My latest idea includes the $100 horizontal shaft 212cc predator engine I purchased at harbor freight. More about the engine, governed at 3600 rpm, OHV configuration.
I acquired some bed rails today, looks like a sturdy option for a frame to hold the engine, a motorcycle wheel and a shock/strut/dampner.
The idea is to gear the setup so that 70 mph cruising is done with the .2 liter engine propelling the car and the 1.8 taking a nap (until I encounter a hill I suppose.)
One thing I haven't worked out yet is vacuum for power brakes. I considered an electric vac pump as it wouldn't take much to add an alternator to a jackshaft. I am a fan of simplicity, so I mostly dismiss this idea.
This is a snowplow mount, apparently
Seems to me like a simple way to detach the unit for whatever reason. I would like to work out something for a top mount that would allow me to lift the unit from the ground, remotely would be nice.
I guess I could work out an air bag suspension, but that would again take from simplicity, especially since I have a mostly complete crx parts car with four "struts" to choose from.