Help choosing a project

[NC_Steve]

I am doing mechanical engineering and I need to choose a project for my final year thesis. Problem is I have no idea what to choose. I would need to fund this myself so large projects aren't really possible. Any ideas? What does this world need?

[mcflux]

EA wagon, PD blower strapped to the side of the 3.9 (or 4.0), chopped, rear doors & windows filled in. Airbagged!

Yes, the world needs one of these :P

[Powdered Toast Man]

What are you interested in?

I did mine with a couple of mates installing a MoTec system from the previous years SAE car onto an EF I6 that was in the engine lab, so it can be used for future lab experiments for juniour students. Came in handy for understanding fuel and ignition mapping. But we couldn't think of anything to do before then either, that topic was actually brought up by the lecturer in charge of the Mech engineering final year projects.

I know another couple of guys did theirs on an improved ABS system that works effectively on gravel. I believe their report was actually published later on and that Bosch may have been interested.

Another guy did his developing those clip on wind shields for the side windows on AU's (this was in 2001), he was actually still employed by Ford from when he did his work experience there a year and a half before.

[Ringo]

Mods that improve fuel economy?

Feasibility of a 3.3 litre barra engine.

Would the reduction in cc best be acheived though reducing the stroke or reducing the bore. (Bore would be my answer to retain as much torque as possible)

Probably engine output and economy?

...I will probably get shot down in flames for this suggestion by some and trigger fond response from others who have had 3.3 litre XD/XE's....

[Allen]

You could always develop a low profile manifold to fit something like an Eaton M112 into a 5L windsor...

There is a serious lack of locally made hipo parts for them...

[Yellow_Festiva]

I would imagine there would be a huge market for a basic aftermarket hybrid system for common newish front wheel drive cars.

ie a bolt on kit consisting of a high torque compact electric engine able to propel a car to 20km/h via the rear wheels using a basic light duty CV and a few batteries.

And some electronics to switch off the car at the lights. Start with the electric motor, get to 20 then put it in gear, which will start the car and at the same time stop the electric motor?????

A high output alternator will keep batteries charged etc. would weigh all of 50 or 60 kg and perhaps reduce petrol usage by 20 - 40% depending on how much stop start city traffic a person is stuck in each morning.