Improving the University of Idaho Clean Snowmobile

The University of Idaho's entry into the 2001 SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge provided proof-of-concept for a clean and quiet snowmobile using a four-stroke engine, exhaust after-treatment, and electronic fuel injection. This combination provided excellent emissions and fuel consumption performance while maintaining acceptable power. In 2002, the UI improved on this design by fine-tuning the engine, using higher efficiency components to improve power transmission, and adding sound damping to reduce noise. For 2003, the University of Idaho continued to improve on this design with a larger displacement engine, a tuned exhaust, and a new strategy on noise emissions. Results included achieving First Place overall in the competition, and five other awards. The team also began developing a direct injection two-stroke engine for competition in future years.