxer engine there may even be room for some (well insulated) boot (trunk) space in the rear.
The best configuration I can think of is where the front steering setup (remember engine & drive are rear) is replaced with a lightweight fwd diff. and CV'd driveshafts - that connect in an electric motor (for mild hybrid + reverse 'gear').
Ideally the car would pull-off on electric, then bump-start the gas-engine. Deleting the need for a start motor and dynamo in the back. The biggest problem here would be the battery pack could only charge when the cars moving
but it would be somewhat bigger than normal
