xr-3, anyone?

[dspur59]

anyone here building R.Q.Riley's XR-3?XR3 Hybrid Personal Transit Vehicle: A 125 mpg Plug-In Hybrid Three Wheeler You Build From Plans

[ldjessee00]

Several questions pop into my head, like where are the getting (or suggesting you get) a small diesel motor?

I wish I was rich, cause then I could buy the plans and all the material (and tools) and build it.

[cfg83]

dspur59 -

Welcome to EM! Ah yes, the new-school version of the Tri-Magnum :

Tri-Magnum: Excitement on Three Wheels New Project Engineering


Aesthetically, I prefer the Old-School version.

CarloSW2

[artificer]

I'm starting my build of the XR3. The engine is coming from The Surplus Center in Nebraska. The D902 is $1895. Normal dealer price is over $3500.

Look on the Yahoo groups for the XR3 list. The plans have a few errors and missing drawings, but with the list members, people are building the vehicles.

My projected cost is going to be around $4k-$5k. Others have spend upwards of $10k for theirs. Then again, simple rear assembly mounts that I can cast/machine for a couple of bucks are costing them $400 for a pair, or $150/pair for a multiple set order.

Then there's the choice of what you use for materials. Some have wheels that are over $125 each, while I'm going to be buying junk yard Cavalier wheels. Don't get me started on the big fat low profile tires that go for big $$$ that people are buying. I want tall narrow low RR tires. I've found some Michelin Traction TA's that are taller (lower cruise rpm's) that are good for mileage, as well as being only 1/2 to 1/3 the cost. But to each their own...

Michael

[3rdWheel]

Would you want to sell some of the parts? I would love to be able to get the cost down?
Thanks

[artificer]

What parts are you looking for? Maybe I'm spoiled by having access to lathe/mill/welder, but for the most part I'm going to be making all of the parts. Only things I'll buy are the steering wheel mount, air bags, engine/transmission, wheels, etc. $400 for the stabilizer bar when the steel only cost $25 is nuts.

I'm ecomodding my F250 PS diesel truck... just picked up a VW pickup with 1.6l diesel engine for when I don't need to haul tons of material. I took dimensions of the engine, and I think I can cram it into the XR3. Since I picked up a donor car for parts, I have a spare engine. I'll have to see how it works.

Michael

[3rdWheel]

I can have a shop make em but just like you said its gonna be expensive
I haven't even bought the plans cause I sent an email to ask a few questions
cause I know usually these things are updated and I want to make sure
I get the most up to date plans. Seems like with the oil spill this is the prime opportunity for someone to make parts and make some money and make a difference at the same time. I didn't even think about registering/tilting it once
its finished. If someone could make panels too I know builders would buy em.

[mikeross]

This seems to be a very nice idea.. But the sad part is, it will surely be expensive... especially the engine parts and the transmission mounts may not be that easy.