Quick question

[djmoore85]

Just out of curiosity, I have heard of rotary engines installed into older-style VW beetles. Am actually very much wanting to try it out myself. Big question: how difficult to couple rotary engine with VW transaxle? and where do you fit the radiator, as those old VW engines were air-cooled and the rotary is liquid-cooled. I understand that there will have to be adapter plate to mate the engine to the trans, and probably need to go to a hydraulic clutch setup to eliminate any issues arising from that. I also know how to take care of pilot bearing size issues and such, and adding a tach with rev limiter will be a must. I'm just trying to get an idea as to whether or not there will be any major stones in the way besides the obvious issues forementioned. thanx in advance

[Omega_5]

Originally Posted by djmoore85

Just out of curiosity, I have heard of rotary engines installed into older-style VW beetles. Am actually very much wanting to try it out myself. Big question: how difficult to couple rotary engine with VW transaxle? and where do you fit the radiator, as those old VW engines were air-cooled and the rotary is liquid-cooled. I understand that there will have to be adapter plate to mate the engine to the trans, and probably need to go to a hydraulic clutch setup to eliminate any issues arising from that. I also know how to take care of pilot bearing size issues and such, and adding a tach with rev limiter will be a must. I'm just trying to get an idea as to whether or not there will be any major stones in the way besides the obvious issues forementioned. thanx in advance

He he he.... well its you time and money....
In my neighbouring city, there is a big VW tuner... the shop name is CWS Tuning.... Well, they tried a similar project... and lets just say they never finished... and they are the pro's.
The project was tried again my the Regina VW club sometime later.... once again it was never finished....
But the bottom line is, it's not worth the amount of power you get from the engine... i mean, it's easier to throw in a Subrau engine than a rotary (or so i've heard).

[djmoore85]

Yea, the reason I ask is there's a guy at where I work whose uncle did it back in the 70s. He claims his uncle made popular mechanics magazine with it, haven't checked to see if he's bs'n or not. Just thought it would be a cool project to look into, and unique as well. I'll do some more checkin on it and see what may/may not come out of it.