Berkeley

Rob Schilperoort bought a Berkeley at the beginning of March 2007 and is making quick progress in making it into a hot little machine by installing a modern liquid cooled ATV engine. I felt this interesting project deserved a section of its own because some of the techniques Rob is using are far beyond the usual "big engine in a small car" project.


A few days after Rob acquired it, the Berk looked like this. The nose needs some serious work, and this cart arrangement allows easy access.	Another view. Rob has located a 700cc fuel injected, liquid cooled, 6 speed + reverse, Yamaha ATV engine, and is also planning on using the Yahama, wiring, transmission, rear differential and parts of the axles.

Here's the engine compartment "before" shot...	...and an "in-process" photo. Rob has designed a chassis to support the new powertrain that will also provide a solid place to mount a roll bar and 5-point harness.

Out with the old car...	...and in with the new. The material is .125 steel, width is 6". "This is the first part for the suspension, will need to do more work on it, but it is getting there. These parts are getting boxed for strength and then a runner along the top (1 or 2 haven't decided yet) that is cross braced to the firewall. Also this bracket is going to have mount points for the steering box." Rob's using shocks from a 1974 Triumph Bonneville. "They are the exact same length (12.6") and are about as stiff (100 to 110 lbs/inch)"

The 700cc engine, from a 2006 Yahama Raptor 700R, is fuel injected, liquid cooled, and the transmission has 5 speeds plus reverse.	"It's going to be tight, but the engine is going to fit, may have to turn the hood around to get the clearance at the front (air scoop vs outlet on the rear). ...the frame is in from the front to just behind the seat, finishing the framing in the engine compartment tomorrow then it is on to the rollbar under the dash."


The elapsed time for the project to this point is about 3 weeks. The car will have an electronically operated transmission with two buttons on the wheel and one on the dash. The wheel buttons will be for shifting between all forward speeds. The dash button will be used to shift into reverse. The clutch will not be used between forward gears.	Measure twice, cut once. Measure twice, cut once. Looks like the exhaust system will fit, in front anyway. The tailpipe and muffler will be mounted by the passenger side door sill.

The frame rails are clearly visible and should make the car far more rigid than stock. Most important - there will be a good place to mount safety equipment like harnesses and roll bars.	The original Yahama final drive was deemed unsuitable - apparently there's no differential. Rob's planning to use the original final drive as shown here.