I made a change to the 2 cylinder diesel engine that I will be using for the kit car. The new engine power plant is the Kubota Z482-E4B. Besides being an extremely ugly blue color IMO (which I am going to fix first thing LOL) the engine has some key advantages over the 2 cylinder Yanmar that I was going to first use in the design.
#1. The weight of the Kubota is much lighter at
117.1lbs vs
185lbs.
#2. The engine is
482cc vs
570cc
#3. The physical dimensions of the Kubota are less in width and length. While it is 2 inches taller than the Yanmar this is an easy fix because the Z602 low profile oil pan will fit the Z482 thus making it more compact.
#4. The Power output of the two engines are nearly identical
13.3hp vs
13.6hp thus advantage to the smaller Kubota.
#5. The Kubota is less costly from what I have found and at least for me parts are easy to get and also cost less.
#6. Another advantage IMO is that the Z482 are all ready utilized in cars over in Europe such as Aixam as well as a few others. Which would be a good source for engines and engine bits.
So after mulling it over a bit I decided to get rid of the Yanmar and purchase a Kubota Z482. I purchased a newer used unit with extremely low hours for $1,000. I also purchased another Spitfire for $350 for extra bits and to experiment on making my own lighter composite parts.
For me anytime you can reduce weight and engine cc yet maintain the same level of power it is an advantageous decision IMO.
GH
