Abstract: In a frame structure of a vehicle that includes a flywheel housing, an intermediate housing and a transmission case that are connected to each other along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle to constitute a vehicle frame, the intermediate housing has a hollow shape with a first end and a second end located along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the first end having an abutting surface against which the second end of the flywheel housing abuts, a support surface located radially inwardly of the abutting surface so as to support the forward/rearward movement switching unit, and an opening surrounded by the support surface, the opening serving as a first-end opening of the intermediate housing along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The abutting surface and the support surface along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle are located so that at least a portion of the forward/rearward movement switching unit is accommodated within the flywheel housing.

Abstract: A seat front member and a seat rear member are connected to each other through left and right seat rails. The seat front member and the seat rear member are disposed on an upper surface of a floor panel. An outer end of a bracket is joined to an inner side of a side frame and an upper end of the bracket is joined to the under surface of the floor panel. The bracket is disposed on a region wherein, the bracket is sandwiched between the seat front member and the seat rear member. A lower surface of the bracket is disposed a higher distance from the ground than a lower surface of the side frame. A rear mount member is rigidly coupled to a lower surface of the bracket and a lower surface thereof is disposed at a higher distance from the ground than the side frame.

Abstract: An electric drive system adapted to utilize an existing vehicle with a combustion engine and to add an electric drive capability. Components of the system may be implemented rearward of the vehicle engine and transmission along the drivetrain. In some aspects, the system allows for combustions engine, electric motor, or combination powering of the vehicle. In some aspects, the vehicle's original secondary systems, such as air conditioning, and power steering, are able to be used in the electric motor only drive mode.

Abstract: A work vehicle having drive wheels includes: an engine having an output shaft oriented in a transverse direction of a vehicle body; a transmission having an input shaft oriented in the transverse direction, which includes a transmission case arranged next to the engine in a front-rear direction of the vehicle body; and a CVT which extends between a lateral side of the engine and a lateral side of the transmission case and is configured to transmit a driving force from the output shaft to the input shaft. A connecting plate is configured to connect an upper part of the engine and an upper part of the transmission case and has a cover part. An electric component is disposed in a space defined by the engine, the transmission case and the connecting plate and is covered by the cover part from above.

Abstract: A structure of an engine mount is provided for a vehicle in which an engine is disposed in the front of the vehicle, a front wheel is driven, and the engine is integrally coupled with a transmission to be seated horizontally on a vehicle body in a transverse mounting direction. The structure may include a driveshaft coupled to receive the driving force of the engine through the transmission and penetrate a center bearing through a bearing bracket fixed to the engine, a subframe as a plate shape coupled to the vehicle body in a rear lower part of the engine and coupled to a lower part of the transmission through a main roll rod mounted on the front, and a sub-roll rod having one end connected to the subframe and the other end connected to the bearing bracket.

Abstract: A vehicle chassis in the form of a trough is ‘V shaped and encloses the vehicle driveline and is resistant to ballistic and blast damage. The chassis has a removable body attached by longitudinal pivot pins. A torsion bar suspension is pivoted on the axis of the torsion bar.

Abstract: In a driving apparatus for a hybrid vehicle, a travel motor is provided on a rear end of the power unit such that power from the travel motor is transmitted to a differential mechanism from a motor shaft via a gear train and a pinion shaft. Further, an engine is provided on a front end of the power unit, and a generator is provided in the center of the power unit. The engine and the generator are coupled via a gear train, and a generator shaft is disposed above a crankshaft. Thus, a space can be secured below the generator so that the pinion shaft can be disposed below the generator.

Abstract: A water-cooled engine mounted on a vehicle wherein a mass concentration keeps the center of mass at a low position. In a saddle-ride type four-wheel vehicle, a radiator and a fuel tank are supported on lower frames, and are arranged, side by side, so as to be distributed respectively on the right-hand side and on the left-hand side so as to overlap each other when viewed from a side. In addition, the fuel tank and the radiator are disposed at the rear of a front suspension arm and at the rear of an engine. As a result, the concentration of mass and the keeping of the mass at a lower position are achieved. Moreover, the fuel tank and the radiator are allowed to stretch outwards beyond the upper frames. Consequently, the fuel tank can have a larger capacity and a ventilation path that leads to the radiator can be secured.

Abstract: Controlling a drive system for a power machine having an engine is discussed. The method includes receiving a control signal and calculating a base output value based on the control signal. The base output value is compensated for a load applied to the engine. A signal indicative of the compensated output value is provided to a drive component.

Abstract: A vehicle is disclosed. The vehicle may include a hydraulic system. The vehicle may include a sway bar. The sway bar may be positioned rearward of a hydraulic pump of the hydraulic system. A console having a first hydraulic input may be provided in an operator area of the vehicle.

Abstract: According to a present powertrain, a first rotation shaft serving as an input shaft of a front side gear mechanism is located in a portion of a vehicle lower than a second rotation shaft serving as an output shaft, so that a crankshaft of an engine provided coaxially with the first rotation shaft is located in a portion of the vehicle lower than in a conventional example. Solely the engine having a heavy mass is thus disposed in a lower portion, so as to achieve a lower position of the center of gravity of the vehicle. In this manner, a powertrain having a layout structure attaining lower center of gravity as well as high rigidity of a body and improvement in aerodynamic characteristics is provided.

Abstract: In an all terrain vehicle, an engine body of an engine unit is positioned along a center line that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to a transverse direction of the vehicle. A continuously variable transmission of the engine unit is disposed transversely lateral to the engine body. A center console includes an inner space. The center console is disposed in a transverse center portion of a cabin space. The center console connects a space positioned forward of a front panel and a space positioned under a seat. An intake duct is connected to an upper surface of the engine unit, and extends forward therefrom. The intake duct is at least partially disposed in the interior of the center console. An exhaust duct is connected to the engine unit, and extends rearward therefrom.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a pair of side frames extending along a vehicle body in a front-rear direction of the vehicle, a transmission adapted to be axially connected with the engine and adapted to be transversely mounted on the vehicle body, includes an input shaft, an output shaft, a first counter shaft, a second counter shaft, a first gear mechanism, a second gear mechanism, a third gear mechanism, and a transmission case, wherein the first and second gear mechanisms are arranged relatively close to the engine, the third gear mechanism is arranged more remote from the engine than the second gear mechanism, the first counter shaft is arranged above the input shaft and the second counter shaft, and the transmission case forms a cut-out portion at an upper portion of a back wall portion of the transmission case.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A riding type vehicle includes an automatic transmission capable of executing a shift change by a clutch actuator and a shift actuator. A clutch is controlled by the clutch actuator and is a multiplate clutch. The multiplate clutch is provided with bias member configured to enlarge a partial clutch engagement region of the clutch. The multiplate clutch is configured such that during shift change, both of the clutch actuator and the shift actuator are controlled to operate in overlapping manner.

Abstract: A power unit for a motorcycle includes an internal combustion engine having a crankcase rotatably supporting a crankshaft with an axis located on a split face between an upper case half body and a lower case half body and a continuously variable transmission having a belt. Two types of respective different oils for an internal combustion engine and for a continuously variable transmission are used while the rigidity of the crankcase is enhanced. A crankcase is provided with a partition wall that separates between a crank chamber housing a crankshaft and a continuously variable transmission chamber housing a continuously variable transmission. An axial line of the crankshaft and respective axial lines of the drive pulley and the driven pulley are each located at a corresponding one of apexes of an imaginary triangle on a view projected on a plane perpendicular to the axial line of the crankshaft.

Abstract: A motorcycle is provided that includes intake system parts connected to a front side of a cylinder of an engine, and exhaust system parts connected to the rear side of the cylinder. The cylinder is inclined rearward, and the intake system parts are disposed forward and upward of the cylinder. A cylinder axial line C of the cylinder passes rearward of the motorcycle with respect to a lowermost portion of a seating face of a seat, as viewed in a side elevation of the motorcycle.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle in which an electric motor is disposed in the vicinity of a center of a vehicle body to reduce lateral expansion. The hybrid vehicle includes an engine, a motor, and a power transmission mechanism for transmitting power of the engine and the motor to a rear wheel. The engine is suspended on the vehicle body in a non-swingable manner with a cylinder extending in a substantially horizontal direction and a crankshaft provided to be oriented in a vehicle width direction. The electric motor is located in front of and above the crankshaft of the engine.

Abstract: A seat front member and a seat rear member are connected to each other through left and right seat rails. The seat front member and the seat rear member are disposed on an upper surface of a floor panel. An outer end of a bracket is joined to an inner side of a side frame and an upper end of the bracket is joined to the under surface of the floor panel. The bracket is disposed on a region wherein, the bracket is sandwiched between the seat front member and the seat rear member. A lower surface of the bracket is disposed a higher distance from the ground than a lower surface of the side frame. A rear mount member is rigidly coupled to a lower surface of the bracket and a lower surface thereof is disposed at a higher distance from the ground than the side frame.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle with a tool less maintainable drive system, and having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator. The vehicle has a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to the frame, a steering mechanism attached at least one of the plurality of wheels, an engine mounted to the frame, and a clutch attached to the engine. The vehicle contains a system of features that can be removed without the use of tools. The system has a support attached to and extending outward from the frame, a removable footrest, a receiver attached to the removable footrest and configured to mate with the support, a locking mechanism attached to the receiver to secure the removable footrest with respect to the footrest support; and a removable clutch housing.

Abstract: In general, an oil pump driving control device for a hybrid vehicle is described. A hybrid vehicle includes a drive-train configured and arranged to transmit power in the order of an engine, a first clutch, a motor generator, a second clutch and a drive wheel, and an oil pump operably configured and arranged at a location between the first clutch and the second clutch such that the oil pump is mechanically driven by at least one of the engine and the motor generator. The invention provides an oil pump driving control device that supplies the necessary oil pressure for an automatic transmission with only a single mechanical oil pump. For example, even when it is not possible to maintain tightening of the second clutch, oil pressure may be supplied by rotating the oil pump using the motor generator. In this way, the oil pressure may be supplied with a single oil pump.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to change a layout structure of a hydraulic continuously variable transmission apparatus (HST) particularly constituting a hydromechanical continuously variable transmission apparatus (HMT) as a continuously variable transmission apparatus, thereby achieving a simplification of structures of a working vehicle and a traveling drive system, and an easiness of a maintenance. In a working vehicle provided with an HMT structured such as to combine an HST and a planetary gear mechanism as the traveling drive system so as to output and rotate a power of an engine while shifting gear, the HST is provided with a hydraulic pump and a hydraulic motor integrally in a front wall of a transmission case, and is arranged in an upper side of a transmission shaft transmitting the power to the transmission case from the engine.

Abstract: An engine unit includes a multi-speed transmission provided with a plurality of clutches, and enables assembly and maintenance of clutches and a sprocket wound with a drive chain to be easily performed. In an engine unit chassis, a drive shaft arranged to output a drive to a rear wheel via a sprocket provided at one end in the lateral direction, and a second main shaft are arranged parallel or substantially parallel to a crankshaft provided in approximately a lateral direction of the vehicle. A second clutch that transfers rotation power from the crankshaft to the second main shaft is detachably connected to one of the second main shaft, which projects from the engine unit chassis beyond one end of the drive shaft, in a position to overlap with at least portion of the sprocket axially sideways with respect to the drive shaft.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle includes a frame and wheels. An engine of the vehicle has a crankshaft. A transmission transmits the rotation of the crankshaft to the wheels. A housing houses a transmission mechanism of the transmission. The housing has an air inlet duct through which ambient air enters the housing and an air outlet duct through which the air leaves the housing. The air inlet duct has an inlet opening. The outlet duct has an outlet opening. The inlet and outlet openings are positioned higher than the wheels.

Abstract: To provide a layout structure of a clutch lever shaft capable of realizing compact layouts of a whole power unit in which a starter centrifugal clutch and a transmission manual multi-plate clutch are provided, and of a whole vehicle on which the power unit is mounted. A centrifugal clutch shaft and a manual multi-plate clutch shaft are disposed in parallel. The clutch lever shaft of the manual multi-plate clutch is disposed orthogonally and substantially vertically upward in relation to a pressing direction of a friction plate in a vicinity of an end portion of a lifter pin. The clutch lever shaft is disposed between the centrifugal clutch and the manual multi-plate clutch when viewed from a top of the power unit.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle having an improved parking locking mechanism disposed within the housing of a transmission assembly. The parking locking mechanism includes a locking-lever guide disposed eccentrically about the axis of rotation of the shift drum and a locking lever having a body with an opening therein engaging the locking-lever guide. The guide and the opening constructed and arranged to cooperate with each other such that rotation of the shift drum moves the locking lever into locking engagement with one gear of the transmission.

Abstract: In a method for operating a drive train for a motor vehicle, a torque is produced by means of an internal combustion engine as a function of an available torque set value signal and transmitted to drive wheels by means of a clutch. With the help of an electric motor, a closing force is applied, with which the clutch is held in a closed position against a restoring force. The electric motor is energized in such a way that a high current is used in the case of a high torque and a lower current is used in the case of a lower torque. The thermal load of the electric motor is determined and a load signal corresponding to the thermal load is produced. The load signal is compared with a load limit signal assigned to a permissible load range. If the load signal deviates from the load-limit signal, the torque of the internal combustion engine is limited.

Abstract: A heavy vehicle includes a drive unit arranged substantially along a longitudinal geometrical axis of the vehicle. The drive unit is inclined by being pivoted about an axis whereby the drive unit forms an angle relative to the longitudinal geometrical axis. The pivot axis is situated in an intersectional point between the longitudinal geometrical axis and a longitudinal center axis of the drive unit, and the intersectional point is situated in a position within the extension of the drive unit.

Abstract: A mount for a model vehicle engine is provided, having a hinge configured to be secured to a vehicle chassis, a vehicle engine having a crank shaft for driving a vehicle, the engine being secured to the hinge for pivotal movement toward and away from a shaft coupled directly or indirectly to a wheel for driving a vehicle.

Abstract: An electric vehicle is provided with an electric motor and a transmission capable of being shifted by a shift mechanism from a neutral state to a start-up speed stage selected state in which a speed stage for start-up of the vehicle has been selected. On a request for a shift from the neutral state to the start-up speed stage selected state, an ECU performs the requested shift by controlling the shift mechanism. If the shift to the start-up speed stage selected state is not completed within a first specified time, the ECU performs a rotating position control in which the motor is controlled to produce a predetermined minute torque in forward and backward rotation directions of the motor, alternately, and a gear of the speed stage for start-up is caused to oscillate in a rotation direction by the minute torque being transmitted to an input shaft of the transmission.

Abstract: A rear axle assembly for a vehicle having an engine and a rear wheel including an axle configured to couple to the rear wheel, a compensator bowl coupled to the axle and having a ring gear, and a drive member coupled to the compensator bowl. The drive member is configured to be driven by the engine to rotate the axle in a forward direction. The rear axle assembly also includes a motor selectively engageable with the ring gear. The motor is operable to drive the ring gear to rotate the axle in a reverse direction.

Abstract: A power train mounting system includes a front mount, a rear mount, an engine mount, and a transmission mount. Installation heights and spring constants of each mount are predetermined such that the majority of the weight of the power train is supported by the front and rear mounts. Mounting axes of the engine mount, front mount, and rear mount are vertical while the mounting axis of the transmission mount is lateral. The transmission mount may include bridges which vary its spring constant during vehicle roll.

Abstract: A step-down power transfer device for providing a dropped drive line in a front engine and rear drive vehicle. The step-down power transfer device is preferably chain or gear driven. A preferred vehicle a includes a power train having a longitudinally mounted front engine, a step-down power transfer device, a single segment drive shaft, a half-shaft differential, swing axles and geared reduction wheel end drives. The vehicle can have an exceptionally low, i.e., 16 to 18 inches, load floor that is flat at least between the step-down power transfer device and the differential. The resultant vehicle has many parts in common with popular traditional front engine/rear drive trucks. Combining the power train described above with a low profile rear suspension provides added low load floor benefits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to all terrain vehicles having at least a pair of laterally spaced apart seating surfaces. More particularly, the present invention relates to trail compliant side-by-side all terrain vehicles.

Abstract: An engine for a leisure vehicle including a crank chamber in which a crankshaft is disposed, a transmission chamber in which a transmission unit of the vehicle is disposed, the transmission unit having an input shaft that is coupled to the crankshaft and configured to be driven by the crankshaft, a cylinder extending from the crank chamber, and a cylinder head attached to the cylinder. The crank chamber is located above the transmission chamber, and the cylinder is disposed in such a manner that an axial direction thereof is oriented in a substantially longitudinal direction of a vehicle body of the leisure vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle drivetrain (110) includes an engine (122) with a vertical crankshaft (124), a first transmission (126) below the engine and driven by the crankshaft, a second transmission (128) above the first transmission and horizontally adjacent the engine and having an input driven by the first transmission and having an output providing vehicle propulsion. A module pre-assembled unit is ready for drop-in mounting to a vehicle.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle for traveling over land includes a frame, an engine, a transmission, and a seating arrangement. The vehicle may include side-by-side or tandem seating positions. An engine cover is configured to substantially cover the engine and operate as a sound insulator to reduce engine noise from reaching an audible location relative to the seating positions. The engine cover may take the form of a console located between the seating positions and substantially covering the engine. Further, a backing member may be coupled to the engine cover to help channel engine noise toward the rear of the vehicle. The engine cover and the backing member may include, be made from, or be lined with an acoustic material.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An all-terrain vehicle including a frame having longitudinally-spaced ends defining a first longitudinal axis, and an engine supported by the frame. The engine includes a crankshaft defining a second longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the first longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A torsional-vibration damper T is adapted to be connected to a crankshaft 2 of a motor vehicle. The torsional-vibration damper T includes a primary element 5 of a drive side thereof connected indirectly or directly to the crankshaft 2 substantially free of play in an axial direction “ax.” A secondary element 6 of an output side of the torsional-vibration damper T is substantially coaxially coupled rotatably and spring-elastically to the primary element 5 for transmission of rotational movement.

Abstract: An off-road vehicle for traveling over land includes a frame, an engine, a transmission, and a seating arrangement. The frame has a forward end and a rearward end. The vehicle includes a longitudinal axis extending from the forward end to the rearward end. A single or tandem seating arrangement is arranged along the longitudinal axis in certain embodiments. The engine is secured to the frame. The engine includes at least one cylinder and a crankshaft with a crankcase fastened generally beneath the cylinder. A transmission is coupled to the engine crankshaft. The transmission extends forwardly from the crankshaft toward the forward end of the frame along the longitudinal axis. A side-by-side seating arrangement is secured to the frame generally along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. An air intake is provided at the forward side of the cylinder with an exhaust out the rearward side.

Abstract: A snow vehicle includes an engine containing a crankshaft and a balancer shaft, a track belt mounted behind the engine, and a front axle for transmitting the driving power from the engine to the track belt. The balancer shaft is located above a line connecting the crankshaft and the front axle and near the rear end of the crankshaft. The snow vehicle improves the stability of the vehicle during operation while minimizing an increase in the dimension of the engine in the vertical direction.

Abstract: A vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, having an engine with a crankshaft extending transversely to a travel or longitudinal direction of the vehicle, a transmission, and a clutch, which may assume an open state and a closed state. The clutch, which allows a torque transmission from the crankshaft to the transmission in the closed state, is situated coaxially to the crankshaft. The engine and transmission may be arranged such that the vehicle's rearswing arm may be located coaxially with an axis of a transmission output shaft.

Abstract: In a frame structure of a vehicle that includes a flywheel housing, an intermediate housing and a transmission case that are connected to each other along a longitudinal axis of the vehicle to constitute a vehicle frame, the intermediate housing has a hollow shape with a first end and a second end located along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle, the first end having an abutting surface against which the second end of the flywheel housing abuts, a support surface located radially inwardly of the abutting surface so as to support the forward/rearward movement switching unit, and an opening surrounded by the support surface, the opening serving as a first-end opening of the intermediate housing along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. The abutting surface and the support surface along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle are located so that at least a portion of the forward/rearward movement switching unit is accommodated within the flywheel housing.

Abstract: A transmission for a working vehicle for transmitting drive power from an engine to a driving axle that includes: a flywheel including a flywheel body operatively connected with the engine and a flywheel housing for accommodating the flywheel body; a main-speed-change unit including a main-input shaft operatively connected with the engine via the flywheel body and a main-output shaft for outputting drive power to be transmitted to the driving axle; and a sub-speed-change unit including a sub-input shaft and a sub-output shaft, and disposed at a distance from the main-speed-change unit. The engine, the flywheel and the main-speed-change unit are integrally connected with each other so as to vibrate freely relative to a vehicle frame, and the main-output shaft of the main-speed-change unit is operatively coupled with the sub-input shaft of the sub-speed-change unit via a vibration-absorbing shaft coupling.

Abstract: A utility vehicle is provided which has a CVT drive unit. A housing for the drive unit provides an enclosure for the CVT drive components and defines an air flow path. An inlet port associated with the CVT housing includes a fan assembly which provides a source for filtered ambient air flow into the CVT housing. An outlet port associated with the CVT housing provides an exit for the air flow path and equalizes pressure within the enclosure. The interior of the housing is pressurized with ambient air in order to cool the CVT components therein. The pressurized air also creates an air curtain which prevents moisture and debris from intruding into the housing. Preferably the fan is powered separately from the engine of the utility vehicle to ensure positive air flow into the CVT housing even when the engine is in idle mode.

Abstract: A suspension module with a suspension component, wheel hubs coupled to the suspension component, and a drive system. The drive system has a pair of units that selectively provide drive torque to an associated one of the wheel hubs. Each unit includes a motor, a first reduction gearset and an overrunning clutch. The first reduction gearset is disposed between the motor and its wheel hub and multiplies torque output from the motor. The clutch disconnects the motor from the associated wheel hub so that an output shaft of the motor is not drivingly coupled to the associated wheel hub when a rotational speed of the first portion does not exceed a rotational speed of the second portion. The clutch can be selectively operated to drivingly couple the motor to its wheel hub to permit the motor to be back-driven. A method for operating a hybrid power train is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated engine for beach cruisers comprising a speed variator, a rear gear box component, a shaft, a left crankcase component and a left crankcase cap component; the rear gear box component, the left crankcase component and the left crankcase cap component are connected to form a closed housing structure; the present invention also comprises an engine, a differential and a gear shift device; the engine is directly connected with the speed variator; the differential is disposed between the speed variator and the shaft; the speed variator comprises an automatic indefinite speed variator mechanism and a gear double reduction mechanism; the gear shift device is disposed in the gear double reduction mechanism; the differential can be manually operated so as to actuate or cancel the differential function. The present invention of the above structure allows users to opt for the reverse gear and differential function.

Abstract: A vehicle having a transmission for transmitting a torque from a drive machine to drive wheels, with the transmission having an transmission output shaft and a transmission input shaft, in which the torque can be transmitted from the drive machine to the transmission output shaft, and having an electrical machine which has a rotor and a stator, which means being provided in order to connect the electric-motor torque of the electrical machine optionally to the transmission input shaft or to the transmission output shaft.

Abstract: An all terrain vehicle for smoothly introducing an exhaust air from a radiator rearward and improving cooling performance for cooling respective members of the vehicle is provided with a front structure, in which a cooling fan is provided on a rear surface of the radiator so that a central portion of the cooling fan is offset from a center of the radiator toward a side opposite to a side on which the belt transmission is arranged, an exhaust pipe connected to a front portion of the cylinder assembly is provided to extend toward the side on which the belt transmission is arranged so that the exhaust pipe extends downward at a portion above the belt transmission, and the inlet duct is provided on the side on which the exhaust pipe is provided so as to vertically extend along the vehicle body frame provided vertically through a portion below the exhaust pipe.