Re: [AMC-List] What's it from/for Metropolitin swap???!!!

[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!! 

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. 

----------------
I just (weeks ago) looked at, and drooled on, a military surplus
power unit (GPU?) that's a multi-10KW electrical generator
driven by a very small jet engine. The WHOLE THING is a fat
suitcase, sat 32" x 32" x 24". Including the jet engine,
gearbox, generator!

Apparently they're around 100hp. Someone I was with stuffed
the motor from one into a motorcycle.

Suuure would be a nice fit in a bathtub rambler! 100hp ain't
much, but it's 15% more than stock, and the damn thing would
run on kerosene.

--
Frank Swygert
Publisher, "American Motors Cars" 
Magazine (AMC)
For all AMC enthusiasts
http://farna.home.att.net/AIM.html
(free download available!)
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