As a bike engine newbie, what's the best engine set up to buy on a budget? Just looking for a reliable unit that has good stock power and torque. I know GSX-R 1000's are good, so are CBR1000's and ZX9R, anymore?

Cheers.

whats the budget?

dont rule out the r1 engine too dont know what its like yet though

893cc of finest Blade

Personally, I wouldn't class the GSXR1000 as a good option especially on a budget, given that they can have some oil starvation issues in BECs unless fitted with dry sumps or at least fancy wet sump / accusump type arrangements.

If "budget" means sub £1k, at the top end of that scale Id go late carbed / early injected R1, and for a bit less money, carbed blade, ZX9 or maybe Fazer. If the budget was more around £500 then the CBR1000F is a pretty good bet.

How about a car engine?

If it's for the Smart project you posted about a few days ago?? I think I'd be inclined to sssttttrrrreeeetttcccchhh the budget a bit and try for something like a r1, ZX12 or even Busa as you're shifting more weight than the average 7 BEC, although that said I understand the GSXR has been done a few times now.

Crossblade!!!

gsxr1000k2 rocks lots of fun and the crank is stronger than k3 and now im of to see my mate in Cyprus

yamaha fazer 1000

r1 all the way
cheap - compared to others to buy
cheaper to get parts for
easier to change clutch or gears if they go
simple wiring (carb one)
loads of grunt
well proven engine

only suggestion would be to upgrade to a barnet spring conversion - £100 circa
same with all BEC though