Side/end plates are where the real weight loss is to be
had. Mazda has even done the parts already, published a paper on it and
everything! The LeMans engine used detonation gun coated and diamond
ground end and intermediate housings. They ran 24 hrs flat out and won
one of the worlds biggest races over all. This is also the safest way to
lose weight off the engine, it has already been tested by the factory!
Foamed metal and all this other stuff is fine, but getting something to
market is the key.

A rotary with aluminum end and center housings would
have such a HP to weight advantage it isn't even funny.
Bill Jepson

It should be possible to cast these from aluminum using factory parts
for templates.  You would probably need to put a thin steel sheet on for
wear protection.

I can dream of a 1-rotor with aluminum ends . . .

Keith Wood

Bill,

Do you know if the Lemans end and intermediate housings were specially made?
I assume they were cast with the side ports filled in and the void behind
the side ports vacant.

I wonder if cost is the main reason driving Mazda to stick with iron
housings or if there is a long term durability issue from heating and
cooling cycle that occurs after shut down with a long sandwich engine.  I

They did it with the 10A though and that was the engine that drove the Cosmo
110 on the road.


Aluminum end and intermediate housings is an idea that won't die.  What does
it take to make one? Ie could be do one using the lost wax method?


Doug



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