Ken Cohen of Exxon-Mobil recently compared gasoline and electricity in an article called How many gallons of gasoline would it take to charge an iPhone?

Of course Exxon-Mobil is interested in advancing the cause of fossil fuels, but the article’s facts cannot be denied. Like it or not, gasoline and diesel will be primary energy sources  for many decades to come. Simply put, nothing comes close to liquid fuels in terms of energy density, low cost and light weight.

Although electric and hybrid vehicles are much-discussed these days, there is little doubt that this technology simply does not have the wherewithal to provide reliable and economical transportation of people and goods on a mass scale. We would hope that auto manufacturers are putting as much emphasis on optimizing the thermal efficiency of gasoline and diesel vehicles as they are on chasing electric pipe dreams.

We mention that this is an “old” concept as early renditions of the OPOC engine were developed back in the early 1900′s. Over the decades it was used in some aircraft and military applications, but never found its way into the automotive or commercial markets.

An OPOC engine is different from a conventional engine in that it does not have a cylinder head or valve-train. Instead, the engine consists of two horizontal cylinders at both ends with opposite facing pistons in each. Advantages include:

• The pistons only travel half as far as conventional engines, which allows for higher RPM and much improved power delivery.
• The OPOC engine weighs 30% less than a conventional turbo-diesel engine.
• This concept delivers thermal efficiency of up to 50%; meaning that 50% of the fuel energy is converted into propulsion. The average modern diesel engine peaks in the mid-30% range. Gasoline engines peak in the 25 to 30% range.
• Less moving parts (no valve-train) means 40% lower friction and up to 45% better fuel economy.

Photo Credit: EcoMotors International

This concept could also be incorporated as a gasoline engine. EcoMotors claims that a small car could achieve upwards of 100 mpg with an OPOC engine.

EcoMotors was founded by former Volkswagen engineer Peter Holfbauer. Holfbauer had been toying with the OPOC concept for several years before bringing EcoMotors to life. An interesting concept is one thing, but it’s nothing without backing. Cash and credibility is brought to the table by heavyweights like Bill Gates and Silicon Valley venture capitalist Venod Khosla who have invested millions in the project. Diesel engine maker Navistar has added its heft by joining EcoMotors in a developmental deal. In the video below, Mr. Holfbauer discusses the OPOC engine and the exciting prospects for his company.

Irnie has entered a video in a sponsorship contest being held by Champion Spark Plug. Racers of virtually every motor racing discipline can submit a video and have the chance to win the grand prize of a $50000 sponsorship package or one of five $10000 consolation sponsorship packages. If you can take the time, please view Marcel’s video and then create a log-in and vote. Here is the link:

Always a Champion Video Contest

We have been working with Marcel for several years now and certainly recognize the hard work he has put in. He produces popular race videos and works hard to promote his sponsors. He would certainly be a worthy winner of this contest, were he lucky enough to be chosen.  He is on the verge of a break-out season in the pro ranks, so this assistance would be helpful.

California has launched a website at checkyournumber.org where car owners can see exactly what the suggested oil change interval is for their vehicle. The hope is that campaign will help break many of the outmoded notion that going beyond 3000 miles will cause premature engine wear.

The “3000 mile” concept goes back many years to the days when car engine designs and motor oil technology were quite antiquated. Regular maintenance was much more critical in the days of carburetors, loose engine tolerances and spotty tuning. Even today, many quick lube operations steadfastly promote the 3000 mile drain interval as a way to keep customers coming back on a frequent basis.

Research shows that 51% of US motorists still believe that they should change their oil every 3000 miles and just 33% go beyond 4000 miles! Read more at the LA Times story State hopes to break car owners’ habit of changing oil too often.

AMSOIL has been chipping away at the 3000 mile myth for almost 40 years. They introduced the very first extended drain, synthetic oil for automotive use back in 1972. The rest of the auto industry has slowly come to embrace the extended drain concept. If you wish to extend engine life, no matter how long you choose to prolong your service interval, look no further than AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils. Long drain intervals are the hallmark of these products, so if your OEM service interval has you feeling uneasy or if you wish to go well beyond, we have a product for you.

It sports a 125cc fuel injected, four-stroke engine that delivers 10 to 15 horsepower, a top speed of 120 kph and an estimated fuel economy of 188 mpg. Features include inverted forks, mono-shock rear suspension, belt drive and a svelte weight of just 178 pounds.

The Moegi may never see production and even if it does, it will likely never see these shores. Regardless, it’s every bit as fun to look at as it is would be to ride.

Yamaha Y125 Moegi Concept

Eastern Canada
Johnston Research & Performance
Site: http://www.jrponline.com/
2344 South Sheridan Way
Mississauga ON L5J2M4
Phone: 905 822 7223
Email: derek@jrponline.com

Western Canada
Mopac Auto Supply
Site: http://www.mopacautosupply.com/

Locations:
Langley BC
19950 84th Ave.
Langley BC V2Y3C2
Phone: 604-881-4900
Toll-Free: 800-667-6677
Email: langleysales@mopacautosupply.com

Edmonton AB
10448 170 St.
Edmonton AB T5S1M4
Phone: 780-486-6900
Toll-Free: 866-366-6722
Email: edmontonsales@mopacautosupply.com

Calgary AB
130 16th Ave. NW
Calgary AB T2M0H2
Phone: 403-277-0101
Email: calgarysales@mopacautosupply.com