Radial Motion's 3-Cylinder Compact Radial Engine |

Popular Posts Derek Rose’s Triple-Turbo 6.7L Cummins Engine 3,000-HP LLY Duramax Engine A No Prep Kings Twin-Turbo 540 cid Big Block Chevy Engine The Re-Emergence of Rotary Engines New Valve Lash Method Connect with us advertise with us

Derek Rose’s Triple-Turbo 6.7L Cummins Engine

A No Prep Kings Twin-Turbo 540 cid Big Block Chevy Engine

The Re-Emergence of Rotary Engines

Derek Rose’s Triple-Turbo 6.7L Cummins Engine

A No Prep Kings Twin-Turbo 540 cid Big Block Chevy Engine

The Re-Emergence of Rotary Engines

There's nothing more satisfying than a good turbo system...

Add Your Listing Edit Your Listing By Category Engine Components A/N Fittings/AdaptorsAir Induction SystemsBatteriesBearings (camshaft)Bearings (engine sleeve type)Bearings (main rear main)Bearings (Rod)Belt Tensioner/IdlersBrass FittingsBushingsCam CapsCamshaft Belt DrivesCamshaft KitsCamshaft SealsCamshaft Thrust Plate and PartsCamshaftsCarburetorsChain KitsClampsComplete EnginesConnecting RodsConnecting Rods Nuts BoltsCrankshaft ConversionsCrankshaft KitsCrankshaft Oil SlingersCrankshaft Pulley SleevesCrankshaft Repair SleevesCrankshaft SealsCrankshaftsCylinder Head ComponentsCylinder Heads New: Aluminum BareCylinder Heads New: Aluminum CompleteCylinder Heads New: Cast Iron BareCylinder Heads New: Cast Iron CompleteCylinder Heads Reman: Aluminum BareCylinder Heads Reman: Aluminum CompleteCylinder Heads Reman: Cast Iron BareCylinder Heads Reman: Cast Iron CompleteCylinder Liners (sleeves)Diesel InjectorsDipstick Adapters (Chevy Ford)Dowel PinsEFI ComponentsEngine BlocksEngine Blocks - RemanufacturedEngine KitsEngine Management Systems/ECUsEngine MountsExhaust ComponentsExhaust Components: Complete SystemsExhaust Components: Custom ExhaustsExhaust Components: Leak DetectionExhaust Components: ManifoldsExhaust Components: Tube NotchingExhaust Components: Tube SwagingExhaust Components: Tube/Frame Bending MachinesFilters - AirFilters - FuelFilters - OilFlywheel (ring) GearsFlywheel AssembliesFuel Injection - ElectronicFuel Injection - MechanicalFuel PumpsFuel System ComponentsGasket CementGasketsGear DrivesGovernorsHarmonic Balancer Repair SleevesHarmonic Balancers/DampersHead Bolts/StudsHex ShaftsHydraulic Lash AdjustersIgnition ComponentsInjector TubesInjectors - DieselInjectors - Gasoline DirectInjectors - IndirectIntake ManifoldsIPR ValvesKeysLockwashersMain Caps (4-bolt)Manifold StudsNitrous Oxide Systems, ComponentsNitrous Valves and PlatesNuts and BoltsOil CoolersOil Filter AdaptersOil PansOil Pressure SpringsOil Pump KitsOil Pump ScreensOil Pump ShaftsOil Pump Timing CoversOil PumpsOiling Systems; Dry SumpOverhead Camshaft Repair SleevesPiston Pin BushingsPiston Pin Lock RingsPiston PinsPiston RingsPistonsPlugs - ExpansionPlugs - MagneticPlugs - Oil DrainPlugs - StandardPush RodsRadiator/Oil FansRering KitsRestoration Engine PartsRocker Arm Rebuilding ComponentsRocker Assemblies and KitsRocker Stud GirdlesSealsSerpentine BeltsShimsShort BlocksSpark PlugsSpringsSuperchargers, componentsSwitchesTappetsThread RepairThrust WashersTiming Belt/Chain TensionerTiming Belts/ChainsTiming Chains, Gears, SprocketsTiming ComponentsTiming CoversTransmission AdaptorsTurbochargers, componentsValve CoversValve Guide LinersValve GuidesValve KeysValve Lifter BallsValve LiftersValve Locks and SealsValve Seat InsertsValve Spring InsertsValve Spring RetainersValve SpringsValve Stem Oil SealsValve Train PartsValvesWater PumpsWater Tubes Engine Equipment & Preparation Adhesive DispensingAir Flow BenchesAir Handling SystemsBalance Shaft Elimination KitBalance Shaft Line Boring EquipmentBalancing AccessoriesBalancing EquipmentBelt SanderBench GrinderBlock Pressure Testing EquipmentBoring Bar InsertsBoring Bar Tool BitsBoring Machines/Connecting RodBoring Machines/CylinderBoring Machines/LineBoring Stand (For Portable Boring Machines)Brass FittingsBroachBushing Bearing & Seal Driver SetsCAD/CAM SoftwareCam Bearing Installation ToolCamshaft Degree Wheel (Digital)Camshaft GrindersCap & Rod GrinderCBN Inserts - NewCBN Inserts - ResurfacedCleaning Specialized EngineCNC Machining CentersCNC Retrofit KitsCompressed Air EquipmentConnecting Rod GaugesCoolant Filter MachinesCore Shift TesterCrack Repair EquipmentCranesCrankshaft Balance WeightsCrankshaft FurnaceCrankshaft GrindersCrankshaft Journal Weld KitsCrankshaft PolisherCrankshaft Polishing BeltsCrankshaft StraightenerCylinder Head Adapter PlatesCylinder Head Assembly/Disassembly Equip.Cylinder Head Chamfering ToolCylinder Head GaugeCylinder Head HoldersCylinder Head PolishingCylinder Head PortingCylinder Head Pressure TesterCylinder Head StraighteningCylinder Hone StopsCylinder Porting ToolsCylinder Sleeve PressDemagnetizersDiamond DressersDiesel Injector Hole Repair ToolsDiesel Injector Sleeve Installation ToolDowel PullersDye Penetrant InspectionDynamometersEngine Adaptor PlatesEngine Cycle AnalyzerExhaust Leak DetectionFeeler GaugesFlexible Honing Tools/Brush HonesFlywheel GrinderFuel Injection Cleaning ServicesGrinder Head StraighteningGrinding CoolantsGrinding WheelsHardness TestersHead/Block Crack Repair KitsHead/Block Resurfacing (Belt/Sanders)Head/Block Resurfacing (Milling)Heat Tabs Temperature SticksHolding FixturesHone Stop FixtureHoning JigsHoning Machines Wrist PinHoning Machines/CylinderHoning Machines/LineHoning Machines/RodHoning Machines/Valve GuideHoning PlatesHoning StonesIgnition System TestersIn-Process Gauges(Cam and Crank Grinders)Inspection GaugesLeak Down TesterLeveling DeviceMagnetic Particle Inspection Crack DetectionMicropolishing EquipmentOHC Line Boring ToolsOil Leak DetectionPCD Inserts - NewPin Fitting & Rod Reconditioning/TestingPin PressPin RemovalPiston KnurlerPiston Ring CompressorsPre-Cup Machining ToolsPush Rod Guide PlatesReplacement Chuck for Valve FacersRocker Arm GrinderRod AlignmentRod Bolt ProtectorsRod FurnaceRod VisesRun-In StandsStandsStud PullersTapsTest EquipmentThickness GaugeThread GaugesThread Repair & Replacement KitTorque PlatesUltrasonic Test EquipmentVacuum TesterValve Grinding BenchValve Guide & Seat Driver SetValve Guide & Seat MachineValve Guide Boring FixtureValve Guide HoneValve Guide KnurlingValve Guide PilotValve Guide ReamerValve Guide ToolValve Refacer (Cutter)Valve Refacer (Grinder)Valve Refacer WheelsValve Seat CuttersValve Seat InserterValve Seat PullersValve Seat ResurfacerValve Seat Runout GaugeValve Seat Tool GrinderValve Seat WheelsValve Spring CompressorValve Spring TestersValve Stem GrinderValve Stem Height MeasuringValve Stem PolisherWater Tube PullerWet Flow Bench Conversions Supplies & Service Chemicals & SolventsCore Cleaning & ProcessingCranes & HoistsHand ToolsLubricantsPressesServicesShippingStorage Racks & BenchesWelding

Whether you’re a professional engine builder, machinist or manufacturer, or an automotive enthusiast who likes engines, racing and fast vehicles, Engine Builder offers content aimed at you. Our print magazine offers in-depth tech features on everything you need to know about engine building and its different markets, while our newsletter options keep you up-to-date on the latest news and products, tech info and personalities in the industry. But, you only get all of that if you subscribe. Subscribe now to receive Engine Builder magazine in print and/or digital each month, and our Engine Builder newsletter, Engine of the Week newsletter or Diesel of the Week newsletter directly in your inbox each week. You’ll be covered in horsepower in no time!

Click here to view past issues.

Get the latest news, insights, and more delivered directly to you inbox.

Engine of the Week is presented by

In a world of copycats, Radial Motion’s three-cylinder compact radial engine stands apart from the crowd. Radial Motion and Bespoke Engineering have been undertaking development of its three-cylinder radial engine since 2017, and what they’ve learned in that time shines through. Initially developed for aviation use, the Radial Motion engine is just as comfortable performing at ground level in a number of motorsport applications as well. In fact, today the company has both water and air-cooled variants of the three-cylinder radial engine and is working on a number of future plans based on this engine platform.

Located in Lonsdale, South Australia, Australia, Radial Motion is a concept-to-product engine house specializing in innovative designs for aviation and specialist automotive applications. Radial Motion was formed in collaboration with Bespoke Engineering, which is an innovative engineering company that provides solutions to varied industries and specializes in prototype design and manufacturing. Radial Motion has extensive capability in industrial design, rapid prototyping, product testing and development, and manufacturing at scale.

The company is directed by Nick Mebberson, Loui Burke and Scott Pearce, and the radial engine was conceptualized in-house by designers and engineers with the end user in mind, making it simple, modular and with interchangeable parts.

Inspired by the dawn of aviation and built with the technology of today, the radial engine features both reliability and performance due to its simple, robust design that can be modified and tuned for ample power.

Radial Motion’s three-cylinder compact radial engine is a four-stroke gas engine in a 120° radial configuration. Lightweight and compact, the 2.0L and 2.1L engines deliver both performance and reliability with unique visual appeal and an emotive exhaust note. The engine features a common journal crank and gear-driven triple camshafts actuating the overhead valvetrain via pushrods. Each head contains two valves, a 2˝ intake and 1.5˝ exhaust. The engine is capable of withstanding high cylinder pressures, making it well suited for turbocharging and supercharging.

For motorsport applications, the radial engine’s high output, lightweight and slim profile offer instant benefits. The use of readily available, off-the-shelf components such as pistons, connecting rods and valves makes repair and maintenance simple and affordable.

While Radial Motion’s radial engine takes inspiration from the glory days of early aviation, it incorporates significant improvements. Unlike aircraft engines from the 1920s onward, the Radial Motion engine does not use the complex master/slave rod layout favored back then.

Instead, a common journal like those used in V-twin engines delivers a compact design. The engine’s footprint is inside that of a VW Type 1 (Beetle) engine and maintains the ground clearance of that engine while offering improved weight distribution.

Access to camshafts and internals is easy without stripping the engine down, and other internal parts are available worldwide. Radial Motion worked closely with Kelford to design a custom valvetrain to help get the engine up to 10,000 rpm. The engine features a bore and stroke of 99mm x 86.5mm (2.0L) and 101.6mm x 86.5mm (2.1L). Total displacement is 1,998cc for the 2.0L and 2,104cc for the 2.1L.

The radial engine is sleeved with cast iron sleeves, has a twin coil/twin spark electronically controlled ignition system, has a single throttle body induction system that can be injected or carbureted, features a dry sump oiling system with separate cylinder head scavenge pumps, and has water-cooled cylinder heads and barrels, but also available in an air/oil cooled variant.

The first air-cooled customer engine was fitted to an Outlaw Porsche 356 built by well-known Porsche afficionado Ron Goodman. However, Radial Motion has also put their engine in a restored 1972 superbug nicknamed “zombug”, a 1973 restored “post office” combi van, a three-wheeled motorcycle, and another running on their water-break engine dyno.

Naturally aspirated, Radial Motion engines can produce 100 hp per liter, and the engines can sustain high levels of boost. The company has these engines available as turn-key units that have undergone pre-delivery dyno testing. These are available in several customizable configurations.

They can supply the engine in carbureted form with three individual Mikuni carburetors and a single throttle cable linkage kit. This setup is perfect for analog vehicles and those seeking simplicity and period authenticity. Ignition in this case is programmed into an ignition control module that operates the multi-coil ignition system.

If you’re looking for fuel injection, Radial Motion has that option as well. In fact, direct port injection paired with either individual throttle bodies or a common plenum is the most common setup Radial Motion offers. Each throttle body is equipped with drive-by-wire hardware and is controlled by a MoTec engine management system, which also controls ignition.

The three-cylinder engine can come equipped with an integral slimline alternator mounted on the front of the crankshaft or a conventional high-output alternator that is belt driven and mounted alongside the crank pulley. This comes with a billet belt guard for aircraft and off-road racing applications. Water pump systems use an external electric water pump. Power Take Offs are also available via clutched or direct-drive couplings.

In automotive applications, the Radial Motion engine offers some distinct advantages over common existing engines. With a compact footprint and low overall weight, weight distribution can be improved in most applications, without sacrificing ground clearance, and individual cylinder barrels mean the cooling system can be smaller.

In addition, these radial engines are ideal for a variety of ground-based and aviation applications in a defense setting. The modular design and component availability allow for ease of maintenance anywhere in the world while its robust reliability assures product uptime. The engine lends itself to hybrid applications as well as heavy fuel and biofuel applications too.

Looking to the future, Radial Motion and Bespoke Engineering are currently developing a 4.0L six-cylinder version. The modular design of the product lends itself to nine and 12-cylinder engines for various applications as well. Radial Motion is also exploring engine solutions for defense, industrial, marine and civil applications, including engines in V2, V4 and V6 configurations, using fuels including diesel, gas, jet fuel, and hybrid options.

While Radial Motion engines are inspired by the past, the company’s focus is definitely on the future. They plan to be a globally recognized engine house producing 1,000 engines a year, and their three-cylinder compact radial engine is an excellent jumping off point.

Engine of the Week is sponsored by PennGrade Motor Oil, Elring – Das Original and Scat Crankshafts. If you have an engine you’d like to highlight in this series, please email Engine Builder Editor, Greg Jones at [email protected]

Engine of the Week: 509 cid Twin-Turbo W Series Big Block Chevy Engine

Engine of the Week: Hydrogen-Powered, Zero Emissions, Supercharged LS3 Engine

Engine of the Week: “Organ Grinder” Hot Rod Features 454 Big Block Chevy Engine

Engine of the Week: Turbocharged Gen III Hemi Engine

Content for engine professionals and enthusiasts

Focus On Development And Protection

Quality First, Reputation First, Service Fist

Top-Ranking Supplier

Radial Motion's 3-Cylinder Compact Radial Engine

Featured Products

News & Blog

These are Six Engines to Avoid

These are Six Engines to Avoid

2021 Audi A5 Review, Ratings, Specs, Prices, and Photos - The Car Connection

2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 Demonstrates Its Demonic Exhaust Note

How an Oil Catch Can Works, And Why You Might Want One

How an Oil Catch Can Works, And Why You Might Want One

Do oil catch cans really work?

Trail Teams Ultimate Edition Model 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser For Sale

Trail Teams Ultimate Edition Model 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser For Sale

Best Wheel Spacers (Review & Buying Guide) in 2022 | The Drive