I picked up a gearbox for the project and now have a whole series of fresh challenges! The Toyota iQ box is a novel CVT, with an ECU ensuring the pulleys extend between four fixed ratios. The effect is like a 4 speed automatic, but achieved without any actual gears.

I could have taken the easy option of using a standard clutch and a brit bike or Harley box. However, if I did that anyone looking would recognize it straight away. The idea is that you look at the engine and wonder what the hell it is, and wherever else you look there are no more clues!

The fluid flywheel (on the other side) means the whole assembly is there, ready to rock. I just have to figure out how to drive it, and knock up some electronics. Easy right?? Hmm…

Planning in case??

We’ve petty much finished all of the steel components now, so Bob has been busy mulling over how we’re going to tackle machining the engine cases. While I’ve been reviewing the hand written notes and scratching my head!

It does make sense and doesn’t seem too onerous either. I just hope the patterns don’t take too long, as they’re holding us up.

Looking at transmission and after a good catchup with an old friend I’ve decided to go fully automatic. Modern small cars with CVT transmission have compact boxes presenting many options. I like the idea of not having a clutch level and cable, it will clean up the bars nicely.

Setup for measuring the runout on the drive side. Currently out by 20 Thou, but not fully pressed home yet. Once I’ve located a large press and finished squeezing them together, the operation can be repeated and the wheels trued.

In many Brit bike factories the truing up process was done by dropping one end of the flywheel assembly onto wooden blocks. The momentum of the other flywheel would tweak it round slightly. This weighs over 50kgs so we’re having a re-think on that one!

When the crank has been finally pressed together, we’ll need to check the run out. Ideally this will be zero, but is something that must be checked if longevity is going to be achieved! (And I do plan on the engine lasting!).

Minor runout could be adjusted with subtle use of a mallet, or for anything more serious machining one shaft. Or even making an eccentric sleeve. But hopefully none of these will be required.

The idea of the v blocks is to mount the whole crank assembly in the bearings on the timing side. The lot can be spun by the conrod and a clock on the other side measures any runout. Easy!