i found this browsing the web trying to find info on how Mazda developed the telescopic intake manifold for their R26b 4-rotor used in the Le Mans winning 787B.

some of you may have already seen this, but if not it is an awesome read, especially if you love technical engineering details and a little bit of rotary history also. It is an SAE technical paper, titled "Mazda 4-Rotor Rotary Engine for the Le Mans 24-Hour Endurance Race":
http://www.deanq.com/stuff/rotary/r26b_paper.doc

there is also a few other random technical papers here that are great:
http://www.deanq.com/stuff/rotary/


Aaron

 

Hmmmm this gives me ideas for our RX-4......

 

well if you are making a telescopic intake please let me know.

 

Nice find!

Lots pf great info, I didn't find it really techie at all. Was actaully a pretty easy read. Thanks!

 

Hehehe...how'd you know!

 

Wow, it seems like the only thing that paper is lacking is part numbers (I heard a rumour that Mazda used head light motors to actuate the cables that move the air funnels though).

The hardest part about designing the variable length runners would be finding a suitable control system for a decent price.

I think a huge improvement on the design would be to place the secondary injectors concentric and above the air horns.