I read an article awhile back about automobiles in Cuba. Because of a shortage of parts and materials the Cuban people have found ways to keep old cars going. The article said there were quite a few old classic American cars on the roads of Cuba that have been kept going in creative ways. For example -
Making brake fluid out of some odd mixture of fluids. I think it was maple syrup and kerosene or some weird concoction.
Using the engine out of a forklift to power a car.
That second item was the one that got me thinking about the after-market kit for SUV's. That and being at parades watching the Shriners drive their little clown cars powered by lawnmower engines.
Here's the deal - Assume you have a large vehicle (SUV or 4 wheel drive pickup) and don't really need to use it to haul heavy loads or for freeway driving. Instead you use it for in town driving, picking up the kids, cruising main street; that sort of thing. Your general top speed is 25 mph.
Remove the engine and transmission from your vehicle. Get a 5 horse Briggs and Stratton engine and a gearing device to connect directly to the drive shaft. You end up with a car that will go about 25 mph on a straight level road with a tailwind. You might have a bit of a problem climbing hills fast but there's always tradeoffs.
The plus side is you can continue to drive your huge rig around town and afford to buy gas. A downside might be the looks people give you when they hear the sound of your 1 cylinder engine. At least you'll look good.
Tomorrow's article - "Install a sound generator for your Briggs and Stratton powered Ford Excursion, that will give it the sound of a Kenworth diesel."
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Maybe trade in the old rig for a brand new
JL421 Badonkadonk Land Cruiser/Tank
The Badonkadonk has a 6 horse Tecumseh engine and an advertised top speed of 40 mph.
