I'm a huge fan of rotary engines. I own an rx-7 (and in the past owned another), and if these engines were more affordable, every dinosaur powered tool I have would be rotary powered, They're smooth, high revving, and just sound great. Not to mention a lot of power in a small package. So it should go without saying, it's been a dream of mine since I bought my ody that I would one day rotary swap it. That day has come.
Turns out, Johnson and Evinrude had single rotor powered sleds back in the 70's and I just so happened to be able to pick one up for dirt freaking cheap. Now, I am not a snowmobile guy and I realize beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but even new, these things were not what you would call attractive or well optioned. The only good thing about them in my opinion is that powerplant, so no guilt in my mind ripping it apart and putting it to good use.
The good: This project will solve many of the problems the fl250 has. 1.) It will give it electric start (for less than a third of the cost of a new GOKI). 2.)If I can figure out a way to get the driven to fit to the odyssey axle, it will have reverse. 3.)It will be beefed up to nearly
45 HP. 4.)It will be a more smooth running
Engine with less vibration that wants to shake the machine apart. 5.) An actual charging/lighting system that can power more than a single red LED at half strength. 6.)And it gets extra badass points for a goofy Engine that sounds amazing. Still can't fix the lack of rear suspension haha.
The bad/Hurdles: 1.) I am gonna need to figure out how to mount the thing, from some rough baseline measurements, it looks like it will just barely fit. I may need to modify the frame and move stuff around. Obviously will need to weld up some mounts that bolt to the frame, would be nice to incorporate the original rubber Engine mounts. 2.) 45 hp from 17ish is a ridiculous jump and there may be some structural issues occurring with that kinda power. Axle and frame reinforcements may be in order. 3.) When I have to rebuild the thing, it's gonna be a nightmare due to lack of parts availability. From what little I have read, they're pretty reliable all things considered. 4.) Getting the driven to fit to the axle will be....fun. If it simply won't work, no way no how, then I will see about fitting a comet system to it and live without reverse.
The Engine does run! very well in fact, cleaned the carb and it started second crank and smooth as butter. First order of business is removing an auxiliary air valve on the bottom of the Engine that apparently has a tendency to get sucked in and make your Engine go from running, to junk, instantly.
This is an exciting, ambitious, and unique project for me and I welcome any comments, concerns, advice and ridicule. And if anyone wants the shell when I am done with it, it will be sitting for free in west chicagoland.
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