Toyota powered smart?

[BARNEY O]

As some of you may know I have purchased an '08 from "Kermit' and have decided to do a make over since the original engine has inhaled major dirt from a split vacuum hose that I talked about in another thread. This project is going to take some time and quite frankly will serve no purpose other than give me a challange or anyone else thinking of going down this path may give you some ideas. Would hope for criticism, constructive or otherwise...
I am building a new subframe for the back end which is already in progress and have 3 different engine combinations to choose from. I'm liking the Toyota Tercel 1.5 liter with automatic but may change up to a MR2 1.6 with a 5 speed. I have 35" between the frame rails so that has opened up a big can of worms for engine and transaxle possibilities (hint, no chain drives).There might be something better yet? Will post pictures as progress develops.

Barney ..Cornfield Productions

[smartcar111]

I would have looked into the Chevy EcoTec motor. That's a nice little 4 banger and can handle many things you throw at it. Very solid motor.

[Pee-wee German]

How about a marine duty 3 cylinder out of a jetski? or keep it in the Mitsubishi family and go for a turbocharged 4G63 out of an Eclipse GSX/GST. Or no wait, how about a diesel from a canadian 450?

[kilted]

I have often wondered what the tiny little rotary engine out of an RX-8 would be like in a smart. It's a great engine (except for the terrible fuel economy and oil burning) in the RX-8, I know, I used to own one, and it seems like it would turn the smart into a rotary powered rocket.

[smartcar111]

Originally Posted by kilted

I have often wondered what the tiny little rotary engine out of an RX-8 would be like in a smart. It's a great engine (except for the terrible fuel economy and oil burning) in the RX-8, I know, I used to own one, and it seems like it would turn the smart into a rotary powered rocket.

Rotary engines last 50k miles and require a replacement. The apex seals are the weakest point in the design.

[Stretchmobile]

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[OliverB]

I hate it when the Urban Myth machine gangs up on the RX8. We have owned an '04 RX8 auto since it was almost new. It does not drink oil!! If it does, something is off on the oil injection calibration. On trips driving at cruising speeds of 70-75 mph, ours consistently averages 25 mpg - not bad for a car with handling often compared to a Corvette and decent performance to boot. With a 9K redline for the stick, these cars are usually driven in a VERY spirited manner resulting in lower fuel mileage. Besides, with the mods the original poster plans, I hardly thing mpgs are a concern. As far as engine durability goes, there are many previous gen RXs out there with well over 100K on the original engines. This is not our first RX either, having owned two others over the years - neither of which were problems.

[smark]

There are a bunch of turbo 3 cylinder Honda engines, the Japanese market offers.
They use them in their small A class cars. $$$$ who knows?

How about a Harley V-twin back there. Can you imagine the sound, pulling up to a group of Harley riders. Lots of parts.

[kennyrayandersen]

Originally Posted by smark

There are a bunch of turbo 3 cylinder Honda engines, the Japanese market offers.
They use them in their small A class cars. $$$$ who knows?

How about a Harley V-twin back there. Can you imagine the sound, pulling up to a group of Harley riders. Lots of parts.

maybe, but that's a Moto Guzzi

[Stretchmobile]

Originally Posted by OliverB

I hate it when the Urban Myth machine gangs up on the RX8. We have owned an '04 RX8 auto since it was almost new. It does not drink oil!! If it does, something is off on the oil injection calibration. On trips driving at cruising speeds of 70-75 mph, ours consistently averages 25 mpg - not bad for a car with handling often compared to a Corvette and decent performance to boot. With a 9K redline for the stick, these cars are usually driven in a VERY spirited manner resulting in lower fuel mileage. Besides, with the mods the original poster plans, I hardly thing mpgs are a concern. As far as engine durability goes, there are many previous gen RXs out there with well over 100K on the original engines. This is not our first RX either, having owned two others over the years - neither of which were problems.

Take out the references to Mazda and RX7 and substitute smart instead, this sounds just like it came from our forum. (and make the gas mileage a little higher)