Rotary Coupe?

[Mike Arman]

Every once in a while there's a short discussion of putting a M*zda rotary 
engine into an Audi - usually into a type 44, which sounds like it ought to 
be the "natural" candidate, being very advanced and aerodynamic and all 
that, and the (remote) descendant of the RO-80.

Reality and good sense intrudes shortly thereafter, when issues of vehicle 
weight, pentosin pumps and plumbing, autocheck harnesses and miles of oddly 
colored and poorly documented wires (etc., etc., etc.) arise. Seemed like a 
good idea at the time . . .


What about putting the M*zda rotary engine into a coupe, say 1986 vintage?

It is a much lighter car than the type 44, and FAR simpler, being based on 
the 4000 chassis. It is also FWD, and would presumably benefit from the 
slightly lighter (?) rotary engine replacing the I-5 - and more horsepower.

1) Has anyone actually DONE this? What does it take to mate the rotary 
engine to the Audi clutch and transmission?

2) Has anyone investigated if there are clearance problems ("Oh, the engine 
case interferes with the front subframe . . . ") or not?

3) Does it even sound like a good idea - given that these engines are 
pretty easily available and inexpensive AND have plenty of HP potential, 
and the cars are also pretty easily available and also inexpensive.

Any thoughts? Shall we try one?


Best Regards,

Mike Arman