If you could fill any car with Prius guts, which would you choose? :)

[freebeard]

pete c -- That would be like putting a Chevy V8 in a VW Beetle. It would totally unbalance it.

[pete c]

As with V8 beetles, a few of which I have seen, it wouldn't be practical, but it would be a hoot to drive!

I still want my VLC with the original's yamaha 250 turbo or maybe a NA 400 from a DRZ.

[freebeard]

A hoot like an AA Altered at the drag strip, not a 911.

[Cobb]

Oh gawd........ If anyone here has actually owned or driven the first gen insight you would know the least of the hybrid system you use and more lean burn the better your mpg is and we are talking triple digits here.

The Prius drivetrain is designed hand in hand to the prius car. Didnt anyone see the article about putting 17 inch rims and aftermarket tires FUBARing the mpg of the prius as is?

Now the engine maybe something as it is a 4 valve per cylinder, but its a 13 to 1 compression unless you use the same electronics and cam that leaves the intake valve partly open to reduce pumping losses for that atkins cycle efect.

[freebeard]

Is this why VW TDI diesels get better gas mileage than the Prius? Imagine a TDI air hybrid, you'd get ~75mpg in a Prius body (which is actually quite good—0.25 Cd). Now hold that thought and look at this:

Scuderi Engine Technology Overview

[razor02097]

I think I would put it in an SLC Razor.



Although it would likely cripple the performance that chassis was designed for

[Cobb]

Compressor engine?!?!?!?!? Yeah, thats not going beyond the hardware store in the generator/air compressor section.

Prius Roadster? I think the battery pack needs to be out of the weather if not ACed to some extent. How about putting a diesel in that roadster?

[razor02097]

Originally Posted by Cobb

Prius Roadster? I think the battery pack needs to be out of the weather if not ACed to some extent. How about putting a diesel in that roadster?

Clattering diesel in a roadster? No thanks

I thought it would be cool to have a sports car roadster that could get 40+mpg

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by razor02097

Clattering diesel in a roadster? No thanks

Diesels are getting smoothier nowadays

I thought it would be cool to have a sports car roadster that could get 40+mpg

Take a Mazda Miata, delete the P/S and A/C, do some moderate aeromods, get some lighter front fenders, engine hood (occasionally could get a single-piece front clip), doors and trunk lid, and then you'd have a good base for such project...

[Cobb]

You would need to remake the cooling system for the battery pack. Maybe put it under the seat with a reusable filter and a water trap to keep it dry. If you plan on having heating or cooling make sure a vent goes into the cooling system for the pack as well.