I am looking into building a whole house generator and need an engine that can output 40-50 HP @ exactly 1800 RPM. As the electrical load increases (such as air conditioning), the load on the engine increases but the RPM must remain constant. I will direct drive the generator head using a manual transmission input shaft mated to the generator shaft. From what I've read, the manual to auto stuff (flywheel, clutch, pressure plate) will interchange from the Gen 2 2.4L to the Gen 3 2.5L engine OK.
1L two cylinder generator engines are thousands of dollars, while 2.5~4.8 four~eight cylinder JY late model engies are hundreds, like < $500. Since I have HPT, I have narrowed my search to a few that are covered, and the leading one is a 2013 Malibu LCV 2.5L Gen 3 Ecotec or a similar 2.4L Gen 2 Ecotec. I want to use minimum displacement for maximum fuel economy. I'm not worried about the wiring, as I can make my own harness, and have downloaded relevant diagrams.
I need to determine if HPT will allow me to maintain the desired 1800 RPM under all loads- to basically function as a governor. I have not used the program in years, but recall you can tweak the idle and set a redline, so it seems like I could have a desired idle of 1800 and a redline of 1850~1900? It seems like the electronic throttle body may be an asset here.
Some considerations:
1) Standalone setup
2) No transmission will be attached
3) Should be able to run all sensors except rear O2 (exhaust will be manifold to muffler, no cat)
4) Will be using a generic ignition switch- not sure about what type if any security is used in these cars
At this point, I'm looking for information as to if this would be practical or if I should go in another direction. Thanks for any advice.