possible engine/performance figures

[catboy]

I am in the early stages of designing a spaceframed track-day car; not sure about the body-shape yet, but likely to be v.simple open 2-seater

I am considering using a VW beetle gearbox/transaxle with a rotary engine, but wondered what options I have open to me in terms of performance.

I am aiming for about 400-500kgs kerb weight, so I dont need mega performance, but 175bhp+ would be nice...     ...is this do-able with a N/A rotary without too many mods? Would I be better going for an EGi or even a Turbo II lump?

I am planning to get an older engine possibly that needs re-building for cost purposes, so a bit of porting isnt out of the question. The simpler the better IMHO, as I dont really want to have to provide clipping points for masses of harnesses, hoses, ECU\'s, etc...

Any advice or information on realistic (and reliable) BHP figures for engines, plus pro\'s/con\'s of using them appreciated

b

[scooby_si]

sounds very interesting mate, sadly i\'m not a knowledgable type so cant help too much but you should easily get that power & probably more, scarey power to weight that\'d be :o , which is the main pro with the rotary. Are you plannign on rebuilding the engine yourself? In which case cant think of any real downsides Oh OK i got one you gota let a local type come & dribble on it
Si

[grinder]

the EGI put out about 164 BHP ( or 156 ? )and the later Turbo II put out 202 BHP

but im sure that someone will come and prove me wrong !!

thanks

stu

[Gerry M]

whats sort of weight is in a NA rotary, as i was wondering about this for an engine swap in an imp

[catboy]

The original plan was bike engine, but Im struggling without a rotary engine in my life at the moment!..   My turbo II was putting out about 250bhp, so I know thats obtainable, but I also know what a rats-nest of hoses and wires there was in the engine bay!...    Im thinking if I can get 150+bhp from a NA (pref 12b or maybe even a 13b on carbs?..     ...possible? whats the benefit over 12b?) and keep the kerb weight below 500kg\'s that should be enough for some fun!...

Plan would be to rebuild engine myself. Not done a rotary before, but done plenty of others (mini\'s, MGB\'s, Merc 4\'s, 6\'s, and 8\'s, beetles, etc.) so guessing I would be able to get through it!

Beetle transaxle and rotary engine are nice light weight combo, and also keep the weight low in the chassis; would leave the front end a bit light, but might go the porsche route and put engine in front, transaxle in rear to get more even weight balance...

When I get started and theres something (other than scraps of paper and computer print-outs) to look at, anyones more than welcome to drop by and have a look

b