I've been trying to figure out what direction to go on my open wheel car. I have a 1969 Lotus 71 chassis and I could put in a Ford Cortina or Pinto motor, or a 2.0L Zetec from a Focus or a Hyabusa motor or a VW Bug motor but all of those require a gearbox and the Hewland 4 speed that I'd need with every one but the Bug motor is kinda nasty expensive.

So, was thinking about perhaps getting a HX35 turbocharger or 2 and set up a gas turbine jet engine for it. Let it run on Propane and see what we can do. I think with 2 HX35's feeding a 5 gallon combustion chamber I could probably get some pretty impressive thrust and still be able to whittle an after burner into it.

Thoughts?

BTW.. this is about what the car will end up looking like but with much wider tires:

 

Turbine just seems kind of fishy....lots of work, well worth it! But seems like to much of a PITA for the pain it will be to drive.

I say go with a Zetec 2.0 liter and maybe a turbo with it. Then you have a sub 300hp car if you do it right with a nice power band for the chassis its on.

 

A turbine Lotus? why the hell not...I say go for it is the chassis can handle it, or be made to handle it.

 

http://www.locostusa.com/forums/

might be some food for thought

 

signed up, seeking advice. Thanks morg!

 

Screw the turbine engine. Its not a road race setup I would want.

 

Ain't you got enough toys already R3d?
How about a 175 outboard motor in a 55 gal. drum on wheels?............... Worked for "Willey"