with me now returning home from the states i have 2 engine/gearbox combos i can use in the se7en

in my mind they each have their advantages and draw backs.

option a
1.6 mx5 engine and gearbox (on throttle bodies)

option b
2 lt ecotec engine with manta 1.8 gearbox (on throttle bodies)

What would you do??

[Edited on 7/8/08 by liam.mccaffrey]

MX5

why, because its lighter?

I'd also go mx5 - bulletproof engine, gearbox is fantastic, nice ratios and excellent feel to it.

Engine has plenty of torque and you can rev the nuts off it. The standard 1.6 can be tuned quite a bit, bolt on turbo/charger etc without having to uprate many parts.

I'd use the MX5 too - it is a great engine with plenty of specialist companies dealing in parts.

MX5.

If all cars were built like the Japanise ones then garages would stuggle for business; Not quite bullet proof but closer than any others. Loads of up-grades available as well.

Of course those Japanise gentlemen also make motor bicycles...hmm...couldn't you...?

adrian

I'd go MX-5 just for the lovely feel of the gearbox.

Supercharging seems popular and fairly cheap although space in the bonnet of a 7 might be tight?

sell them both and get a bike engine

Shipping cost?

Presumably the MX-5 engine/box is with you in the US and would need to be shipped back and the VX engine is already sat in Blighty not costing you anything?

Heart says MX-5 engine, but wallet might say different.

i believe the MX5 is a non interferance engine too, so should your cambelt ever snap you have no worries over bent valves

I have driven my sister-in-law's 1600cc MX5 - it had respectable acceleration (even with the MX5's lardy body) sounded nice (even with the factory silencer) and as stated above, the gearbox is splendid with well-spaced ratios.

mx5 it it then, i am surprise the verdict was so one sided though. I am a bit of a fan of the ecotec and I have never driven an mx5

Thanks chaps