Hi guys

I am in the process of selecting an engine for my Locost build, these are my choices and i would love your feedback:-

1) Honda K20A
2) Ford Zetec ST170
3) Ford Blacktop 2.0 Zetec
4) Ford Duratec ST150 2.0
5) Ford Ecoboost 1.6
6) Ford Ecoboost 2.0
7) VAG 1.8T

Cheers

Been over this recently looking at engines for my Dolomite. This is what I came up with in research:

Out of that lot I'd go for the ST150 duratec because it's light, relatively cheap to get hold of, has a RWD gearbox and clutch options that bolt on and are pretty tuneable.

The VAG 1.8t is a good lump but you'd have to get an adapter plate made up to marry it to a rwd gearbox, not a world ender but a faff when other engines are just as good IMO. Same with the K20A.

Ecoboost engines are meant to be pokey, fuel efficient and have a bolt on RWD option, but the aftermarket engine management is insanely expensive at the moment. I think you may be able to use an original ECU, but there'd be a hell of a lot of electickery involved in getting it to work.

Zetec and blacktop are, on paper at least, just not as good as the Duratec.

Hope that helps some

Duratec nuff said

[Edited on 18/11/17 by big-vee-twin]

If I was starting over I would choose the VVTi "BEAMS" version of the Toyota 3SGE motor found in the Lexus Altezza RS200.
Comes ready with a superb 6 speed box and 210hp. Titanium valves and 8000+ revs.
Not the cheapest solution nor the lightest but ready to go in RWD format.
I do have a penchant for Toyota. I have the earlier Rev3 version of the 3SGE in my car which was a PITA to convert to RWD.

what about the F20 Honda in the s2000, expensive to start with and quite tall but comes pretty much ready to go.

BMW 6-cylinder - ready to go with factory getrag box - lots of torque.

Depends on your budget really and your preference for Forced induction or N/A.

I built a 2.0 ecoboost car and can say your probably 4k minimum. But for that you do get a nearly new engine with 250bhp and nearly 350ftlb. The low down torque gave huge giggles but is a handful. Ecus are starting to be easier available. The ford racing ecu comes ready mapped and with everything to run including loom and electronic pedal. It would also give 35-40 mpg even when driving like a knob. Mx5 mk3 box bolts straight up.

Out of the ecoboosts I would say the 1.6 is the more natural choice for a 7. It's lighter, smaller and is same as a sigma so sumps and bell housings readily available. 180bhp out of the box and cheap as chips to buy used.

If It were me id go duratec. A set of throttle bodies and you'd be up at 190-200 bhp without the complications of a turbo install. Nice and lightish being all alloy.

[Edited on 19/11/17 by sdh2903]

K20A(x) mated to an MX-5 gearbox via the well-designed kit from K-Miata. Thus, mating this awesome engine to RWD is no longer the issue that it was when I had one. Aftermarket support and knowledge of that motor is fantastic. It is very tunable and (readily?) available.
Buddy of mine has that in his MNR.

I have an F20C in my MNR. Expensive, fantastic and increasingly rare engine. Tall, as said, and the 6-spd is heavy. Honda already maxed it out, practically speaking. 240 hp from factory is good enough for me, though. Getting my Omex ecu to achieve that might be a challenge (should know in a couple weeks), but the (required) custom intake and exhaust make using the original ecu a challenge. I have one such ecu with matching keys/lock for sale... Others have successfully used the Honda ecu, but I already had the Omex (710) in my possession and wanted the ability to lower Vtec engagement.

Steve, in the NLs