Not a real NARP
 

TheSamba.com :: VW Classifieds - 914 rotary


Interesting.
So, what does a Mazda rotary weigh ??

About 246 pounds excluding the radiator.

The main problem with rotary conversions, as you may know, is the exhaust heat. Everything has to be kept well away from the exhaust tubing, and shielded as well. After that is resolved, the other problem is that most rotary conversions are unfortunately not very fast. Most people discover this too late. Even a stock 914 2.0 will leave this 13B-converted 914 in the dust every time, because the big difference in torque means a big difference in acceleration from the word Go, and that difference cannot be overcome on the road or track. And from that day forward the rotary conversion basically sits in the garage.

It's one of those "it seemed like a good idea at the time" things. :)

. ..but at least, when running, it drinks fuel like a V8. :eek:

Seriously, Max, stay away. ...genrex is spot on.

great thread title, btw, :)

A late model Corvette motor, like the 430hp (stock) LS3 weighs or the 505hp dry-sump (stock) LS7 about 385 pounds.

They make a 914 into a true giant killer

What's a NARP? "Not a real Porsche"?

As in "924"

EEEEwWWW - I'm gonna have to step in this big time. :p

First, I'm quite a rotary fan. I understand their issues, in fact, I've always referred to them as the pistonless torqueless wonders. They generate a stunning amount of exhaust heat. We're talking GLOWING exhaust is normal. In fact, if you have headers and they aren't glowing, you're throwing in too much fuel or driving like a pussy. Next, the issue of fuel consumption. A rotary engine sucks as much air as a small block chevy (well, close when stock - more when modified), so they are going to consume fuel in nearly the same fashion. The good news, is they like cheap fuel. Exhaust noise. There is no engine on the freakin' planet that is louder than a rotary (in a car) and the pitch is equivalent to fingernails on a chalk board if you are foolish enough to run an open exhaust. Mufflers are your friend. Big stout ones. Seriously.

A 13b comes in two basic versions, four port and six port. The four port really digs on a street port, the six port is already better so you only gain a little bit. With a street port, headers, and a decent intake, probably 175 to 180 horsepower. Decent, but not mind blowing power in a 914.

The problem with this conversion, is the Weber and the choice of a street port. The idea behind a street port is that you have a streetable engine. The big weber is a cold blooded bastard for daily driving. I know this probably will make you gag, but a small four barrel holley or edelbrock with an electric choke is a MUCH better choice in my humble opinion for street driven vehicle.

Now let's talk race. Let's talk about a nice run on the darkside... What can a rotary do for you? Well, if you really want to dig into the engine, look up on the forums. We're talking crazy horsepower. Lotsa dyno bragging goes on, but without question, I've seen normally aspirated 13b's in excess of 300 horsepower.

I had a Fiat x1/9 with a normally aspirated 13b. It was a blast. Not in the same league as our spyder, but quite spritely, certainly better than the 67 horse the car started with.

For this 914? It's already plumbed for a radiator, etc. How do you feel about turbo subaru engines? If you want to make a 914 go fast for cheap, a turbo subaru is "all that" and then some.

angela

We have a rotary... apparently its now on consignment to the shop...

Fabricated headers etc Turbocharged, Haltech ECU... it made some serious horsepower then we pulled the plug since Mr Fast and Furious could not fund the build..

600 hp... and that was ascending the learning curve

I remember in 1984 seeing the IMSA cars at Lime Rock.... the 956 walked away from the field, the Mazda was the loudest most obnoxious sounding car, The Group 44 Jags were beautiful, and there was a car with a 100% plastic engine... the Torlon Lola


Plastic engine

oops

I digress

[QUOTE=island911;6075247]. ..but at least, when running, it drinks fuel like a V8. :eek:

Seriously, Max, stay away. ...genrex is spot on.



I wasn't considering purchasing the car, just wondering about the performance potential.


great thread title, btw,


thanks Glen. I have my moments :D

There is no possible worse sounding engine than a rotary. They should all be required to have monster mufflers so we don't have to hear them.

The technology is interesting, but if it was viable there would be many different manufacturers producing them, not just one.