Bike Engine Conversion

[coolfart]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

an Mr2 Mk2 can be had now for £500-£750 if you look about - the conversion has been done and it can't be that difficult to do a second.

I'll keep trying to persuade Jim to do a road version for me!!....I know he has had offers for froglet already!

I think it's a much better fit than the bike engines....it only comes up a couple of inches further than the standard engine cover!

[StevRS]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

Is the 1.8 block any larger in VVTi form (A-la Celica T-Sport)? Best of both worlds - car levels of torque and a nice VVTi 'step' where it all gets exciting!!

[davros7760]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

This is a true fact.....

the old bike conversion eh....well, it's not alot of use if you can't use it every day, i've said it before and i'll say it again, inline 4 cylinder bike engines ain't the way to go for an easy to use bike conversion, the problem is they have bugger all torque so are no good at low revs and a fekin great lump of power at the top of the rev range but makes them not too friendly on the ears!!!....to use a bike engine in a car you need torque...and lots of it!

There speaks a man who knows - and if you are still insane enough to think it's a good idea, have a chat with Al (formerly of SRU fame).

He will tell you exactly the same - as well as what a B*****d it was to get working properly and the constant maintenance

[RoadTrackRace]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

Don't do it...

Surprisingly enough bike engines are designed for use in......... bikes

Bike engined Smarts are utterly rubbish, very noisy, not very fast (in real world driving) and extremely unstable at speed.

And where does anyone get 0-60 in 4 seconds from???

A hyabusa engine kicks out 180bhp and a Smart weighs over 700kgs so you only have 250bhp per tonne. Couple that to chain drive and a weedy bike clutch and you can see how figures like this are urban myth.

Our stripped out GXR1000 engined Roadster was tested by EVO magazine and by the time David Yu had got a best time of 6.5 seconds 0-60mph (after about 10 runs) the new clutch was fried and the car had to be trailered home.

The MR2 engine makes slightly more sense (plenty of sense as a hill climb special) but again would you want to be travelling at high speed in a Smart with no stability control and ABS when you have to swerve out of the way of some moron that's just carved you up on the M1.

The 'ONLY' safe way to create a high speed Smart is to use a bored out Roadster cammed Smart block. The thick end of 120bhp and 110lb/ft of torque and your aircon, abs, traction control and stability control all still working.

Smarts are very dynamically challenged and stay on the road purely by virtue of their safety systems. We all like fun and tweaking cars but having been on two wheels in the original Z-cars Smart at no more than 80mph on an airfield I can assure you that had the same thing happened on a road the outcome would have been a very nasty accident.

The great debate rumbles ever onwards...

SRUS team

[6F00T4]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

I just don't think bike engines are the way forward if you want real driveability, fuel efficiency and performance. You're all forgetting a Smart is a city car, easy to drive, eco friendly and quiet. Bike engined cars are for trackdays and for cars that weigh less than 500kg, not 800kg.

[pam gazey]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

I couldnt have said it better my self!!

MR2 is the way to go, cheep, loads of bhp, heeps of fun and could easily be a road conversion, not sure on the insurance though and definatley not £35 per year road tax ??????

[Justin220]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

It's cute, but I still like riding the traditional bike!:p But not driving a bike!

[ZorroReturns]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

Its an interesting thread, myself if I was ever to undergo an engine transplant would be for small capacity turbo....... Charade Gtti, Fiat Punto GT turbo, Renault Five GT Turbo, Toyota Yaris Tsport turbo...... lots of cheap spare parts, small in size and can give huge bhp's.

[6F00T4]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

It's not all about performance though? If you want a fast car, buy Lotus or something? I think it's because you can.

[smartski]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

nissan pulsar 1.0 turbo engine would be awesome,its not the speed number you want its surprising people with a car that looks like it wont be quick. the audi a8 looks like an a4 rep bus but it goes like stink,its fun............

[s42m]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

the ForTwo 1000cc Engine Conversion (inc. BRABUS) would it work with the 450????

only when my 700cc BRABUS goes bang or could it be possible to have it rebuilt by someone with added performance. many years down the line...

p.s. roadster engine seems fine but the ForFour engine conversion is out the question?? too bulky i guess...

*WOULD LIKE TOO STICK WITH SMART PARTS*

[s42m]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

bike idea out the window... it could be a real pain

[ZorroReturns]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

That Toyota IQ engine has been turbo'd in Japan. Not sure what size, but it may fit smart.

[6F00T4]

Re: Bike Engine Conversion

plus the diff is on the front, so more space