" From: farna@xxxxxxx " " Tom, that would be APU (auxilliary power unit). They are used in " aircraft (including larger helicopters) to provide starting power " and ground power in remote locations or for short periods. I've seen " a few. They produce hp at very high rpm as Andrew pointed out -- no " useable torque, and a very narrow power band. I think his electric " idea has merit, but I think you'd still need a battery to control " the power between the gen and motor -- or a very large variable " resistance to dump excess power! On second thought, there should be " an electrical way to vary generator output without varying engine " speed much... multiple tap generator (I'm thinking something similar " to a multi-tap transformer, like an old welder my brother has...)? " Okay, I'm showing my limited knowledge of electrical stuff!! That's " your area Tom!! i'd use an scr bridge to rectify the alt, then more power semis to drive 3-phase motors. the scr duty cycle would be controlled by turbo rpm, so that electrical output climbs when you crack the throttle. you can make the power curve as flat as you like by adjusting the control circuit sensitivity. power ac drives are routine these days too; multi-thousand-hp locomotives use them... " Andrew, the Tapco ad says it's an industrial engine. Might have been " made for a fork lift or something -- could be anything! Might be " strong enough for a Metro given advances in engine technology -- the " originals were 1200cc and later 1500cc. So it should be equal to the " 1500 given the technology span, but I doubt it would be much of an " upgrade except for reliability and parts availability... maybe on " the parts since it's an industrial engine. many auto engines are also used as industrials. the continental 226 was widely used in compressor and welder trailers as well as forklifts and tractors, and parts for it are still widely available. i sometimes think it was an industrial engine first and an auto engine second. the ford model a engine lasted into the '60s at least i think, as an industrial powerplant, though by that time it had gained 5 mains and pressure lube [the 'model c']. marine is another auto alternative. if you want to dieselize your jeep cherokee or wrangler, volvo has an excellent engine used with the same japanese automatic in european models but not sold in cars here. but it is available from volvo marine. my gist is that cars are the volume driver. the tapco engine is set up for industrial applications but it probably has its roots under something's hood. ________________________________________________________________________ Andrew Hay the genius nature internet rambler is to see what all have seen adh@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx and think what none thought _______________________________________________ AMC-List mailing list AMC-List@xxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.amc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/amc-list or go to http://www.amc-list.com