has anyone used a rotary engine?

[McBiffin]

I'm new to the forum and was wondering if anyone has used a rotary engine before? The 13b mazda engine would be an awsome motor to put in my 71 124 spider. please post pictures or links thanks.

[kmead]

Not that I have seen, though I am sure someone has done one I know of an 850 Spider with one. I have also seen an X1/9 with one in it which was a bit awkward. There apparently is one in Australia in a car that has won the New South Wales Championship (I think its a 3 rotor engine). Lada put them into their 124 based sedan:

http://cp_www.tripod.com/rotary/pg07.htm

Found a 131 with one in it:

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/engine- ... ion-2.html

There is also an Alfa GTV on the next page.

I would expect to rework the front crossmember heavily to accommodate the rotary. Please share any info you do find. Likely would need to convert to rack and pinion.

[v6spider]

The high gear ratio rear-end of the spider would be perfect for the 13b rotary. Initially this was my choice for the engine swap i wanted to do with my first spider. however the cost per horsepower of the V6 i am using versus the rotary was way lower in favor of the Chevy 4.3L v6. Would be cool to see one done though... definately is workable...

Rob

[McBiffin]

The high gear ratio rear-end of the spider would be perfect for the 13b rotary. Initially this was my choice for the engine swap i wanted to do with my first spider. however the cost per horsepower of the V6 i am using versus the rotary was way lower in favor of the Chevy 4.3L v6. Would be cool to see one done though... definately is workable...

Rob

do you have any ideas on chassis improvements?

[v6spider]

Best way to tackle this is to get engine dimensions and weight for the 13b. Ideally having it on-hand would be best, that way you can always refer to it and take measurements. Racing Beat makes a header for the 13b so knowing its dimensions would be necessary as well. I think the oil sump is in the rear so turning the cross-member around 180 deg may be necessary as well. I wouldn't think the rotary would be any heavier than the twin cam, but only real data would tell you that. As far as stiffening the chassis is concerned I don't think it would be as necessary since the rotary is not nearly as torquey as the v6 I am running. The turbo version of the 13b would be a different matter as it is has quite a bit more torque and power.

Rob

[htchevyii]

I talked to a local rotory nut, the rotary has the crankshaft in the center of the engine, instead of at the lower part of the engine like a piston engine. It can be difficult to situate the engine low enough in the chassis for the transmission to fit into the existing tunnel.
Incase anyone hasn't seen a rotary in action:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 7147098487#
http://www.guitarsolos.com/videos-mazda ... rTo%5D.cfm

[Daniel]

there was a guy on here who installed one it was about 2 years ago not sure the name .

[v6spider]

I talked to a local rotory nut, the rotary has the crankshaft in the center of the engine, instead of at the lower part of the engine like a piston engine. It can be difficult to situate the engine low enough in the chassis for the transmission to fit into the existing tunnel.
In case anyone hasn't seen a rotary in action:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid ... 7147098487#

It will certainly be a custom job no matter what engine you use that is not stock similar to the twin cam. With my 4.3l V6 and accompanying t5 wc transmission I have to cut into the firewall and re fab the tunnel slightly. Not to mention my own crossmember mods and motor mounts, Radiator relocation....Putting in a rotary will be no different.

Cheers!
Rob