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best engine for power, ease of fitting and cost
Mr Whippy - 10/10/12 at 11:32 AM

So you have a big empty engine bay, fwd, blank canvas, just what could we stick in there???

Want an engine/gearbox combo between 2 and 3 ltrs, 4-6 cylinders, petrol, non forced induction bog standard as it came off the production line so no performance add-ons

oh and it has to be cheap or cheaper than that even to buy the donor

Any recommondations? was thinking something like a 2.5 straight 6 volvo 850 unit, decent engine with loads of torque, only down side is enough bolts hold it togeather for 3 cars.

ta

roadrunner - 10/10/12 at 11:38 AM

How about the VW 2.8 VR6 engine.

Mr Whippy - 10/10/12 at 11:45 AM

quote:
Originally posted by roadrunner
How about the VW 2.8 VR6 engine.


I'm sure that's a great engine but I suspect that would be very popular and pricey to get a good unit, was thinking of something a bit less fashionable but still a good engine

Was also looking at buying a whole car rather than just the engine/gearbox as it makes life so much easier to hook up

cheers

[Edited on 10/10/12 by Mr Whippy]

loggyboy - 10/10/12 at 11:50 AM

Redtop, not specfically beacuse of the power as thats relatively average (or low for your specified range) but mainly because they are great engines.

But i guess it depends on the car thats attached to the big empty engine bay.

[Edited on 10-10-12 by loggyboy]

roadrunner - 10/10/12 at 11:54 AM

quote:
Originally posted by Mr Whippy
quote:
Originally posted by roadrunner
How about the VW 2.8 VR6 engine.


I'm sure that's a great engine but I suspect that would be very popular and pricey to get a good unit, was thinking of something a bit less fashionable but still a good engine

Was also looking at buying a whole car rather than just the engine/gearbox as it makes life so much easier to hook up

cheers

[Edited on 10/10/12 by Mr Whippy]


I did check Fleabay before posting, and there are a couple on there for less than £400.

Brad.

mcerd1 - 10/10/12 at 12:00 PM

KV6's are cheap

2.5l
24v
175 bhp
240 Nm

complete donors on fleebay for under £800 with MOT's
MG ZS 180 GREY | eBay

2003 MG ZS 2.5 V6 180 BHP BLUE TROPHY EDITION 10 MONTHS MOT EXCELLENT CONDITION | eBay

[Edited on 10/10/2012 by mcerd1]

D Beddows - 10/10/12 at 12:01 PM

Surely FWD means it's not going to be THAT blank a canvas....... is it? gearbox/driveshafts etc etc

bi22le - 10/10/12 at 12:06 PM

Something Jap

3000GT
Soarer
Vairous MAzdas

Battered BMW or Merc?

RK - 10/10/12 at 12:07 PM

What's wrong with the Zetec? They have to be the most common thing around. KISS as they say...

[Edited on 10/10/12 by RK]

loggyboy - 10/10/12 at 12:10 PM

A few of you are missing this bit i think :


quote:
Originally posted by Mr Whippy
So you have a big empty engine bay, fwd, blank canvas, just what could we stick in there???

mookaloid - 10/10/12 at 12:21 PM

Something like this? 2001 VAUXHALL VECTRA GSI V6 BLUE | eBay Vectra V6?

snapper - 10/10/12 at 01:30 PM

VR6 engines are good for well in excess of 200,000 miles
Most are unstressed, I had one in a Galaxy, used 2 auto boxes before I through it away
It's the same width and length as a twin cam 4

big_wasa - 10/10/12 at 02:02 PM

I would start with how much power you want or need and go from there. Weight is also a thought.

roadrunner - 10/10/12 at 02:11 PM

My old Golf V5 2.3 was a cracker of an engine. Really smooth power delivery, and torquey . Sounded nice too.
Great fuel economy too, if driven right.

SeanStone - 10/10/12 at 05:38 PM

saab engine + omega engine?

theduck - 10/10/12 at 07:45 PM

F4R out a Clio 172? Get a complete car for about a grand and make more back breaking it.