Introduction
Building a car that can achieve 100 miles per gallon (mpg) might seem like a dream, but it’s possible with the right combination of parts and modifications. This guide walks you through the process of constructing a high-efficiency vehicle called MAX, using a Locost chassis, a Kubota diesel engine, and several efficiency-enhancing tweaks. By the end of this project, you’ll have a car that not only saves you money on fuel but also reduces your environmental impact.
Chassis & Powertrain
The heart of your MAX project is the chassis. You’ll start with a 1998 Locost chassis, which is known for its simplicity and reliability. This chassis is designed to be lightweight and easy to modify, making it the perfect base for your project. Next, you’ll need to source a 32-horsepower Kubota 1-cylinder diesel engine. This engine is typically found in small tractors and is known for its durability and fuel efficiency. For this project, you’ll use a Kubota engine from a 1985 Toyota Corolla. This engine is compact and powerful enough to drive your car while consuming minimal fuel.
Aerodynamics
To reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency, you’ll need to install a streamlined fiberglass body. This body should have a 28.5° windshield angle and a 12.5° rear windshield angle. These angles are crucial for reducing air resistance, which is one of the main factors that can decrease your car’s fuel efficiency. By carefully designing the body shape, you can significantly lower the drag coefficient of your car, allowing it to achieve higher fuel efficiency.
Wheels & Tires
Choosing the right wheels and tires is another critical step in building your MAX car. You’ll use 14-inch Drag DR-9 wheels, which are known for their low rolling resistance. These wheels are designed to minimize the friction between the tires and the road, which can help improve your car’s fuel efficiency. Additionally, you’ll use Goodyear Fuel Max tires, which are specifically designed to reduce rolling resistance and improve fuel economy. These tires are lightweight and have a low rolling resistance coefficient, making them ideal for your MAX project.
Lubrication
Reducing friction in your car’s engine and transmission is essential for achieving high fuel efficiency. To do this, you’ll use Lucas Synthetic lubricants. These lubricants are designed to reduce friction and improve the overall performance of your car’s engine and transmission. By applying these lubricants, you can ensure that your car’s moving parts operate smoothly and efficiently, which can help you achieve your goal of 100 mpg.
Weight Reduction
Reducing the weight of your car is another important step in improving its fuel efficiency. To achieve this, you’ll replace steel components with aluminum. Aluminum is a lightweight material that can help reduce the overall weight of your car without compromising its strength. Additionally, you’ll use a 3/8-inch plywood belly panel. This panel will help protect the underside of your car while also reducing its weight. By using these lightweight materials, you can significantly reduce the weight of your car, which can help improve its fuel efficiency.
Electronics
To ensure that your MAX car is fully functional, you’ll need to install a 12-volt electrical system with a 120-amp-hour battery. This system will provide the necessary power for your car’s lights, ignition, and other electrical components. You’ll also install LED lighting, which is known for its low power consumption and long lifespan. By using LED lights, you can reduce the power consumption of your car’s electrical system, which can help improve its overall fuel efficiency.
Legal Compliance
Before you can drive your MAX car on the road, you’ll need to ensure that it meets all legal requirements. To do this, you’ll register your car as a ‘vintage race car replica.’ This classification allows you to bypass some of the more stringent emissions and safety regulations that apply to standard vehicles. By registering your car as a vintage race car replica, you can ensure that it is legal to drive on public roads.
Conclusion
Building a car that can achieve 100 mpg is a challenging but rewarding project. By using a Locost chassis, a Kubota diesel engine, and several efficiency-enhancing modifications, you can create a car that is both fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. This guide provides a step-by-step process for building your MAX car, from selecting the right chassis and powertrain to reducing weight and improving aerodynamics. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can build a car that not only saves you money on fuel but also reduces your environmental impact.