The Elio Engine

[wheaters]

I'm all for the new stuff too and as usual time will tell all.

We all, sometimes, need to take two steps back and get our noses off of something to remember why we started looking in the first place.

Having watched some of our videos and read Way too much, and not to be rude (here, I am just an egg), but the item of most import is, in my opinion, the bit about cruising rpm of 1500 to 2000! Now THAT, excites me.

This isn't too surprising. What Elio are doing is to optimise the engine, combining all the things that lead to good economy. I've gone down a similar path with the 850cc Reliant engine in my little car.

My 850 engine has the same cylinder diameter as the earlier 750cc one. The extra capacity was obtained by Reliant, by fitting a longer stroke crankshaft.

When my engine was put together after we modified it, it had a compression ratio of over 12.5 to one. The camshaft was based on one designed for economy and low down torque. I fitted a taller back axle ratio, decreasing the engine rpm for the same road speed.

The engine will not rev very high, it just runs out of breath at about 5500 rpm, but it produces very good torque low down. It's deal for touring while giving excellent mpg.

Basically, a low revving, long stroke, high compression gasoline engine, operating on a wide throttle setting, will get good fuel economy. Rather like a Diesel engine, which of course runs at very high CR and doesn't have a throttle, giving excellent volumetric efficiency. The problem with gasoline is keeping detonation at bay. A high octane fuel may be needed, but will be worth while.

 

[mikeivk]

I am curious what is the latest status of this car. Specifically:

1. The engine. Has it been produced for testing ? Has it been tested with this car, on the real roads ?
2. Production. Has it been postponed recently because of insufficient financing, or some technical issues ?

Thanks
-Mike

 

[Dustoff]

I am curious what is the latest status of this car. Specifically:

1. The engine. Has it been produced for testing ? Has it been tested with this car, on the real roads ?
2. Production. Has it been postponed recently because of insufficient financing, or some technical issues ?

Thanks
-Mike

Your questions should be directed to Elio Motors.
Welcome to the forum.

 

[mikeivk]

I thought that you guys "Elio Addicts" would be in the know. One has to know something to be an addict of it

 

[Dustoff]

o_O

 

[RUCRAYZE]

I thought that you guys "Elio Addicts" would be in the know. One has to know something to be an addict of it

take some time to read the volumes of information that exists. Just a quick gander as to the engine posts will take ya a few days. This is a fabulous site to learn, share and get overloaded with info. Everyone here was a new bee and you'll benefit immensely by SOOOOOO much info that has been shared. Fun group all with the same goal -to get an Elio and drive.
Welcome and enjoy.
Go easy on " what you thought these guys...." no need to be questioning the integrity of so many here
who indeed are experts (me excluded)

 

[DWR]

Your questions should be directed to Elio Motors.
Welcome to the forum.

Hi Dustoff. Off topic, I know, but what happened to your avatar?

 

[Dustoff]

Hi Dustoff. Off topic, I know, but what happened to your avatar?

DWR,
I have used about 7 or 8, all had something to do with my life. Time to lighten things up a bit with all the serious banter here.

 

[Norahsbed]

I am curious what is the latest status of this car. Specifically:

1. The engine. Has it been produced for testing ? Has it been tested with this car, on the real roads ?
2. Production. Has it been postponed recently because of insufficient financing, or some technical issues ?

Thanks
-Mike

Mike Welcome to the Elio family! Take some time to go through the threads to find info your interested in. I'll answer what I know or at least think I know. To my knowledge the motor is being built and tested. It has not yet been placed in a prototype vehicle. Last news on production, it is still slated for 3rd quarter 2015. However last interview with Paul Elio in the factory the reporter said 4th quarter 2015 but this has not been confirmed by Elio Motors. Financing is another matter that you will have to find out on your own. Some believe they are waiting on a government loan guarantee, others think financing is in place for production start up. I don't think anyone really knows except Elio Motors!

 

[mikeivk]

Thanks Norahsbed !
I hope they are not waiting for the 200 million DOE ATVM loan to start the production, as it does not sound very realistic for such an inexpensive car.