Can you run an engine backwards.

Can you, and if so what is involved in, running an engine backwards?

Yes and no. You can design an engine to run backwards, but it would take a considerable amount of work to convert an engine to run the other direction.

Believe it or not, but there are actually versions of the 350 (i think it is the 350) that are designed to run opposite of the normal. These engines are used in boats that have 2 engines so that the propellors turn opposite which eliminates torque-steer.

What exactly would be involved in getting the motor to run backwards? Like what kind of stuff do you have to change? Just the starter, timing and reprogram the ecu?

I hope you can accomodate a transmission that runs backwards too. :eek7:

You didn't specify what kind of engine. The biggest change is the camshaft. The starter is a given. Water pump usually, unless it's electric. It will vary by engine after that. Usually it's a boat thing, so the trans. isn't an issue. Look up a marine engine for more detail.

Some older diesels also will run backwards...with no changes. This is not a good thing, but does happen when lugged too hard.

Older two-stroke engines will easily run backwards.
The electronic ignition kind won't , but many older ones used a magneto and points ignition system.
Just spin the engine backwards and off you go.

This is very easy on old (30+ years) 2-stroke dirt bikes. If you go up a steep hill it's easy to stall and start rolling backwards. If you are in gear, the engine might start and accelerate you at a huge speed........ backwards. Very embarrasing and often painful.

I was thinking a K20 into a 5g Civic. I don't want to cut the frame and i need A/C still. I'd use an adapterplate to a most likely b series transmission.

Curious: For what purpose?

Maximum horsepower per liter is why. Now some people would say why not just get a bigger engine? Because that's too easy. I don't have the money to buy an RSX and Rice it out, so i figure i'll take i-VTEC in all of it's glory and throw it in my car. I want to live in AZ because it has nice roads year round. That means that I need A/C. I don't deal with heat well.

Ok, thanks for the info. I'm not a Civic guy, but what you're saying is that the engine faces the opposite direction in the donor car? And I'm with you on a/c..gotta have it