Paul did Mistral ever get back to you about the turbo research they were
doing?
   Could a turbo package be in the pipeline for individual sale?
      What's the lightest firewall forward rotary package so far not
including Hatch's light weight engine.

Clifton.

I spoke to Mistral recently but did not ask.
I have the impression the turbo is on the back burner.
I think they are focused on getting the heavy fuel
NA rotary engine certified in Europe. In that case their
plate is quite full.

My guess is 300 pounds would be difficult to reduce
using cast iron intermediate and end housings.

Paul Lamar ...No rotor no motor.


Mistral is presently working on the turbo package.  Turbocharged engines
could be delivered as early as next July, provided the turbo be
remote-mounted (as opposed to close-coupled "a la Mazda").

Next week, a most interesting experiment is scheduled.  We have acquired a
set of special paints that change colours in 40-50°F increments at turbine
operating temperatures.  We'll paint a couple of blades with the appropriate
paints and run the engine at max power. After turbo disassembly, we'll know
precisely what temperatures the blades are seeing and where the possible hot
spots are.  We'll then repeat the experiment at a couple of different power
settings.

Should this experiment show that a close-coupled turbo can survive, than
this arrangement will be available end of year.

BTW, I'm interested to know what arrangement people prefer: turbo mounted
underneath the engine, in the "classic" way?  Or close-coupled?

We do not know yet if we'll make the turbo assembly available separately.

Francois Badoux

Be careful mounting it under the engine. The oil drain back
from a turbo is a critical issue. Mazda and others have
had a lot of trouble with that. The turbo needs to be mounted
high enough so the oil (foam) can drain back into the oil
pan above the oil level. The 87-89 turbo had a drain back
problem. Mazda solved it in 90-91 with a larger shielded
drain back pipe.

Paul Lamar

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