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A student team from Minnesota State University, Mankato's Automotive Engineering Technology program entered the Clean Snowmobile Challenge 2000. A 1998 Polaris Indy Trail was converted to indirect fuel injection running on a computer controlled closed loop fuel system. Also chassis, exhaust, and hood design modifications were made. The snowmobile was designed to compete in eight events. These events included acceleration, emissions, hill climb, cold start, noise, fuel economy/range, handling/driveability, and static display. The snowmobile modifications involved every aspect of the snowmobile with special emphasis on emissions and noise. Laboratory testing led to the final design. This paper details the modifications and test results.

A student team from Minnesota State University's Automotive Engineering Technology program entered the 1999 Ethanol Vehicle Challenge. A 1999 Chevrolet Silverado was converted to run on E85 (85% ethanol, 15% gasoline). The competition consisted of emission, fuel economy, cold-start, and performance evaluations. The vehicle conversion involved all engine systems, with special emphasis placed on cold-starting, driveability and performance. Laboratory testing led to the final design. The result was an integrated vehicle which successfully ran on E85, but whose use of the alternative fuel was totally transparent to the customer. This paper details the conversion and test results.