Joining engines together

[Robin Plummer]

Hi does any one have any info or know of websites on joining engines together? I race in Autograss and I have come across a couple of cars that run with twin 1100cc Suzki motorbike engines and I am interested in more information on how they work and power outputs etc.

[Sparky]

Hi Robin.

We race at the same track I beleive, Concord Autograss at Chelmsford, Essex.

I have seen a few twin-engined hybrids race there over the last few seasons.
The most interesting was a Citroen AX fitted with (I think) twin Suzuki bike engines as you suggest.

I saw this machine turn a very sharp 90 deg when it's right hand, inner engine developed a misfire coming into the finish straight. a sure indication of independant engines. He nearly took out Mr Starter!

I would suggest a 'spool' type, solid axle would be the way to go. Obviously synchronisation of throttle and gearchange would be all important. I think a 'locked' axle at the rear of a loose-surface race car could be an advantage.

What chassis/engine combo would you be running?

[Robin Plummer]

Hi, Sparky you are right I race at Concord in Boreham. It's just a dream at the moment as I don't have enough money!. I have only raced once in my Class2 Escort Mk1 at Concord as I am starting out, hope to race again this weekend.

What class do you run in? I believe the yellow AX has a chain drive from one engines crank to the other. One engine is fitted ahead of the other in the rear.

[Sparky]

Er... bit misleading of me; I don't actually race.
I just present the car for 'the man' to come along and wreck!

We're that white over black class 5 Mini. No 171: The last competitive Mini-powered Mini! We have 112bhp from 1380cc, but this isn't enough to keep up with the hybrids.
Everybody and his brother are running 1400cc Astra engines in the back of Novas... How can we keep up with that? Traction is king...

By the way, Robin; Did you realize the track is not available next year? Looks like St Ives is the closest after that...

I'll be there Sunday. What No. are you again? I'll pop over and say "Hi!"

[Robin Plummer]

Hi Sparky, I had heard that the track is going. What about Henham i've heard that's used for simular racing.

My number is C169E an orange Mk1 Escort. See ya Sunday.

[Sparky]

Well Robin: I hope you didn't do what I did today. Loaded up and trucked on over to Boreham only to find the gate shut, with a "Racing Cancelled" sign on it!

Never mind.

The worst bit was that I actually turned down a days classic saloon car racing at Snetterton with TimD for that...

[Robin Plummer]

Hi Sparky, luckly I rang someone the night before and he told me it was off. It's a knghtmare I don't think anyone will get out for the last race and these got to shut the thing down due to the track being sold. I have heard however that the club is having talks with a farmer who has a decent tarck in the Roading's about 10 miles away.

P.S How easy would it be to convert my Class2 to a Class3, are there any things I need to know other than buy the rule book!