A while back, I posted an idea to cut off fuel injectors to two cylinders of 4 cylinder Volvo engine. In general this was determined not a good idea. Now I propose a new twist.
Remove valve drive train for intake valves for 2 cylinders and allow the intake valves to remain closed. Block or disable the injectors for these same two cylinders. Now you have a two cylinder engine. It is out of balance on the power strokes, but the dead cylinders will recover some energy on the 'power' stroke from the compression stroke. It has half the fuel consumption (well maybe 60-70 percent since you are still moving the dead pistons in their cylinders).
This would only be practical in a 'around town and slow speed' car. It would likely be power limited to 50-60 mph. A manual transmission would likely be a requirement.
Now tell me what you think. Could it work? I have a well worn engine and daily drive to work which meets all requirements.
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Beastdriver - '75 245 217K miles (Beast), '83 245 216K miles (Beauty),'87 244 DL 160K miles (Dodo)