Ever seen conrods like this?
Ever seen conrods like this?
(OP)
Hey folks, someone pointed this website out to me recently, and I've been scratching my head about it for some time now. I was wondering if anyone cared to comment on the conrod design pictured?
http://www.mid-usa.com/PHOUSE/engine.htm
Have you ever seen conrods like that before? Don't you think that the offset of the conrod big end relative to the cylinder axis could cause some problems? How do you suppose that they get away with it?
http://www.mid-usa.com/PHOUSE/engine.htm
Have you ever seen conrods like that before? Don't you think that the offset of the conrod big end relative to the cylinder axis could cause some problems? How do you suppose that they get away with it?





RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
If the rod cross section is stiff enough (looks like an "H" beam rod, but the beam is in the wrong plane for proper stiffness) it shouldnt cause any problems, but who knows, it might be ok. Even though, it looks strong enough.
Franz
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
I thought that the mid-usa website specifically said that the cylinders were not offset?
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
I don't know anything about Harleys (I rode bikes from 1949 untill 1988 and still keep my license current, just NOT Harleys), but I do know about offset rods. My current project, the 1275 Cooper has the big end offset on all 4 rods! I have had bearing problems with these engines, years past, but not because of the offset.
Rod
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
Is the middle of the big end offset relative to the cylinder bore? Would you mind giving me some more info about those conrods? I'm really getting curious about them. Diagrams, pics, manufacturer, etc., whatever you can provide would be appreciated.
thanks in advance
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
"Tuning the Mini" by David Vizard gives TOTAL info on these engines, used in a viriety of british sport cars, Austin-Heally Sprite/MG Midget, MG 1100, Austin America (US), all the versions of the Austin/Morris Mini, etc. Should still be available in print at speed merchants or www.minimania.com or www.minispares.com in the UK and brad@bishopsdev.demon.co.uk
If you just need general info. or demensions, let me know which and I will post them here.
Rod
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
if you happen to have a pic or drawing showing the profile view of one of these conrods, I'd love to see it (ivymike1031@yahoo.com).
What's the offset between the small end centerline and big end centerline (not the conrod "centers" length)? What are the SE and BE bearing widths (lengths)?
Thanks
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
Thanks for the pics. An interesting difference between the Mini design and the Mid-USA design is that in the Mini design, the cylinder axis intersects the big end bearing (eyeballing it, I'd say 1/3 of the way from one side of the bearing to the other), while the Mid-USA big end bearing is offset far enough that the cyl axis does not intersect it at all. It seems like both designs would induce some degree of conrod tilt (or require a moment reaction at the piston), but that the Mid-USA design would be far worse. Any comment?
Isaac
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
I can't address the Harley stuff, all I have seen is the web site. But I can say that in racing, if it lives past the finish line it worked ok. One of the new members posted somewhere.---Speed costs, how fast can you afford to go? From the look of the web site, those boys are deep into 'Reganomics 101'---(You can fix anything if you throw enough money at it!!!)
Rod
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
Rod
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
Issigonis was the bee's knees, no-one since then has really had the guts to sort packaging out.
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
Yes the 'new Mini' only trades on the name of the original and is nothing more than BMW's entry into the SuperMini market. I had a good look at one and (other than the shape and the 'retro' instrumentation layout) couldn't see why it could be distinguished from any other European SuperMini. The model in question was about 14,500 pounds sterling - also nothing to do with the original Mini, which was spec'd and prices to make it affordable.
In my youth, many friends had Minis of varying types, from vans to a road-registered racer, and if you didn't mind the weak gearbox and the poor oil consumption that many developed, they're a real good laugh. I distinctly remember being driven in a Mini van into a corner that I drove my own car through at no more than 35mph at about 50 and wondering what the local hospital food was like, only to emerge unscathed and enthusiastic about Minis.
Like loads of stuff in life, the real thing is better than many imitations.
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
OK, when I worked for a very excellent car company in foggy Norfolk I used to drive to work through the country lanes.
My Min, Kermit, was bog-standard, and an auto (so it wasn't very bog-standard). One day we were rattling along to work, foot to the floor, as I went down a downhill righthand corner, into a reasonably tight lefthand uphill turn. Unfortunately the people who lived on this corner had decided to move house, and parked a great big removal van at the entry to the lefthander. I braked and swung into the right hand lane.
To be confronted by an oncoming hoss and rider.
There was a gap, between horse and van, and I went for it, and we snuck through.
I admit, I was driving far faster than I should have been, and nearly hurt somebody else. But I am also convinced that the Min's linear steering saved at least one, and probably two people's lives that day.
Cheers
Greg Locock
RE: Ever seen conrods like this?
The original question about conrods is a good example, and your note on steering/handling is another. With the exception of Austin-Morris and Citroen (and certain low volume special designs), I don't think there have been many inovative package designs post WWII.
I also had a Wolseley '6' (2200cc straight six auto with typical Leyland FWD layout) and a 1700 Maxi for some years. Both of these cars drew hoots of derision from co-workers (Ford design people) until they had a ride in them and realised how much space there was inside and how flat, quiet and smooth the ride was in the Wolseley.
Its a pity Leyland went belly up due to Unions and Government. A modern engine and transmission in a hydrolastic platform could offer a really good package.