Lightweight engines with good power?

[fran9r]

Hi everyone...after spending ages thinking an Enfield is not really what you'd use for a conversion when they come out of the factory like that, I'm here!

Ideally, I would like a diesel powered commuter bike, but I have criteria to match. They are all quite reasonable from modern bikes, but perhaps challenging to achieve with a diesel motor.

Max of 200KG complete machine weight.
Minimum of 40 BHP.
Manual (non CVT) transmission.
Sports related riding position/ground clearance.

Considering the above, I was wondering about the 1.4 TDCI/HDI engines as found in both Fiesta and 206 cars. I found some data suggestng the engine weight was 100KGs -can anyone back that up? 75bhp is certainly in the right ballpark, and I'm sure something can be done to transmit drive (but any idead as to specifics?).

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

[Nanko]

Hi everyone...after spending ages thinking an Enfield is not really what you'd use for a conversion when they come out of the factory like that, I'm here!

Ideally, I would like a diesel powered commuter bike, but I have criteria to match. They are all quite reasonable from modern bikes, but perhaps challenging to achieve with a diesel motor.

Max of 200KG complete machine weight.
Minimum of 40 BHP.
Manual (non CVT) transmission.
Sports related riding position/ground clearance.

Considering the above, I was wondering about the 1.4 TDCI/HDI engines as found in both Fiesta and 206 cars. I found some data suggestng the engine weight was 100KGs -can anyone back that up? 75bhp is certainly in the right ballpark, and I'm sure something can be done to transmit drive (but any idead as to specifics?).

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

100 kilo is a bit too optimistic I believe , the TUD5 I am using weights 110 kilo
Construction is more or less the same , but with the heavier crankshaft , conrods and the turbo the HDI engine has , 120 kilo is more realistic.

Total weight of my bike is 309 kilo , and I tried to keep this figure low !
Its shaft driven and has a heavy swing-frontsuspension , with a chain and
a telescope the figure would be abt 25 kilo lower

[fran9r]

Hmm interesting...and pics?

Are you using the 1.4 litre engine?

[Sphere]

First incarnation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeC37cFZxYs
The beast in full glory: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_7f-DiP6ng

Hmm interesting...and pics?

[Nanko]

Hmm interesting...and pics?

Are you using the 1.4 litre engine?

1.5 litre , the 1.4 has a aluminium crankcase

[fran9r]

I was expecting the 1.4 to be lighter to be honest, because of the more modern design and ally construction.

If I could get to 200KGs, then I'd look into a project further, but my requirements would be a commuter/sportsbike, so anything over that target weight would convince me to stick with petrol.

I can't seem to find any information on converting petrol engines to diesel use -I know it's been done with some classic's, and that it would be complex to do, but it would create solutions to the weight issue, even if you cut the revs to live with the original bottom end. In fact that would be cool...add a diesel pump, glow plugs and a turbo...anyone have any links to people doing that?

Hmm, head scratching time.

[Nanko]

I was expecting the 1.4 to be lighter to be honest, because of the more modern design and ally construction.

Are you sure the HDI has a ally bottom end?
I have been told they are cast iron .
The alum. PSA diesels have a reputation blowing
its headgasket when the engine slightly overheats.

[fran9r]

It's only info off the net, but from several sources -the 1.4 from the fiesta/206/307/c1/c2/c3 anyway.

I've got the 1.6 in my car and I'm pretty sure thats ally aswell.

Anyway, I found the thread on converting petrols...despite whats been said, I think you could take a big inline 4 and swop pistons/heads. Some of the common rail diesels are running comparable compression, and drawing a head in CAD would be OK. Hacing the head CNC'd...expensive, but possible. I don't see running a pump as a massive problem -a drive setup off a supercharger set-up would be OK, and there are standalone ECUs to run with...but we are already into the area of massive cost...

[Sphere]

You don't need 40BHP for a commuter bike. If you want a sportsbike with a diesel take a big engine, a suitable frame, spend a year building one and come to the conclusion that you have created a behemoth that is well over 200kg and not a sportsbike.

I think the new 1.4HDi from Peugeot is aluminium, but don't take my word for it. The tiny one from VAG also seems to be aluminium. Or just use the 800cc SMART diesel.

[fran9r]

You don't need 40BHP for a commuter bike. If you want a sportsbike with a diesel take a big engine, a suitable frame, spend a year building one and come to the conclusion that you have created a behemoth that is well over 200kg and not a sportsbike.

I think the new 1.4HDi from Peugeot is aluminium, but don't take my word for it. The tiny one from VAG also seems to be aluminium. Or just use the 800cc SMART diesel.

Your right, I don't NEED anything. But I'd not be having fun with less, so where is the point in that?

I think your right, so unless I find a lightweight suitable engine I'll leave it. Shame...

[Sphere]

Forgive me, my commute mainly consists of traffic jams on highways. Anway, it seems that there are many options for comfortable commuter bikes if you will settle for 30bhp. But you would have to develop a love for Triumph Tiger of Harley of similar.

[Nanko]

I just put this on the dutch citroen forum.
If its aluminium I will measure the weight
a friend has a workshop and I am pretty
sure he has some of these engines in stock.

[Sphere]

Apperently VAG uses aluminium alloys in their engines, I can't really find it for the 1.4 PSA/Ford motor (DLD-414).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Vo ... el_engines