EcoModder.com

EcoModder.com (https://ecomodder.com/forum/)
-   EcoModding Central (https://ecomodder.com/forum/ecomodding-central.html)
-   -   Urba Centurion Update - (Kubota diesel, 100+ MPG in mixed driving - Fall 2012 on) (https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/urba-centurion-update-kubota-diesel-100-mpg-mixed-23497.html)

changzuki 09-29-2012 08:57 PM

Urba Centurion Update - (Kubota diesel, 100+ MPG in mixed driving - Fall 2012 on)
 
The Centurion's drivetrain has hopefully been reinstalled for the last time. With roughly 2,000 miles on the last implant, the low average is 107mpg. On several occasions it has hit 124 mpg and that is in mixed driving. Final body and paintwork will have to wait until next year. As a side note, the Centurion was at a college sustainability event this week and there was a Tesla there. To illustrate again how small the Centurion is, the Tesla is larger and almost looks "portly", and the Centurion is lower at the roof. There is no comparison when looking at the rake of each car's windshield. (The students went for the Go-One in droves, the Centurion 2nd and the Tesla 3rd.)

There are youtube videos of the Centurion (one is a few driveby shots).
The link for that one is here: Centurion on the open road - Pt 1-4 - YouTube

Still much to do - over and out!
~CrazyJerry
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ce...cs_600x231.jpg

redneck 09-29-2012 10:26 PM

Cool car...

What transmission and rear end are being used ?

What is the top speed ?

Any build info you could share would be great.

Again, cool car...:thumbup:

>

changzuki 10-05-2012 10:58 PM

>>What transmission and rear end are being used ?
---Spitfire manual transmission and rear differential.

>>What is the top speed ?
----About 65mph where it hits the governor @3060rpm. The little Kubota is not blatting or smoking at that speed.

>>Any build info you could share would be great.
----Build info mostly follows the original plans offered by 128-mpg Diesel-Powered Sports Car There are several deviations that should yield even better results!

----The last 2 weeks were spent addressing vibrations (engine and drivetrain). Over 9 hours dedicated to drivetrain alignment and ultimately moving the engine ahead a whopping quarter of an inch but it was time well spent. Today everything is very acceptable so I might plan to move onward although winter is coming... :(

~ CrazyJerry
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ur..._dvrs_side.jpg

Phantom 10-06-2012 09:31 AM

Nice work I have wanted to create the xr3

GreenHornet 07-27-2013 03:06 PM

Hey Changzuki,

I am currently designing and building a kit car code named TIGON lol :) inspired by the Urba Centurion!

Thanks for sharing your car with all of us....

For TIGON I will be constructing my own body kit with a goal of less than .18 coefficient of drag that will be able to bolt up to any Triumph Spitfire or GT6 chassis! I am also hybridizing a 2 cylinder Yanmar engine for start stop, regen braking, and power boost. There are so many things I am doing differently from the original Centurion plans I decided to give it its own name. I guess I would consider the Urba Centurion a cousin to TIGON of sorts :D The car design has changed a few times as originally it was going to be a reverse trike design. I went back to simplicity for the sake of time and complexity with just utilizing the Spit/GT6 chassis only with relatively no modifications.

This way all Triumph Spit/GT6 owners could make use of the highly aerodynamic body kit if they desired all they would need to do is simply unbolt the heavy steel unit with 10 bolts and use those same bolts to put on my light weight composite body kit!

Anyways the TIGON build thread can be viewed in the Hybrids section of this forum here = http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...rid-25128.html

I wonder have you ever done any Cd testing on your Urba Centurion? The original Triumph GT6 is said to have a Cd of .32 and the Spitfire round-tail is .39 and square-tail coming in at .42 :eek:

It would be very interesting to see just how much of an improvement your modified Urba Centurion was able to make on the original Triumph cars.

GH

changzuki 07-27-2013 08:05 PM

Urba Centurion Update - Fall 2013 (1 yr later)
 
Hi GreenHornet. Sounds like a very interesting build you have going on there and no doubt with all your in-depth research it should be a winner.

I've not done any cd testing on the Centurion. I did a few things a bit different than the original plans called for such as windshield rake, overall height, ground effects, etc..

The original Centurion reported 128mpg@35mph.

Lane Motor Museum reports their Centurion at 45mpg. They must have a dragging brake, deployed parachute or something.

Both cars use the 750cc Kubota triple.

Both cars use a power robbing Spitfire overdrive unit too.

My Centurion has the optional Police Interceptor 850cc Kubota and a straight 4 speed. (The 950cc Kubota may have been reserved exclusively for the station wagon Centurions - citation needed!). For 2 summers now I easily pass 1000 miles on the 10 gallon tank and the only time I drive 35mph is in such posted speed zones. We have no freeways here in my vicinity and the roads are not exactly great, so the top speed of 65mph@3050rpm is perfect. I've even incorporated some styling elements which do nothing for efficiency but are "eye candy". One of the most notable is the Carroll Shelby Scorpion wheels once belonging to the original Centurion.
http://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/urb..._side_2013.jpg

https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ur..._side_2013.jpg

I've put all work on hold for now with the Centurion mainly because I'm knee-deep in a Tri-Magnum build. For this, I've hashed out similar views as yours regarding a hybrid or pure ev, but lithium isn't quite there yet - at least not the affordable stuff. As a premier lithium battery producer, A123 showed promise but has since gone bankrupt. Unless economies everywhere get better, the only lithium market they can currently support appears to be going to cell phones and the like - not evs...

RQ Riley has updated the Tri-Magnum as a diesel-hybrid dubbed the XR-3. I have my own human/hybrid ev reverse trike dubbed "The Aurora Project" At 110 lbs it does pretty good and has some features most cars don't.

Keep up the good work - I can't wait to see what you end up with! :thumbup:
~CrazyJerry

UltArc 07-27-2013 11:31 PM

Hooked. Subscribed.

GreenHornet 07-28-2013 02:40 AM

Hey Crazy Jerry :)

"Both cars use a power robbing Spitfire overdrive unit too."

Ya this is one of the first things I updated. With much time and thought I settled in on the T5 transmissions they have similar weight, compact, and are all over the place. They can also be easily modified by anyone and inexpensively at that. I will be testing a .63 and a .56 5th gear ratio.

The Triumph rear differential that I have currently is the 3.27 and will utilize it first and see how the acceleration goes! If its adequate I will keep it most likely with the .63 overdrive. If acceleration is sluggish I will bump up to the 3.63 rear diff and test out the .63 and .56.

The diesel I am using is the Yanmar 2 cylinder 3600rpm .57 Liter 13.4hp variable speed unit. The hybrid drive is a 12kw 18lb brushless dc motor and is direct drive mounted straight off the crank shaft where you would normally have the crank pulley! There are no horsepower robbing belts on the diesel engine everything has been electrified such as fan, water pump, fuel pump, alternator, AC etc. The electric water pump control module that controls the radiator fan and pump is set to run a bit warm for added efficiency as I have the electric motor hybrid drive for added boost further increasing total system efficiency! The radiator is actually a 2 row aluminum motorcycle radiator :-) I found the stock Triumph units way to big in fact as well as way to expensive new. The motorcycle unit allows me to relocate lower in the chassis which gives me better flexibility with the composite body work shape up front.

I changed up the wheels also to the Smart fortwo the tire diameter size is 22.4". Mainly to reduce unsprung weight and reduce drag as these wheels are 4.5 X 15" and weigh only 10lbs.

The top speed I have calculated with the tire selection, gearing, and available combined hybrid horsepower is a comfortable 90mph. With the hybrid drive system and crazy tall overdrive option of .57 X 3.27 = 1.86 final drive gear ratio I expect to hit some incredible freeway cruise fuel economy numbers. The only reason why I will be able to get away with this tall of a final drive is because I have the 12kw electric motor torque instantly available from the very get go! Also I have the hybrid control configured to only turn on the diesel after the car reaches 30mph which can be manually adjusted if desired. If the battery/Supercap bank gets to low the diesel will auto kick on as well. The individual will have complete adjustment of the hybrid features for individual needs and desires. Hybrid component upgrades will also be an option if desired. So many possibilities for the individual to customize and tweak for there driving styles and routes for best economy and efficiency.

So I eliminate the 2 largest fuel sucking situations for any ICE car the engine idle time during stop and go traffic and while initially starting to accelerate!

In a nutshell TIGON deviates from Urba Centurion as follows:

With a T5 manual 5 speed that has custom gearing specifically designed for fuel economy, A tiny 2 cylinder diesel that has all efficiency robbing devices eliminated, An electric hybrid drive system which allows start stop, regenerative braking, no idle, and engine shut off during pulse and gliding situations, 10lb 4.5 X 15" alloy wheels with 12lb LRR tires, Lightweight highly aerodynamic composite body shell that can be bolted and applied to any Triumph Spitfire and GT6. I maintain the original starter as a back up in the event of the hybrid integrated starter alternator failure. I am also using a hybrid battery/Supercapacitor bank geared for the urban environment which differs from all other hybrids here in North America which none currently use Supercapacitors at all to try and make better use of regenerative braking kinetic energy. Supercaps are an ecomodder/hypermilers best friend if understood and used to their full potential!

I can't list all the modifications but it is a laundry list I am sparing nothing on this as I want to beat 157mpg and preferably 235mpg at normal freeway cruise speeds around 55-60mph locally. The goal is 1 liter fuel economy such as what you get in the VW XL1. I am trying to stay optimistic but do realize I have a huge mountain to climb here. So in order to have a fighting chance everything has to be truly optimized and tuned for economy which means more cost :eek:

The main issues so far were the initial 3 wheel design platform this ate up a ton of time and money starting out. Next was the hybrid design and finding somebody that would work with the little guy. This was not that easy and has taken a great deal of time also! Lastly the Composite body shell. I figure that in order to have a solid shot of 1 Liter fuel economy I have to get as close as possible to .14 Cd and absolutely no higher than .18. So I think this will take the most time as it is absolutely critical and if done right will be the ultimate game changer in this project. Luckily I have a friend locally that is a master composite tech to help me out on this monumental task ahead of me.

Right now I am just shelling out dinero getting all the nuts and bolts together as the mechanical design and modification lists are complete. I am also working on the 2D body design sketches. I have changed them a great deal for the better from my initial posts in my build thread. Once I have the rolling chassis completely finished up I will look locally for a CAD designer who can take the body shell to the 3D level as at this point I do not have the time to try and learn a 3D design engine! Once I have a good solid working 3D model and tested I will begin the composite work!

Anyways gotta get to bed nice talking with you Crazy Jerry I will catch up with you later. :thumbup:

GH..

GreenHornet 07-28-2013 02:44 AM

Nice Pics BTW I love the changes you made to the original Urba Centurion it really makes yours look pretty bada** :-)

Ang84Indy 07-28-2013 03:40 AM

Hey changzuki, your Centurian looks great! I've been a fan of both the Centurian and the Tri-Magnum since I was a teenager (back when they were first featured in the old Mechanicx Illustrated magazine). Do you plan on making a build thread for the Tri-Magnum?

changzuki 08-06-2013 10:15 PM

Urba Centurion Update - Fall 2013 (1 yr later)
 
Thanks for the positive comments!

Not included in previous posts are these couple items:

The original Centurion with its 750 cc Kubota has an add-on belt driven water pump which leaves little room for anything else not to mention lots of rubber hose.... (Not sure about the Lane Museum setup..) This also pretty much limits the possibility of ever using any alternator other than the tiny Kubota generator unit since that pump occupies precious room where a normal alternator could go. Something to think about if anyone is going to build one of these and is planning on running much of any electrical load and trying to keep a battery charged..

The Centurion in this thread using the 850cc has a normal style water pump and a 100amp 80's style Delco alternator. These alts are very inexpensive to buy, maintain, and remove if necessary. The Kubota exhaust manifold is wrapped to keep the heat away from the alternator.
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ur...comparison.JPG

Original Centurion (left photo)..............................CrazyJerrys Centurion (right photo)

I also use a 3.27 differential. It's a new unit from Quantum Mechanics that's advertised to be more stout than the factory 3.27. The original 1966 differential contained a 4.11 ring and pinion which would be great for pulling stumps on the farm, but with a straight 4spd is a poor match for the 3000 rpm of the Kubota. I could only get about 45 mph with a 4spd and that 4.11 however, at idle I could dump the clutch and it would not even come close to stalling.

https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ur...ferentials.jpg

https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/re...ggy_spring.jpg

This car has no power brakes and no power steering. Due to the light weight neither is necessary. It can stop really quick with a mild press on the pedal, and it steers easy and go cart-like. It will corner like a slot-car, to the point where I hope the body mounts are strong enough. Parallel parking is easy if you can see your corners..

Both the Original Centurion and Lane's have the rear view mirror on the windshield like a normal car... With the rake on mine, that mounting location is completely useless. I had to mount it on the dash..

The Original Centurion had no exterior door mirrors and Lane's had a gigantor set of Mickey-Mouse ears (maybe that's why they only got 45 mpg!)

https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/al...centurions.JPG

I decided against cctv for rear view and went with 2 Wally World bicycle mirrors. Since everything else is about 3/4 scale they fit right in!

If anyone builds one of these, don't overlook the muffler. I had a single setup like the Original Centurion but after several configurations I baffled a single-in dual-out muffler. The engine behaved differently over the rpm range with each one.

For the flip-up headlights, the Original Centurion uses an electric motor out of a 70 Charger (like the General Lee!) to open and close them. (Price one of those out on eBay - incredible!!!) Well, I'd like to see how great that actually worked on the Original Centurion. My experience was the flip-ups are too heavy and the motor isn't nearly strong enough. In fact my fabricated square stock linkage (per the instructions) has actually twisted a bit. I ultimately changed a couple of pivot points and put a manual cable pull on it (with a thumb lock). I also got some lightweight plastic 6054 headlights to replace the heavy glass units. The flip ups work real quick now.

https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/flipups_800x349.jpg

https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/fl...rs_574x215.jpg

Not sure of a build thread for the Tri-Magnum, but an update thread is not out of the question! Possibly starting this fall. I have 2 possible donor bikes and one is a 1980 Honda GoldWing 1100 Interstate, the other is a 1985 Honda GoldWing 1200 Interstate. After doing a single VW carb conversion on it, I've been driving the 1980 for a month now to see if it's "The One"... It seems pretty bomb-proof and lots of power. The 1200 is simply too nice to bust up but who knows... Will reveal more in the Fall on a new thread...
~CrazyJerry

GreenHornet 08-07-2013 01:19 AM

Hey Crazy Jerry,

Good choice on the Quantum Mechanics differential. In my opinion the 3.27 is the way to go for the fuel economy. The later GT6 3.27 differentials were more robust than the MK1,MKII and spitfire units. Most likely this is the case they sale. As far as internals they are most likely a hybrid as the GT6 gears were actually not the strongest!

The major problem with a GT6 and Spitfire differential is failure of the crown wheel carrier due to fatigue. All Mk I and II diffs suffer like this and non overdrive Mk IIIs. (3.89 Mk III diffs are much better and less likely to fail). A car that is driven hard will tend to suffer earlier but there is also an element of luck involved. When the diff is out of the car the rear case can be removed and the carrier checkd for cracks very carefully just under the crownwheel teeth. The longer the cracks the shorter the life particularly if even more torque is put through it.

There is a hulk version of the 3.27 diff carrier (part number RKC2802) that is virtually indestructable, but it was only fitted from around 1977 and never to a GT6 go figure. You could find it on the Ital 2 litre auto, Swiss Spitfires, Dolomite 1850 Auto, and TR7 auto with four speed axle.

Most people today would look down on a vehicle that does not have power steering or power brakes. I find it to be more efficient and a huge reason to use the Spitfire/GT6 chassis as a kitcar design or super efficient one off dream car build. It is hard to beat simplicity and the original Spitfire exemplifies it.

I really like your side mirror selection now can those flip inwards also by chance?

Good talking with you Crazy Jerry and thanks for sharing more details of your Centurion. I am really enjoying our discussion here and this thread :)

GH

93hatchDX 08-19-2013 05:29 AM

What's the ballpark price tag of a build like this ?

samwichse 08-19-2013 10:13 AM

You should drive it in reverse for the best gas mileage :)

http://ecomodder.com/forum/member-cf...late-c-gif.gif

:-P

exccel 08-28-2013 01:04 PM

Novice
 
I am new to this site. Although I have undertaken numerous, engine changes, transmission, rebuilds etc this Urba centurion is just getting started. Thanks for your comments. I have just got the engine a Kubota 905 and the Triumph engine out of their respective vehicles/equipment. I meet with a machine shop tomorrow to modify the Triumph flywheel to fit the Kubota engine. The K905 runs like a top--a real steal at auction and I got a light tower, a trailer and 5KW generator with it--all in working order!! woo-hoo
My plans are to bench test the drive train and "no-load" MPG over a couple of gallons of diesel fuel. Then I will know whether I will continue and rebody etc or call it quites and put the gen, Kubota and lights back together and sell it.

[I] bought the original plans for the Urba in 1985

Mark

Aero 08-29-2013 11:00 AM

The car looks and [I'm assuming] performs spectacularly!

elhigh 08-29-2013 11:21 AM

HOW HAVE I MISSED THIS ALL THIS TIME.

I loved these little homebrew kits back in the day, but of course never got around to building one.

Hey! Are you the same Changzuki that bolted a Chinese diesel into a Suzuki frame? I found that via web-wandering, reading up about Listeroid diesels and Detroit Diesels, not sure how I found you exactly. But that was an interesting build. Do you still drive that thing?

And do you still have those teeth?

changzuki 09-02-2013 06:42 PM

--- 93hatchDX "What's the ballpark price tag of a build like this ?"
>>> Well, skies the limit if you go all out and pay to have everything done..
I've done alot of scavenging for used stuff and that has been offset by some brand new purchases too. This project is pushing the upper end of 6k now, but almost a third of that was for the wheels that are off the original Centurion.. Took me 2 weeks to wetsand, polish and paint them but all worth it in the end....
~CrazyJerry

--- samwichse "You should drive it in reverse for the best gas mileage"
>>> Likely some merit to your statement, but the goal was to replicate the original Centurion since the only other example was Lane Motor Museum's with a reported (paltry) 40mpg in normal driving, and the question for me was - could it come close, or even break the 100 mpg barrier like the plans/write-up said? The Tri-Magnum I'm into at the moment is closer to the aero-shape you referenced than the Centurion is. Should be interesting!
~CrazyJerry

--- exccel "this Urba centurion is just getting started. ...Then I will know whether I will continue and rebody etc or call it quites and put the gen, Kubota and lights back together and sell it. Mark"
>>> Mark, I applaud you and your undertaking is a huge commitment. If you are realistic in your expectations and see it through it is very, very, rewarding IMHO. If you have any questions about the build as go, I'd gladly give you my 2 cents. The RQ Riley plans are solid and are well thought out especially for the era, but there's a few things that can be improved upon too... Good luck and please keep your progress posted when you can - ~CrazyJerry

>>> Aero "The car looks and [I'm assuming] performs spectacularly!"
--- Yes - but then again I'm easy to please! The goal was to out-mpg the Changzuki (115mpg diesel motorcycle) I did back in 2004. The Centurion does that and more, so your description is exactly my experience - thanks!!!
~CrazyJerry

>>> elhigh "HOW HAVE I MISSED THIS ALL THIS TIME..... Are you the same Changzuki that bolted a Chinese diesel into a Suzuki frame? I found that via web-wandering, reading up about Listeroid diesels and Detroit Diesels, not sure how I found you exactly. But that was an interesting build. Do you still drive that thing? And do you still have those teeth?"
--- elhigh! As with most of the projects, I try to keep a low profile, blend if you will. :)
And yes I am the same CrazyJerry with the Changzuki (Changfa/Suzuki) sporting those beloved teefs! That bike has been flawless for about 15,000 miles now. Even the chrome sinkdrain exhaust pipe has held up! If you mill around the net and are into off-grid / Listeroids / or items that steer in that direction then you probably ran across a mention of me. Thanks for the post - I wasn't expecting it and actually gave me good laugh! Happy Labor Day to you!
~CrazyJerry

https://www.diesel-bike.com/Diesel_Bike/JBhott.JPG

exccel 09-04-2013 09:11 AM

Just a quick note Jerry-I just got the Triumph Flywheel back from machine shop, put the Kubota ring gear on it and bolted up to the bota 3 cylinder. I hope to do a run-out on the flywheel to make sure it is true with crank etc. A little different than what was recommended but what the heck--so far I didnt have to fight/find a Bota flywheel to fit. The Triumph flywheel, pressure plate and clutch will fit just fine!! It is a journey!! LOL

changzuki 09-05-2013 08:16 PM

exccel,
You're moving right along and I'm diggin' it!
Not sure of your motor mount arrangement on the K905,but the original Spitfire's mounts are being used on this one. They're flipped over and that allowed a nice 90deg bracket (engine-to-Spitfire mounts) to be used. I do wish the Spitfire mounts were a tad more squishy. At idle you aren't going to stack up champagne glasses anywhere on the body or engine. Anything over 1200 rpm is a non-issue though.

Keep up the good work and I hope your flywheel runs true. :thumbup:
~CrazyJerry

EZP 545 09-09-2013 04:55 PM

Great work Guys

changzuki 09-09-2013 09:17 PM

EZP 545 - thanks you for checking it out!
~CrazyJerry

changzuki 09-09-2013 09:22 PM

Urba Centurion parked next to >>>>
 
The Centurion on it's own looks like a full scale car. To give it perspective I parked it alongside some vehicles of today folks may be able to relate to..

Centurion with Toyota's Prius:
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ce...ius_lineup.jpg

~CrazyJerry

changzuki 09-09-2013 09:24 PM

Urba Centurion parked next to >>>>
 
And here she is next to some new Jeeps:
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ce...eep_lineup.jpg
Notice the Kubota Tractors in the background cheering for the Centurion!!

~CrazyJerry

changzuki 09-09-2013 09:31 PM

Urba Centurion parked next to >>>>
 
And what is this? A Plymouth Prowler? :
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ur..._prowler_3.jpg
-
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ur..._prowler_4.jpg
-
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ur..._prowler_2.jpg
-
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ur..._prowler_1.jpg
-
:turtle: Uhhh, I only have about 18hp when the planets are correctly aligned so this photo set is only possible in a dealership lot! :snail:
-
~CrazyJerry

changzuki 09-14-2013 09:43 PM

Urba Centurion parked next to >>>>
 
Here's a 4 wheeler that could NOT outrun the Centurion! :eek:
-
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ur...rt_600x200.jpg
-
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ur...rt_600x224.jpg
-
~ CrazyJerry

Xist 09-15-2013 02:11 AM

Does your car attract shopping carts?

AndrzejM 09-16-2013 03:58 AM

Have you thought about covering wheels a bit there's a lot of space for improvement...

samwichse 09-16-2013 07:57 AM

Is it just me, or does this car seriously evoke the design DNA of an x-wing?

EDIT: Maybe an x-wing with the color scheme of a TIE fighter.

justme1969 09-16-2013 09:56 AM

found it
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLEkeWKBTY8
Kept thinking those looked like monza wheels and found a pik.
My friend had one with the big spyder over the hood looked cool he beat it to death.
The tail light first made me think Monza though.

changzuki 09-17-2013 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Xist (Post 390699)
Does your car attract shopping carts?

It sure did that day! :D
~CrazyJerry

changzuki 09-17-2013 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndrzejM (Post 390847)
Have you thought about covering wheels a bit there's a lot of space for improvement...

Hi AndrzejM,
Yes, that and more but I still have some other areas I'm brushing up on. I need to run another tank through before I publish new numbers - but they are looking goooood!

Most recent convenience feature (and due to our frost warning the other night) is the heater/defroster is now fully functional.. Because the car is "insulated" it takes very little heat to warm it right up and it holds the heat well too. The grass was crunchy with frost but my morning commute was seriously toasty!!
~CrazyJerry

https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ce..._bay_black.jpg

changzuki 09-17-2013 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justme1969 (Post 390895)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLEkeWKBTY8
Kept thinking those looked like monza wheels and found a pik.
My friend had one with the big spyder over the hood looked cool he beat it to death.
The tail light first made me think Monza though.

-
justme1969 - At first glance I can see the resemblance but a closer look seems to set them further apart.
-
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ce...ys_250x124.jpg
-
I wish the Centurion's wheels were as common as the Monza wheels. That is one area of the Centurion build that is extremely challenging since the 4 lug bolt pattern (pcd) is 95.25mm (3.75") and the wheels are not hub centric... Finding and refinishing decent vintage wheels ate up a huge amount of time for this project. I suspect that is why the Centurion in the Lane Motor Museum only has hubcaps. The RQ Riley plans state they used Carroll Shelby Scorpions... I doubt there is more than possibly one other set out there somewhere but I may be wrong.. Back in the day (1982) wheels may have been plentiful but it appears many have dried up.
-
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/al...centurions.JPG
-
The Centurion's tail lights per the plans are from an Oldsmobile Vista Cruiser (Station Wagon) although there are many styles that would also look good frenched in.
-
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ur...rt_600x224.jpg
-
~CrazyJerry

changzuki 09-21-2013 08:41 PM

Drench yourself in luxury!
 
In the true spirit of Do-It-Yourself, it was time to update the Centurion's seats to something more comfortable, and yet, keep it lightweight.
-
As luck would have it, a local big-box home-improvement store was having a sale on summer items. There on the shelf were black and "Kubota" orange striped chaise chair cushions! And on the next shelf were the smaller throw cushions, soooooooooo........
-
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ce...s1_600x363.jpg
-
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/ce...s2_600x450.jpg
-
https://diesel-bike.com/Centurion/in...sy_800x600.jpg
-
These make for one heck of a sound deadener.
Sinking into comfort, not even the "Diesel Shake" can get me now!
-
~ CrazyJerry :thumbup:

AndrzejM 09-23-2013 02:55 AM

:thumbup:

sheepdog 44 09-25-2013 06:09 PM

I read a little about the MG Midget today, and i'm really impressed! This is the perfect eco car blank slate. Why get a Metro, Crx HF, or Insight at all? Their frontal area AND weight are no match for a Midget/Centurion! And it's an old car too, which means you can do whatever you want to the engine!

The funny thing is on my commute i always pass an MG Midget going the opposite direction. And i always wish that my car was that small!

HHOTDI 09-26-2013 11:53 PM

There are a few MG/Austin Healey's in my area, one is a $700 roller and another is a $1000 driver in my area if you'd like a good one to start with..?
:{)

Joggernot 09-27-2013 08:02 AM

Back in the 60s the MG was one of the modified cars used for the "highest mpg" contests held periodically. I think it got 180+ mpg with tuning and a few more mods, but the winner (highly modified) got 1000+ mpg (1086?). The winner never went over 18 mph with their tiny engine.

HHOTDI 09-27-2013 01:27 PM

That is so true, I remember the Bugeye Sprite my dad had when I was a little boy that he owned/raced(i'd love to have one today). I really like the Fuel Mileage races Craig Vetter holds/held in the past...Real World driving. He has said his last one is scheduled for October of this year, Barstow/Vegas. There will be others for sure, but not that he himself is sponsoring.

Keep up the great work Jerry! :{)

changzuki 09-27-2013 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HHOTDI (Post 392899)
That is so true, I remember the Bugeye Sprite my dad had when I was a little boy that he owned/raced(i'd love to have one today). I really like the Fuel Mileage races Craig Vetter holds/held in the past...Real World driving. He has said his last one is scheduled for October of this year, Barstow/Vegas. There will be others for sure, but not that he himself is sponsoring.

Keep up the great work Jerry! :{)

:{) - haha! Took a minute to figure that out! Wish I wasn't so far from Vegas. The Vetter Fuel Mileage races would be a great place to go, and see what others are doing "real world". Thumbs up!! :thumbup:
~CrazyJerry


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 08:25 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Content Relevant URLs by vBSEO 3.5.2
All content copyright EcoModder.com