2.8 powered whole house generator

[Lil Joe]

I have a complete wrecked 1989 Cutlass, 2.8 that I would like to power a generator that requires 50hp at 1800rpms. I can fabricate an engine stand for all the components, the generator can be belt driven so what would be the most efficient rpm for the 2.8 to produce 50hp. Also could a ecm chip be bought to run needed rpm most efficiently? I would got rid of the a/c compressor and the power steering pump and add a belt driven governor to control the engine. I will even use the dash panel from the car. A machinist friend will help. I know the isn't really car related but members here are the best on these engines. Any opinions would greatly be appreciated. Thank You. Lil Joe

[geoffinbc]

The most efficient RPM for the engine to run at would be where the torque peak on the cam occurs. Not sure what the is on the old motors but I would be around 2500 to 3000. With the engine running you could find the correct pulley ratio for the belt drive to get the gen to run at the correct RPM. Ditching the accessories is no problem. You just need to keep the water pump and alternator. Or if you can make the generator charge the battery you could even ditch the alternator. For a fuel pump you will also need 12V or you could run a belt driven pump. If your running a bet driven governor what kind of output does that give you? Does it move a mechanical lever or give an electrical signal or produce vacuum/pressure any of them could be used to modulate the throttle and control the RPM.

[Lil Joe]

Thank you for you reply. I would keep the alt and water pump and belt driven mechanical governor that would take some time with lever ratios to keep engine rpms constant with varying loads. Would be using stock fuel pump. I really like the way the stock engine runs and on a generator stand would be very easy to maintain. The 2.8 Cutlass was a great work car, 80 miles round trip. I think if I can find the right rpms to run it,fuel consumption wouldn't be too bad. Being without ample power for us seniors is not safe.

[robertisaar]

what an interesting project....

i might be able to throw together a tune to make it try and idle at peak torque...

the LH0 torque peaks at 3600, not sure about the LB6. i estimate it to be somewhere around 3600-4000 RPM though.

[geoffinbc]

If you have a governor then there is no need for a special chip. Just start the engine as normal and let the governor take over and control the RPM by opening the throttle. The governor should have a lockout so you can either let the engine idle or make it run at the desired RPM.

[robertisaar]

in that case, disregard, but the peak torque estimation should help.

[Lil Joe]

I was thinking that a chip could set the timing according to the rpm once that is decided. Also the torque peak could be lowered by advancing the cam a couple degrees.

[geoffinbc]

The ECM does control the timing depending on load and RPM. It also has a know sensor that will protect the engine from possible damage.

[pocket-rocket]

The ECM does control the timing depending on load and RPM. It also has a knock sensor that will protect the engine from possible damage.

Fixed to avoid confusion.

[CNCguy]

Perhaps he was talking about the "Know it all" sensor.

[pocket-rocket]

I thought only teenagers had that, since when did GM mass produce those?

[RednBlack]

Perhaps he was talking about the "Know it all" sensor.

Is that located any where near the drivers seat?

Man, I have to get down there to say hi .....my bad.