Thank You!

A few days ago we reached the $2,000 goal for the Rear Drive project. We are very grateful for the support from alumni, friends of the team, and others--this project would not be possible without it. Since there is still time left in the campaign, we've added $1,000 as a stretch goal to help fund an engine control project that has strong support in the Mechanical Engineering department. We encourage everyone to spread the word to reach even more people.

Open ECU

The team is preparing for a multiyear project to develop custom engine controls from scratch using the Pi Innovo Open Engine Control Unit (ECU). This has the potential to transform the team and allow advanced engine and powertrain control strategies. The project will start with attempting to get an engine idling over the course of two semesters--no small feat. Within a few years, we hope to have full engine control and will start experimenting with advanced technologies such as multiple point fuel injection (MPFI) using high pressure injectors, catalyst dithering, external exhaust gas recirculation, variable backpressure exhaust valves, and support for onboard systems such as an active transmission. If funded, the Open ECU will have a large impact on the team for as long as the Clean Snowmobile Challenge exists and open the pathway to many multidisciplinary projects.

The Team has finalized a design for the Rear Drive, and is excited to move forward with an Engineering Release this week, on Tuesday!

Some Major design points:

-Gates Polychain GT Carbon Belts

-Ski-Doo Silent Drive 2 driver and track system

-Ski-Doo R-Motion Suspension Geometry

-Stock Rails

-1" 4140 Chrome-Moly Axles

- Selectable forward, rear, or dual drive

We’ve come a long way from a concept in May, to a ready to machine design in October. We are so close, and we couldn't have made it this far without our donors' help!