Gilmer gearbox and engine project

[Emilio]

Hey folks, there are going to be a few threads on Gilmer's 1:4 scale midget racer that were purchased after the Kawasaki engines, which means if you haven't got an old school Gilmer complete, chances are you purchased what is now called "U-finish models" These models are exactly like the originals minus engine and some sort of driveline.

There is a thread already started on a Gilmer from rcgarage berlin which in my opinion is for the advanced CNC fabricator, but nonetheless shows how involved it will be to get these cars completed beyond your standard 1:4 scale.

Hopefully in weeks to come I will do my best to incorporate hardware that Gilmer himself used on his first prototype midget starting with the gearbox and then some sort of nitro engine, Abitar twin cam or saito twin 90, both possible application with couplers to hook it all together from the gearbox manufacturer and then onto the axle sprocket and chain or cogs and belts.

Hopefully this all comes together in a few simple straight forward steps with minimal if any body and chassis cuts. Hope you enjoy and input always welcomed!

[Kaye]

Great project.

[Emilio]

Thanks Kaye, your idea about using a clutch from the helicopters might work if needed. I will dig out my Shulter to see how it ties together.

[Kaye]

Here's another idea. How about considering a Webra T4 series engine, I have a T4 60 and it's a very well made (in Austria) 4 stroke engine. If you want something a little bigger there's the Webra T4 91. These come up for sale every now and then on eBay.

Kaye

[Emilio]

Kaye can you give me the dimensions of the T4-60?

[Kaye]

Emilio: I'l take a picture and dimension it tomorrow.

Kaye

[Kaye]

Some dimensions.

[Kaye]

More

[Kaye]

Two more views (not dimensioned)

[Emilio]

Thanks Kaye I'm watching a T4 60 on ebay, I'm also looking at a Evolution 33 gasoline engine with pump carburetor, I'm waiting for the dimensions from the seller, if it's to big I can go with the 20 series. But I love this 33 series to death! But I have to keep in mind that I do not want to cut the body at all.

Also on another note, this Gilmer I just purchased is the last one Jan is making, I know we heard this many times, but I think this is the last one, This one was given to his grandson but they would rather have the money from this car for collage, I think it's a special car nonetheless at least for me.

[Emilio]

Hey folks. fortunately I was able to get a Abitar DOHC engine from a gentleman named John from upstate New York, who contacted me just before I was going to pull the trigger on another engine that I'm sure I would have not liked when it was in my hands, BUT, this Abitar is a whole different animal as far as nitro engines go, it is complete with electronics, and has hardly no run time, I'm very happy!

My plan is to fit this engine below the aluminum floor board and possibly below the fiberglass belly shown in the profile photo but I'm planning not to go that low. If succeeded it will look pretty realistic and true to scale from underneath as it will under the hood, I couldn't think of another engine almost true to scale for a Gilmer car, In my opinion the zenoha and Kawasaki T series engine are much to bulky, I recommend a nitro engine if you are starting off like me. Again my opinion, you do what you like.

Hopefully I won't have to cut the upper body and hoping the velocity stack and exhaust will align to the existing opening in the sides. I'm waiting for the gearbox to arrive and only then I could start planing and won't be till I move into my new house in Oct. Hope you enjoy the progress!

[Kaye]

Emilio: It's the perfect engine for this model car!

[Kaye]

Emilio: My Abitar (serial number 920467) doesn't have any electronics. I'm wondering if your's is a later model. Can you post a close up picture of the electronics?

Thanks,
Kaye

[Emilio]

Kaye: I have serial number 910263. I don't know if the electronics are original but he said they were or thinks they are?

There is the red ground, black to the glow plug as seen with the metal boot, Ignition box and battery pack. It's going to take a lot of thought to get this engine and gearbox in this car. The cavity is the main issue.

[oldschoolmidget]

Hello Emilio,
That's a beauty!! Love that color too! Do you think you can install that engine without cutting up the body or the chassis? I bought a black one years ago to install an engine and never could bring myself to modify it. I thought I would use the Saito fa 200ti. I think the head and valve covers would look awesome sticking out of the hood.

Oldschoolmidget