Rotary into Baywindow?

[Edverd2u]

He guys Would a Mazda Rotary engine fit in a Baywindow? if so anyone have any links on this..

Ed

[Eaallred]

I've seen rotaries in bugs and Type 3's with no problems before, I imagine they would easily fit into a bus engine bay.

It would be ideal to see a HP and Torque graph of the engine to see how it might perform in a bus though. They make most of thier power higher up in the rpm's, but seeing as we cruise the freeway at 4000rpm anyway, maybe it could work with decent results?
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Eric Allred

You have to remember something: Everybody pities the weak; Jealousy you have to earn.

[hambone]

Just keep in mind, if you do it, you'll drastically reduce the resale value of the bus.

[Edverd2u]

I agree with the high rpm's on freeway travel the rotary engine runs as high as 7500 rpm with no problem which makes it perfect for our tranny gearing, but would it have the low end torqe to get the bus going.

Then again first gear in a bus is low.

Must find research.

[Duncwarw]

There's a mention here: http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Garage/1811/tech.html

[DurocShark]

Rotary engines are low torque, high HP engines.

A bus NEEDS torque to get it moving and to push against the wind.

I think you should find a more traditional engine with higher torque numbers if you really want to swap.
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No boom today. Boom tomorrow. There's always a boom tomorrow.

[Duncwarw]

http://www.roadcow.com/

http://volksweb.relitech.com/subacrew.htm

http://www.type2.com/library/enginem/subaeng.htm

http://www.vanagon.com

I like the Road Cow. I also think the Subaru swap makes sense.
As intiguing as it is to squeeze a couple of hundred horsepower out of a light weight rotary, they tend to be gas pigs.

Keep us posted though. It'd be interesting to read about a rotary van.

[nemobuscaptain]

Some of the rotary engines fit, but I agree with the others that the lack of torque makes it a very poor choice for a bus.

Sending $3 to Kennedy Engineered is the way to go. They send bunches of stuff with lotsa info on vibration, ease of swapping the engine, power, mpg and all that. Then make your choice.

http://www.kennedyeng.com/

Remember that bolting the engine to the tranny is just the beginning. Fabbing a mounting bar, an entire cooling system and exhaust system will add hundreds if not thousands to the project especially if you have to pay retail for the welding.

I personally lust for a 1.9 TD.

[Rocknrod]

The late model RX7 (Mazda) guys are dropping Chevy LS1 V8's into them. They are seeing an increase in power... and saving some weight!

Doesnt make much sense to me either...

[metropoj]

[hambone]

[merlinsbus]

Hello all,

I am reanimating this long long dead post. I have been thinking about a Mazda 12A or 13B rotary engine swap for my project Dugong (1976 Bay Syncro swap). For a long time I dreamed it would be ether TD or TDi, but I have come to understand that the vibration patterns of the VW diesels can hammer and subsequently destroy the expensive Syncro transaxles. The rotary has very little in the way of power pulses and is smooth, they produce good power, are light weight and sound awesome.

If anyone has experience or input, let me know.
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"If I wanted a restored truck the most cost effective way is to buy one already done. My truck is special to me and the journey has enriched my life. VW people understand". -Glideking

"Always remember: others may hate you, but those who hate you don't win unless you hate them and then you destroy yourself" -Richard Nixon

[SGKent]

just do a subie swap and be done with it or keep the air cooled engine.
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“Most people don’t know what they’re doing, and a lot of them are really good at it.” - George Carlin

[mikedjames]

Choosing an engine that needs even more maintenance than an aircooled VW would be impressive.

My neigbour who delights in buying £500 scrapper sports cars had a Mazda RX8.. by the end he spent as much on three callouts getting it started when he flooded it as he had paid on buying the car. Apparently cranking for 40 minutes can be necessary ...
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Ancient vehicles and vessels

1974 VW T2 : Devon Eurovette camper with 1641 DP T1 engine, Progressive carb, full flow oil cooler, EDIS crank timed ignition.
Engine 1: 40k miles (rocker shaft clip fell off), Engine 2: 30k miles (rebuild, dropped valve). Engine 3: a JK Preservation Parts "new" engine, aluminium case: 26k miles: new top end.
Gearbox rebuild 2021 by Bears.

1979 Westerly GK24 24 foot racer/cruiser yacht Forethought of Gosport.
1973 wooden Pacer sailing dinghy

[babysnakes]

I think there is a reason you don't see many rotary conversions anymore. The Subaru has taken ahold of the conversion market for a good reason. Most of the rotary swaps I saw back in the 80's were used for drag racing in lightened bugs.