Photo: Godzillus via StanceWorks
A group of graduating students from Arizona have decided to built a fire spitting turbine-powered car. But this is not just for fooling around, as it will serve as a test platform for a digital turbine controller.
They received the rusty Triumph Spitfire for free from a local British sports car shop, and they cleaned, patched and primed it before giving it a new heart.
The Allison T63C18 Turboshaft turbine, that was also donated, costs about $250,000 and makes around 320 hp at 53,000 rpm (100% throttle) and 425 lb-ft (576 Nm) at 47,000 rpm (idle). It also has a custom output shaft with an automotive v-belt accessory drive and a 12V AC-delco GM alternator.
Frame and body modifications had to be made in order to accommodate the new engine and it’s massive 7-inch exhaust that will have to be tunneled on to the sides somehow. Regarding the $3,000 budget for the project, the engineers will have to use the stock brakes, suspension and other parts, so they might not be able to use the Spitfire at it’s maximum output.
We can’t wait to see this beast running, but until then have some work-in-progress photos from the talented engineers.
Source: Stance Works
The Allison T63C18 Turboshaft turbine, that was also donated, costs about $250,000 and makes around 320 hp at 53,000 rpm (100% throttle) and 425 lb-ft (576 Nm) at 47,000 rpm (idle). It also has a custom output shaft with an automotive v-belt accessory drive and a 12V AC-delco GM alternator.
Frame and body modifications had to be made in order to accommodate the new engine and it’s massive 7-inch exhaust that will have to be tunneled on to the sides somehow. Regarding the $3,000 budget for the project, the engineers will have to use the stock brakes, suspension and other parts, so they might not be able to use the Spitfire at it’s maximum output.
We can’t wait to see this beast running, but until then have some work-in-progress photos from the talented engineers.
Source: Stance Works
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