For a few years I've had this idea of building a mid-engine trike with a VW turbo diesel and either a 914 5 speed or maybe a freeway flyer trans. As the diesel provides so much torque if I use the freeway flyer trans I can run 265/75/18 tires on the rear and I think gives me about the same final drive ratio for some really decent mpgs. I also like how many miles that little diesel lasts.
I read in Europe they race VW diesels and get 300 hp out of them. I also read that unshrounding the valves frees up some extra ponies with no reduction in engine life.
I am thinking about using 2 sets of foot pedals, clutch pedal on 1 side and accelerator and brake pedals on the other side. I am also thinking about a real cruise control system. I only wish to steer and use the front brake with the handel bars.
I have been wrestling with how to run a small size 15" car tire like a VW tire on the front for the extra miles it will last. I'm thinking something like a wide glide extended front end so as to accomodate the extra tire width of the car tire. My problem is the front wheel. Motorcycle wheels have the wrong lips for the tire beads on car tires. The only way around I've found so far is a $2000 custom made aluminum front wheel that is a motorcycle style hub and brake set up with car tire bead lips.
I'm open to any ideas that may help my project along.