I remember research into using ceramics to build complete piston
 engines. The stated premise was that cooling systems could be eliminated
 and that the engine would be more efficient when operated at elevated
 temperatures.

 If I understood Al's question correctly, the question is, will a rotary
 be more efficient if it can be safely operated at somewhat elevated
 temperatures.  With Paul's 'indestructible' O-rings, synthetic oil, and
 the rotary's ability to loosen at high temps instead of seizing, could
 it gain any efficiency?

 Charlie England

  I'm sorry. I missed that. I think that was a Lola 616 with a Cosworth style
plastic and ceramic engine, sponsored by BF Goodrich. The crank, cams and
valve springs were steel but everything else was not. Very reliable.

  Running a rotary over temp on oil or coolant may well improve efficiency in
terms of the energy extracted from each pound of fuel. The extra heat
absorbed from the higher temperatures in the chamber help vaporize the
mixture closer to a gas, and a higher percentage of each pound of fuel gets
burned. The pounds of fuel per horse power hour my be reduced. However, the
higher chamber temps reduce the volume of fuel air mixture that can be
trapped against each chamber face. So actual efficiency may go up, but total
power output will go down.

   Had I the funding, I would like to a rotary with all ceramic parts.
Everything but the crank and bearings. You can overcome the charge volume
problem with a turbocharger. The bearings might have to be large diameter
rollers. I think 260 HP
continuos and 300 HP for takeoff is doable.

Lynn E. Hanover

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