Centurion 128-mpg ... and smaller engines

[changzuki]

-three-

[changzuki]

-two-
(This is really hard waiting 30 seconds between postings...)

[changzuki]

-one-

[changzuki]

Drum roll.......

Hello, this was to be my first posting to your excellent site.
http://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/az6...on_800x445.jpg
Have a great day!
~Changzuki

[Frank Lee]

Cool- nice toys! Finish it!

I bought the plans for that thing back in the day but failed to follow through on building it... didn't want to hack up my Spitfire after all, although sometimes it made me mad enough that I would have done it!

[Grant-53]

As I remember the Kubota engine in the Spitfire chassis bolted to a 4 speed transmission with the fourth gear being an overdrive ratio. Consider that it was designed as a commuter car the 35 mph usage was deemed relevant. Other diesel conversions of the era to VW Rabbit or Plymouth Horizon vehicles were advertised at 65 mpg at 55 mph. The initial mileage driving cycles were done on dyno tests that did not account for air drag so they tended to be 10% higher than road tests.
The 250cc motorcycle engine in the Edison may have a shorter economic life than an industrial diesel. Has anyone seen figures for the Hayes diesel engine durability?

[JackMcCornack]

Originally Posted by changzuki

So, not to be a pain but let's start with a count-down and then see how many postings the mystery link will generate!!! I think you all will really enjoy this!

I think we would all enjoy it even more with less mystery. What's this photo about? Where and when was it taken?

[changzuki]

>>What's this photo about? Where and when was it taken?
--- The photo is nothing more than a recent side-by-side shot of the two cars. In the future, I plan to complete the Centurion and then see if it can top the Honda's mpg. Should be pretty interesting!
~Changzuki

[Grant-53]

If you plan to get 100 mpg from the Centurion at highway speed, plan on modifying the tail and internal air flow. Enjoy!

[changzuki]

Centurion update:
In the mechanical testing phase. Out of curiosity, there is one more gear change planned before winter. The last 600 or so miles have all been at 106-110 mpg. This is mixed driving (about 30% town, 70% rural). No problems in town with any traffic. It towers at 41 inches.
For size reference, below are two shots from earlier this year showing it alongside a 2007 Hyundai Accent:


~CrazyJerry