Three Cylinder Radial For ICE In Prius?

[Angel And The Wolf]

Originally Posted by jamesqf

Where would you find a 3-cylinder radial? I don't think I've ever seen a radial engine that wasn't for aircraft use,

Yeah. Anyway, see my permalink #9 above. The Revetec cam lobe engine may be a better idea.

[Frank Lee]

Turning the power 90 degrees is not as efficient as gearing in the same axis.

Flatheads have far less efficient combustion chambers than OHV.

Lubricating downward pointing cylinders might get funky. Yes, radials are lubricated but with a simple sump and pump?

[Angel And The Wolf]

All true.

How abour the ReveTec idea?

[Frank Lee]

Can't get that either, right?

[Angel And The Wolf]

Not Yet.

[euromodder]

Originally Posted by Angel And The Wolf

I've read that a radial engine (Radial, not rotary) is lighter and more powerful than an inline engine of the same cylinder number and displacement.What are the objections to a horizontally mounted three cylinder radial engine in place of the inline four the Prius comes with?

I can't see it being lighter than an inline 3 cylinder - comparing apples to apples.
OK, the crankshaft is a lot shorter, but ...

Needs 3 (double) camshafts & 3 mechanisms to drive those
Cylinder walls are not shared with the next cylinder
Needs 3 separate water jackets & piping
Needs 3 separate intake & exhaust headers
Needs longer fuel lines, wiring harness

On top, 3 cylinders in a radial pattern will take up much more space than 3 IL.

Radials are notorious for leaking oil