After completing successful in-house fuel economy tests on the dynamometer and trialling the X4v2 engine in the GTM trike on the 25th of January, we removed the engine and performed an engine update. The update involved fitting new piston assemblies into the engine which are 40% lighter than the replaced assemblies while maintaining the same strength. We also increased the compression ratio from 9.5:1 to 10:1 and also provided a greater "squish"  area which improves combustion turbulence. The update will increase fuel economy, power and provide an increase in rev range.

The Director's are pleased to advise that the Revetec X4 Engine has been sent to Orbital Australia Pty Ltd at its testing centre in Perth for independent evaluation. The need for independently verified test data has been requested by potential customers interested in Revetec technology. The key objectives will be to measure: brake power, brake torque, fuel emissions, fuel consumption etc. The data will then be analysed to determine: Full load power and torque, BSCF, BSHC, BSNOx and BSCO. Special attention will be given to analysing the potential hi-torque characteristics.

Orbital has extensive experience in design and construction of automotive engines and is well versed in the areas of novel mechanisms and alternate power train solutions.  Orbital also has a good understanding of the factors influencing engine efficiency and performance and is in touch with latest developments and industry trends via its close contact with the global engine industry.

The testing program is scheduled to commence by mid March 2008 for a period of at least one (1) month. Brad will be present during engine set up and testing. We will post the full report when testing is completed and when it becomes available. Following the conclusion of the independent testing and evaluation Orbital will start an evaluation project of adapting their JP8 fuel system to our engine, and Revetec will embark on its marketing phase.