kit car engine

[metro1]

im after ideas for a engine and gearbox for a kit car im not interested in ford engines im probably going to go jap and i have been considering the ca18det or the sr20det but in=m loooking for other ideas just in case i decide to change my mind its going into a lotus seven style car id appreciate any ideas thank you for your help

[S7Paul]

The Vauxhall "red top" motors are quite popular with the kit car fraternity.

[metro1]

what about the rover k series?

[Classic Grad 98]

Usually, turbo-charged engines don't work so well in these cars. If I wanted to do an unusual conversion I think it'd involve some kind of bike engine or a rotary... Nice thing about these is they are very small and can be mounted further back than traditional choices. If it is to be an ordinary car engine then the Duratec is an easy route to big torque and power.

[Sam_68]

metro1 said:

what about the rover k series?

I know it's unfashionable not to knock British engineering, but this would still be my amongst my top choices for a 'Seven' type car, if I was was building one from scratch.

It's as light as the Ford Sigma, but much more tuning potential. It doesn't have the lack-of-torque, reliability and gearing problems you get with bike engines and it's a well-proven installation. You'll need a bellhousing to convert it to inline installation, of course, and you'll need to do something about oil surge if you're planning track use.

[Nick3point2]

VAG 20V turbo?

[metro1]

i have decided to use a rover k series thank you for your help

[steve_bmw]

I did see a westfield/caterham type car at the gaydon bmw show with a bmw m54 engine in it.
That would be fun!