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

["Chris Parnham" <chrisparnham@xxxx>]

Now we can all start saving up!

Chris P

----- Original Message -----
From: "James Espey" <james@xxxx>
To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, January 24, 2001 11:27 PM
Subject: RE: [DML] DMC engine upgrades (and AZ event)


> 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
>
>
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