For everyone's information-The new rotary powered Diasio 962R debuted at the PRI show in INDY

Significant specs are:

250HP bridgeported 12A Rotary engine with drysump oiling system, HPX cranktrigger ignition, prepped and tuned by RotorSports Racing Inc.
Hewland FTR sequential 6-speed gearbox with reverse gear.
FABCAR designed chassis
Dry weight -1075 lbs.
CSR legal

An all aluminum 12A engine is planned to reduce weight by 50lbs. and turbo 13B versions are also slated for those wanting to dominate NASA events.

Details & photos at www.diasio.com

Radicals look out for the rotary!

 

They make cool little cars. The ones they make for SCCA DSR arne't the fastest cars out there. But they are sweet looking! The rotary one should be a blast.

 

The rotary version weighs just 25lbs. more than the DSR legal car and produces 100 more Hp -plus has the benefits of a newly designed rocker type rear suspension and the hewland sequential gearbox. It also has improved weight distribution.

 

Man, if I had $55,000 for a track car, I'd call Chris Diasio RIGHT NOW I look foward to seeing him test spring '03. Maybe I'll even get to ride, or better yet--DRIVE the D962R at Putnam Park

 

Did Chris finally put in a limited slip diff rear end in the latest iteration? Many current D962 owners wish they had LSD in back of their Yamaha-powered screamers NOW!

 

http://www.diasio.com/ the car in the foreground is the 962 rotary-powered R

 

The 962R has a Hewland gearbox (transaxle with LSD). Its no longer a motorcycle engined car with chain driven rearend, but a true racecar with INDY style components.
Go to their website for photos of the engine,transaxle, and rear suspension. Yes we are a bit biased-we supply the engines for them but the overall package is very impressive and far superior to the Formula Mazdas, especially from a performance perspective- the 962R will be much faster than the current FM or the new SM's could ever hope to be.

 

Outstanding! Can't wait to see this thing screaming down Putnam Park's straight!

BTW, how's the deveopment on the the 13B REW version. Talk about a screamer! 300-hp from 1200 lbs. That sounds almost too fast!

 

IMHO, it's ugly, just watched my Tivo'd DSR race and there was a 962 there.. Yeah, it resembles the original, but it looks more like an alien spaceship than it does a race car.. Gimme a Stohr for DSR

PaulC

 

Someone should make a 787B rotary powered replica for either DSR or CSR, that would be kewl.

 

Yes, I made that suggestion to Chris Diasio to pay homage to the rotary powered D962 by using a 787B body instead of the 962 (Porsche power).

Chris says it's too expensive to make new bodies, and not worth the start up costs.

FWIW, the D962R should prove to be one hell of a CSR car...

 

Yes, I made that suggestion to Chris Diasio to pay homage to the rotary powered D962 by using a 787B body instead of the 962 (Porsche power).

Chris says it's too expensive to make new bodies, and not worth the start up costs.

FWIW, the D962R should prove to be one hell of a CSR car...

 

I'll be helping test the car at Putnam with the Diasio guys next month. While I've never driven one of these cars, I have tested a Radical, as well as numerous RX7 racecars,and T/A series Vettes- The comparisons and results should be interesting. BTW FABCAR also designed the new Daytona Prototype being fielded by Brumos with Porsche power that just completed a 28hr test at Daytona in preparation for the Rolex 24hr. While the 962R is not as exotic it posses the same high quality workmanship and design that FABCAR has become known for.

 

Rotorhead,

I saw the car at PRI and talked to Chris about it. Did you design the exhaust, or did you use someone elses? Someone said thet Brian Stinger fabricated it, but I don't remember if it was the Diasio or the new Radical with the rotary. I am interested in the collected exhaust at something less than 90 inches like my cars has now. Any thoughts?

db

 

We prepared the engine- it was built with all new parts-every housing, bolt, washer, etc. is new, the rotating assembly was also lightened and rebalanced as well as the 4.5 lb flywheel and 5.5" clutch. The engine was tested then shipped to FABCAR for fitment and the suspension design and transaxle adapter. The exhaust was designed afterwards and was similar (actually better) to the system installed for the dyno runs. You are correct in your assumption that the collection point is very critical for the engine to make best power. Actually we've found that shorter collection lengths are very beneficial, we've used 12-20" lengths for both B'ported and IT and EP spec engines with excellent results. I don't know if Brian designed the exhaust system on the car for the show but the work was top rate. I was particularly impressed with the dual Borla setup and the attention paid to equalize runner lenghts within the space available.

 

I would agree that the work was top shelf. I have been debating one of the new headers for the IT car to replace what I believe to be the old RB style that is not collected until the rear axle. I am looking for more torque throughout the mid to high RPM range. The ISC style header looks very inviting, and if it can help in the midrange, I would move in that direction. I also has what I would consider to be weight saving advantages. Your thoughts are appreciated.

db

 

r0t0rhead,

When is Chris testing the D962R? I want to be there when he finally does get the R out on Putnam Park

 

The ISC header is the same one MazdaComp sells. I didn't like it very well- the primary length is unequal and too long-wanna buy a slightly used one? We were going to make our own but have way too much to do and AWR already makes a great header and exhaust. We also highly recommend their suspension parts for EP and ITS RX7's.
The exact date for testing the 962R has yet to be determined. I imagine it will be in early Jan. and most likely be a private event.

 

OK, I know this is going to sound like a really stupid question, but why are the shocks on top of the transaxle (besides the obvious anwer of that's the only structurally sound place to put them). Specifically, why are they mounted horizontally, and longitudinally?

I looked at the pictures of the rear suspension, and I know this is supposed to be a pushrod-type suspesnion, but all those that I have seen were mounted at least somewhat transversely. I don't quite see how the pushrod is supposed to act on the shock to prevent roll. It looks more like it's there to prevent yaw, though I'm certain this is not the case.



Ren

 

anyone?

 

Damn, Bryan, help us out. Bless us with your knowledge...

Ren