What kind of engine does the NSU Ro 80 have?
The NSU Ro 80 is a four-door, front-engine sedan manufactured and marketed by the West German firm NSU from 1967 until 1977. Noted for innovative, aerodynamic styling by Claus Luthe and a technologically advanced powertrain, the Ro 80 featured a 84 kW (113 bhp), 995 cc twin-rotor Wankel engine driving…
What happens if the apex seal on a rotary engine fails?
With failing apex seals, rotary engines lose power, but will still get you home. Piston powered engines tend to fail catastrophically, blowing holes into engine blocks, spraying oil and parts all over the place. Rotary engines do well on the racetrack, that is, when they are allowed.
How did the NSU Wankel Spider get its name?
The rotary engine was invented by Felix Wankel (hence the name), and his German roots might tell us how NSU got its hands on the technology. The 500cc. (30.4 cu. in,) the rotary engine in the NSU Spider was rear-mounted, precisely above the rear axle, and pumped out a claimed 50 – 54 hp based on the MY.
Which is the best seal for an engine?
Cast Iron Apex Seals (stock) are best for many applications. As long as you never exceed 8,500 RPM (RX-8 – 9500 RPM) and don’t run the engine highly supercharged (not exceeding 12 psi of boost), the stock seals will “seal” better and last a long time.
When did the NSU Ro80 rotary engine end?
A new, more powerful rotary unit was tested in Audi 100s in the ’70s, but was not developed. The Ro80 story and that of NSU ended in 1977. A compression test is vital to confirm the condition of the Wankel engine, but it should be carried out by a rotary expert (Mazda): see Specialists over the page for a list of capable firms.
What to look for in a NSU Ro80?
Look for signs of leaks around both screens. Smooth, quiet and comfortable, a good Ro80 is a revelation; Martin Buckley maintains that it rides better than a DS, in fact. Later cars have a warning buzzer to discourage high revving which shortened engine life, and were set up so that power dropped off above 6000rpm.
With failing apex seals, rotary engines lose power, but will still get you home. Piston powered engines tend to fail catastrophically, blowing holes into engine blocks, spraying oil and parts all over the place. Rotary engines do well on the racetrack, that is, when they are allowed.
The rotary engine was invented by Felix Wankel (hence the name), and his German roots might tell us how NSU got its hands on the technology. The 500cc. (30.4 cu. in,) the rotary engine in the NSU Spider was rear-mounted, precisely above the rear axle, and pumped out a claimed 50 – 54 hp based on the MY.