Powertrain
2024-2025
The Powertrain Subteam is responsible for all systems that convert fuel energy into motion at the wheels. Our team utilizes a turbocharged 500cc parallel twin engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) from a Yamaha Phazer snowmobile.
We design, build, and test all powertrain components, including the intake and exhaust manifolds, fuel and cooling systems, drivetrain, and wiring. Our design process incorporates GT-Power, CAD, CFD, FEA, acoustic simulations, MATLAB modeling, and Excel-based calculations.
To bring our designs to life, we use welding, laser cutting, CNC machining, and custom fabrication before assembling the components onto the vehicle. We validate our designs through testing on an engine dynamometer, airflow bench, and the vehicle itself. Data is collected from GPS, wheel speed sensors, and various engine sensors, enabling us to analyze performance gains and assess engine health.
