Swapping a TDI engine into a 1st gen Insight

[TedV]

I haven't looked to see if you are over on Freds TDIclub forum. I'm all for engine swaps and mods even if people ask why. A man has to have a hobby.

as for a TDi in an Elise, its been done, sorta. Google the Opel Eco Speedster. It shares its chassis and suspension with the Elise. Ive looked for a salvage Elise with damaged front and rear clams but they went for stupid money if the suspension wasn't destroyed. They still make great track rats and don't have to worry about damage I suppose. A friend here in Knoxville
has over 130k on his Elise and jokingly said I have first dibs when he sells it, but I think he will shoot for over 200k before replacing it as his daily driver. Its just too much fun

[freebeard]

My car has the difflow 5-element rear diffuser. I may make one for the Insight although aero mods are pretty low on the priority list right now.

Is this diffuser's design documented anywhere? Would it be better that a boattail?

I'm all for engine swaps and mods even if people ask why. A man has to have a hobby.

VR6 in a Rabbit pickup, the hard way.

[TedV]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Is this diffuser's design documented anywhere? Would it be better that a boattail?

Difflow Diffusers - Lotus Elise and Exige Flat Track Diffuser Is more for providing aditional downforce on the rear wheels for handling. It also helps direct the air from under the car to the low pressure area behind the car in a more smooth fashion so you get the downforce with not as much turbulent drag as not directing the air. At least in theory. It's documented in race car aerodynamics books. For street speeds, the boat tail or Kamback will reduce drag more for better fuel economy. Depends on the intended use when finished with the swap. The ex-wifes 1990 Corrado had a tail spoiler that moved up and did help keep the rear planted in excess of 100mph. No clue if it help fuel economy at those speeds.

for a rear wheel drive VR6 swap the easy way

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnlyOvi3OH0

I saw this truck at Southern Worthersee a year or 2 ago.

[mikeyjd]

Cool project. I'm following.

[gtmotor]

I've started to design the first of three motor mounts:



The Honda TDI Project

As for the aero question... the diffuser on my Lotus was designed for a race application at higher speeds (100 mph+). I don't think it'll have a significant impact on the Insight although I do plan on doing a lot of driving above 75 mph with the car once it's finished. A simple under tray will probably have more effect on gas mileage with this car

[mcrews]

Originally Posted by arcosine

A TDI would fit easier into a CRX. sed.

That would be very cool!

[mikeyjd]

Originally Posted by gtmotor

I've started to design the first of three motor mounts:



The Honda TDI Project

As for the aero question... the diffuser on my Lotus was designed for a race application at higher speeds (100 mph+). I don't think it'll have a significant impact on the Insight although I do plan on doing a lot of driving above 75 mph with the car once it's finished. A simple under tray will probably have more effect on gas mileage with this car

and a boat tail

[gtmotor]

Well, almost exactly 1 year later and the inevitable happened. I ran out of time and energy to tackle this project.

If anyone wants to take it on I'll sell you all of the parts (and the CAD files) for a good price. Let me know... otherwise I'll be parting it out on eBay