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The only issue I see, Michael, is it looks like it has a rather high center of gravity, as opposed to our low slung flat 4's. Looks like a really cool engine, though. Al
It seems really compact with 180 h.p.
They are selling the engines separate from the motorcycles for other uses.
I couldn't find any pricing. I like the compact, light configuration, but Al is right about the CG. I wonder if the torque curve would work in a relatively heavier vehicle like a Speedster.
Jay Leno recently did this car with motorcycle engine.
https://youtu.be/UsbfzmPCYX4
He also recently did the Motus
https://youtu.be/SNkIvO0eFIw
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https://youtu.be/UsbfzmPCYX4
He also recently did the Motus
https://youtu.be/SNkIvO0eFIw
>
Lane Anderson posted:I couldn't find any pricing. I like the compact, light configuration, but Al is right about the CG. I wonder if the torque curve would work in a relatively heavier vehicle like a Speedster.
It's a very cool engine, and it's nice to see people putting the r&d into such neat stuff, but I was wondering the same thing, Lane. Both versions (160? and 180 hp) come from the same displacement (1600-something cc's), which in any configuration will need to rev to make those hp numbers, so I'm guessing it's not a tractor down low.
That looks a LOT like the little Ford V-4 that SaaB used to run in their later 96-99 models. IIRC, they were pretty bullet-proof and ended up in a lot of rally cars putting out 120-150 hp (back then, that was a lot). I also remember that those were built in the UK back then and used in a number of different cars.
Too tall for the Speedy. Would probably be great in my tractor.
If you watch the Jay Leno video they claim it has a very wide torque curve with good torque from about 2000 rpm.
More on the engine: http://www.hotrod.com/how-to/e...4-motorcycle-engine/
http://thekneeslider.com/is-th...-school-hot-rodding/
Nikis and direct injection would appear to be the talking points. Fun motor to build an open-wheel race car with, I'd think, if you had the heavy pockets you'd need for racing.
I'd put it up front where the gas tank is.
I can almost picture one nestled down in a 550....... Where's Igor...... 
Now THAT would work. The CG would still be higher, but the effects would be lessened due to the mid-mounted placement. Hmmm...
Click on Data Sheet and you can see dimensions and weight here: http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/american-v4
The VW engine has some weight up high too with the alternator and fan.
It is only 16" long. You could almost do mid-engine in a Speedster or Coupe and not lose the "back seat" area.
It weighs half of a Type 1. So...
This would be cool with a fast shifting auto gearbox. Kind of a low cost polo motor as far as HP although the torque is a little low.
I don't think that the CG will be an issue at all. I have an inline 4 in my speedy and there's plenty of weight high up. I've had a 1.6 flat four and a 2.0 flat four and can't really say that there's any difference between all three, (well nothing that the average Joe would notice anyway). Plus this engine is light.