RE: [DML] DMC engine upgrades (and AZ event)

[James Espey <james@xxxx>]

We discussed this in one of the De Lorean Motor Company online chats 
while you were pedaling around the world, Dick, and I'm in the 
process of writing an article for DW, at their request, on the 
engine. I am always hesitant to explain the details publicly (though 
anyone is welcome to call and talk to us about them) because the next 
question is invariably - "will you sell the parts separately" and 
"can you sell me the parts as a kit and I can install them". The 
answer to both, at this time, is no. We can't keep up with the demand 
we have now, and the only way we will warrant the parts is if we do 
the install. Quality control is also a big issue. Say you install the 
parts on your 150,000 mile PRV engine, and change nothing else on the 
engine. Two weeks later it disintegrates, suddenly De Lorean Motor 
Company's engine parts killed your car. If we install the parts, 
we're sure that it's done right, and the engine we're starting with 
is in good condition. We can also examine and correct other potential 
problem (motor mounts, water pump, oil pump, radiator, transmission 
etc). This limits our liability and exposure as well as ensures you 
have the ultimate product experience.

In a nutshell, Steve Rubano hit it pretty much on the head. Ported 
and polished heads (equalized chambers), slightly increased 
compression ratio, new camshaft profiles, tubular manifold exhausts 
with new dual catalytics and a new muffler. We had been experimenting 
with some improved methods of fuel delivery at higher RPM's, but 
those mods will not be included in the Stage I upgrades. Stage II 
involves the Stage I upgrades plus a conversion to an electronic fuel 
injection system (versus stock mechanical) and maybe other stuff - 
the first motor is still in development in the UK, so it's subject to 
change.

Idle and engine temperature are relatively unchanged. Fuel economy 
has not been carefully observed in our testing of either the 
automatic or the manual transmission test cars, though it doesn't 
appear to be markedly different. If you're going to spend 
$5,000-$6500 on a engine upgrade, odds are that a drop of a mile or 
less per gallon will be a minor concern. I drive the cars hard (ask 
the people who drove/rode with me in AZ this past weekend) and didn't 
notice much difference in mileage - it's a LOT of fun when you get on 
it, so I do it often.

James


> As one who has had two DeLoreans with twin turbo's (and not TOTALLY happy
> with the results), I am interested in the "new" engine. What I'd like to
> hear is just what the modifications consist of, and the offsets to such an
> engine "hop-up".
> > Dick Ryan
> VIN 16867