Cam Custom Title Time!
1,535 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·
After reading alot of posts on here I thought I'd throw out an idea I've been pondering for sometime. Quite a few years ago I read rumours about Mercedes Benz developing their new V12 engine using a magnesium crankcase but having steel inserts (where exactly was not described but I assume as insert for through bolts and so on -similar to our std case savers) and aluminium inserts for the crank bearing seats.
I got to thinking (especially after seeing Dave's post on his 2.7) If a similar technique could be used with the original VW magnesium 1600 case, machining out a large space around the crank bearings and bolting in some aluminium caps like what Dave has in his Pauter case.
Would this then allow for an aftermarket crank and bearing arrangement to be used like the bulletproof pauter, autocraft, etc... and yet retain most of the lightweight advantages of the magnesium case or would all the dimensions be way out of whack?
I am fully aware that the hassle would outway the gain with regards to weight on such a small motor, but still thought I would put it out there.
Cheers,
Cam
P.S. BMW have used a similar arrangement in their new R6 6 cyl engines and the M5's V10
http://bmwblog.net/?m=200511