Engineers at the Mussett Technology Group have designed a new lightweight racing engine.
The engine, called the MR1500T, is derived from a high-performance motorcycle engine and has been redesigned by the firm’s engineers to allow the main casing structures to be load-bearing.
It will be launched at Autosport International at the NEC in Birmingham in January in conjunction with Geoff Page Racing.
Motorcycle engines are regularly used in race cars but the need for the normal motorcycle engine installation to be bolted in place leads to an inefficient chassis design due to the extra support needed to stiffen the engine bay.
However the new MR1500T engine has a new crankcase and sump, which is CNC machined from aircraft specification billet aluminum, allowing the chassis loads to be transmitted through the engine block and reducing the requirement for extra structural support.
The stressed bottom end of the engine allows for the use of a 5.5” multi-plate racing clutch and standard-type bell housing, which can support the extra weight of a car.
The engine will employ a four stage pump dry sump lubrication system to maximise oil flow and eliminate the problem of oil starvation during cornering.
Managing director Gordon Mussett said: ‘This is an exciting new project for us. We have decades of motorsport experience and we firmly believe that our MR1500T engine fills a gap in the market for race car manufacturers, track day companies and private enthusiasts who are currently using motorcycle engine cars for fast road, race, and sprint and hillclimb use.
All of the CNC machining is done in house at Mussett’s factory. The carbon fibre components including the intake plenum will also be manufactured at Mussett Composites.
Future plans for the engine include installation in road and track cars as well as a long held intention for use in a F1 Catamaran type powerboat.
