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Oddball engine choice......


This would be cool if it wasn't so far away from CO. Guy has 2 Mercruiser 470 engines, one "good", one for parts. @ $200, it wouldn't be a bad gamble.

What is a 470, you ask? I had to look it up. AI says "The Mercruiser 470 engine is a 3.7-liter (224 cubic inch) 4-cylinder engine, typically rated at 170 horsepower with a 2-barrel carburetor and up to 190 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor. It features an aluminum block with cast iron sleeves and uses parts from Ford's 460 engine, including the cylinder head and connecting rods."

I'd venture to say you'd have the only 470 at any car show. Fits the definition "Oddball engine choices"
 

This would be cool if it wasn't so far away from CO. Guy has 2 Mercruiser 470 engines, one "good", one for parts. @ $200, it wouldn't be a bad gamble.

What is a 470, you ask? I had to look it up. AI says "The Mercruiser 470 engine is a 3.7-liter (224 cubic inch) 4-cylinder engine, typically rated at 170 horsepower with a 2-barrel carburetor and up to 190 horsepower with a 4-barrel carburetor. It features an aluminum block with cast iron sleeves and uses parts from Ford's 460 engine, including the cylinder head and connecting rods."

I'd venture to say you'd have the only 470 at any car show. Fits the definition "Oddball engine choices"
That would be interesting!
 
Hello, im new here, I've been lurking when I can and learning as much as possible. I have a 26 dodge, dont know who built it, I got it last year and it is a fun ride! It has an isuzu 4 cylinder g180 out of a 79 chevy luv. 4 speed trans, 10 bolt rear. Overall just fun, not a race car, but fun to cruise. Im having ignition troubles, and I am thinking about replacing everything and putting an electronic ignition in. My cousin on the other hand is pushing for me to use a chvy 4. 3 v6 and auto trans that he has. I have a list of pros and cons for both, I just thought I would see what you guys think.
Sounds like a fun ride, pic when you can?
 
I realize that the OP has left the chat, and this really has nothing to do with his question, but I like the theme of the thread title and this fits that!

I've never seen an 'other-than-gasoline' powered T, but maybe it could be converted (this one is natural gas).

I have no idea the horsepower here, probably not enough.

It is described as an Aisin 4 Cylinder Natural Gas Motor. "From inside of an RTU. Great for reusing in a skidsteer or small equipment."

At the very least, it's a conversation starter!



Aisin engine.jpg
EDIT: OK...so curiosity got the best of me--I had to check AI:

"The Aisin 4-cylinder RTU engine is commonly used in various passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles, particularly those produced by Toyota and its affiliates. This engine is designed to enhance fuel efficiency and performance in these applications.

aisinworld.com global.toyota"
 
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What about diesel power? Easier to work with than LNG I would think . . .
Good point. As far as I remember, I haven't ever seen a diesel powered Tbucket.
And I agree--ANY LNG, Propane, etc., engine wouldn't really be viable as-is. I have a 2-ton GMC with a propane 366 and it's a pain.
 
To my limited understanding LNG or Propane use would be limited due to storage. They are great for big equipment and limited use in enclosed spaces. Think city busses and forklifts. But the energy stored is less than gasoline by volume. So you need a bigger storage tank that is much more robust for the same range.
Propane is commonly used in a 'gas' style engine and requires a mixer.
LNG is better but is less energy dense. Conversion is additional to the basic engine here too.

Diesel VS gasoline tends to be more 'grunt' or torque and usually half the RPM range. Most Ts are light loads. I'd guess you could size a diesel to handle the load and speed ranges desired. I'd expect it to be less maintenance and much better MPG, but also require more transmission speeds and probably be the same or more cost to research, source and fit as a basic 350/350 combo and have very poor resale value. You can be a unique trailblazer, but I don't want to sit in traffic smelling my own exhaust.

I'm not trying to be a naysayer here, just explaining why the default has been what is so common. Over time, gasoline has had the most refinement in producing bang for the buck and sized for a passenger vehicle. The infrastructure (supply outlets - gas stations) also also outweighs other choices.

Rich Rebuilds built an electric hot rod and there have been others.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=v68j01KiLG8
Again, it is limited by storage capacity (weight and size) and choosing and buying low cost parts to assemble. A common fear among car hobby people is wiring. When dealing with volts and amps that can kill, that concern goes thru the roof! I could see someone selecting a motor, converter, controller and support equipment to offer a 'package' and this has been shown at SEMA a couple times.
But the R&D for cheap pick list for the hobbyist isn't quite there yet.

I will also mention that when all this is applied to the focus of this forum, the T-Bucket, these choices are even more narrowed by the main constraints of the design. First very light weight, second very limited space and finally just about everything is visible.
You can't slap a Tesla battery pack underneath. The older battery packs measure roughly 81 inches long, 44 inches wide, and 5 inches thick, installed flat beneath the vehicle floor.
A 200 HP Volvo marine diesel isn't going to appeal visually even if you chromed a bunch of stuff.
37-1.jpg
 
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BTW, just to plug another channel, I just got done watching this one about tuning EVs. Yes, there are people that are hopping up electrics. It is a coming thing.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ8H8fXfBMU
Consider your T-Bucket usage now. What time and distance is the average trip? What are your typical speeds? Even with our fun little cars, I bet there is a wide difference, say the local show and short distance cruising to the long distance or late night 'spirited' driver.
If you could live with a 200 mile range before recharge and rarely go over 70 MPH, the battery and motor can be sized for that and may just fit.
If you drive to every meet within a day's drive and then go all day every day of the meet, probably not with today's tech.
 
Well, I've been digging into other strange stuff on the Tube. There is an almost 100 year old airplane design that is still being handcrafted with a Model A engine. You could be VERY oddball and stick a Model A engine in backwards with a prop attached and get lots of sound!

Or go back to your childhood and put playing cards in the spoke wheels out front! 🤪
 
My brother and I didn't have playing cards so we used baseball trading cards. After seeing the prices some vintage cards are selling for today, I've often wondered how many $$$ did we tear up. ☹️
I did.the same.with baseball cards
Lots of money in the spokes
 

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