Hello everyone, new on the forum. I'm Mac, an Automotive Engineer by degree, a Unimog trader by profession.
Started building my first chassis about a week ago. Followed McSorley's +442 chassis plans and after finishing about 50% of the chassis' cutting and welding(well only the tranny tunnel and suspension bits are missing...) i still haven't decided which engine to use.....

I have set some guidelines to myself but still can't choose....
-it definately needs to be of Japanese origin(apart from Honda due to their CCW rotation)
-up to 1800cc(due to high road tax for higher capacities where i am)
-i would prefer non-turbo

Anything more creative than the 4a-ge would be welcome. It's the first choice that popped into my head but i'd like to check the alternatives.

Gearbox i'm going to use the Suzuki Cappuccino one after dismantling my Cappo last year due to excessive rust. It's light, compact in every dimension, the lever has a very short throw and a precise feel to it.It also proved to be capable of handling up to 180hp, and if i ever break it, my fellows at clubcappo sell them for less than 100 quid....

Be as creative with your replies as you can

Thanks in advance

[Edited on 21/8/12 by Mac]

[Edited on 21/8/12 by Mac]

SR16VE or SR16VE N1 - 197 bhp at 8600rpm - N1 is/was the most powerful production naturally aspirated 1.6 engine but rare as!!!

1800 out of a late Celica 190?

quote:

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Originally posted by Mac

-it definately needs to be of Japanese origin(apart from Honda due to their CCW rotation)

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K series go the right way (Hondas), but are expensive, at least over here. S2000 Honda (F20C) is expensive too, and big.

Why Japanese when there is such choice for parts, etc with Fords and Vauxhalls over there?

Mazda mx5 engine are common and have good support for parts.

I have got a blacktop 4age. More powerful and a slight twist on your mainstream 4age.

Modern Toyota is a good shout.

Something all alloy? Light weight? High reving? Easy to upgrade?

I would use either a K series 1600 is a peach or go for a Zetec SE 1.6. Both can produce really good power with headwork, cams and throttle bodies.

Alternatively, an MX5 gearbox is about 50p as they rarely break and the engine not much more. Turbo or supercharger will give 180 bhp or a lot more depending on budget.

[Edited on 22/8/12 by rdodger]

Most motorbike engines will fit into your engine criteria

The majority of them are Japanese.......
All are less than 1800cc. You can even go as low as 900cc......
All are non turbo.....

Given the criteria above, a BEC will give you the best power/weight ratio and the biggest smile by far

Phil

ETA - Oh, and welcome to the forum

[Edited on 22-8-12 by Hellfire]

I don't know, Phil, if you've ever considered a career in law. I mean that in a nice way, and am in no way speaking from any real knowledge of the profession.

Ill second a BIKE engine like.. got me self a real good blade engine off rBay for £34 last year. spend a few quid on all the other bit and now I have a running and turbo'd blade engine that cost me about £200.. not bad for around 160bhp

PS.. its the way that a bike engine gives you the power that puts a smile on your face !!!

[Edited on 22/8/12 by tompat3463]

Ill also add that it only takes about 3 wires to start a carbed bike engine so no pissing about with 1 million wires when your installing it

Thanks for the replies, i have to admit that the bike engine idea sounded VERY interesting, i also looked for the 1.7 Puma engine, found some really nice examples.

BUT.....



a good customer of mine called me about two days ago and he mentioned his TA40 Celica(he is the second owner)....and his thoughts about scrapping it....

i've seen the car before neither rot nor rust just a lot of dings...


The car has a factory LSD rear diff, w50 Toyota Gearbox and a..... red-top 4a-ge......oh and it doesn't end here....

He has TWO 2T-G Toyota engines, one fully rebuilt and ready to fit and one used in good condition.

all these for 400 euros.

I think i found a proper old-school donor.

2T-G and a pair of DCOEs or 4A-GE ?

Or should i just buy and keep the Celica, restore it and find another donor for the locost?

Neither. Forget the Celica and find any Japanese donor motorcycle with a 1000cc + engine

Phil