Depraved motor musings

[Mike Arman <armanmik@n-jcenter.com>]

OK, guys, nomex on and locked.

Have been musing about more HP from 86 5ks - not turbo, and seriously,
without major bucks and drivability problems, it just isn't there.

Modest proposal: Engine swap to 13B Mazda rotary.

Pro:
Mazda 13B engine can make 250-275 HP without lots of wildness, more available.

Engine is physically small - much smaller and shorter than I-5, also
lighter, might improve weight distribution (would increase tire life)
slightly, definitely, absolutely improve service accessibility!!

Drive pulleys on front of engine, same as I-5, so adaptors could be made for
pentosin pump, AC compressor, alternator.

Cooling system in car could adapt easily to new engine - just hoses.

Lots of trick sensors, etc. no longer needed.

Slick package - grandson of RO-80! (The RO-80 was an NSU, with rotary
engine. Audi absorbed NSU, and some of the engineering from the RO-80 found
its way into the 5000 series - or so I'm told)

Con:
Terminal flame wars from purists

Engine to transmission adaptor needed (1/4" steel plate, lots of holes)

Throwout bearing geometry unknown at this time, linkage hydraulic, so no
problem there - use Audi 5 speed & diff.

Oil pan on Mazda at rear of engine, conflicts with cross member. Surgery on
pan needed (not a huge job, just a PIA)

Gas mileage would take a major hit - rotary Mazdas are not noted for their
fuel economy, but with a 21 gallon tank, I'd still have decent range.

Other items - I've done engine conversions in the past - if it's right, it
just "falls" together - if it isn't, it becomes an abortion, very quickly.
Many years ago, I helped put a 289 F*rd into a 190SL MB (That's before they
were worth anything - we paid $100 for the car!) - came out spectacular!
Tried to help with a 283 chebby into an XK-150 - bad news from go - owner
wouldn't take no for an answer. Did a reverse-rotation corvair into a 914
once - Nice setup!! Still would't shift - other weirdness, too.

Proposal - I'd like to hear any helpful comments on following this up. For
the guys who plan to flame me for even suggesting this sort of sacrilege,
please note that I haven't cut ANY metal - just toying with the idea. I do
have a wrecked 5KS (donor for the engine in the car I'm driving now), so I
have something to measure (engine bay, tranny bolt pattern, crossmember,
etc.) to determine if this is feasible at all - or just a random pipe dream.

Best Regards,

Mike Arman