I'd throw a Toyota 22r at it, but I'm kinda crazy...
I'd throw a Toyota 22r at it, but I'm kinda crazy...
Problem with a 4 cylinder is length. And if I'm going be coming into the cabin that much mine as well go v8.
In reply to bigfranks84: Yeah, there's definitely a length difference between an ohv motor and a flathead.
I really like the rotary idea, though. Probably fit a triple in there without much trouble....
No real work done on it. I haven't done anything to it but think of it. I don't even have any recent pictures.
But I wanted to put up the pictures I have of it from the guy I got it from. I only dream of a garage that's in the pictures.
The only recent pictures I have
Have you looked at SAAB Sonett V4?
I have a V-4 Saab in the garage if you'd like measurements.
I'd go for a 1600 Kent X-flow. You can get new blocks direct from Ford. Get a bellhousing from a four cylinder pinto and the manual gear box from a Merkur XR4Ti and now you have an overdrive with Ford factory parts.
How much airflow do you have through the grill?
Suzuki G13? Or G10+T? That would be fun and stay nice and small.
I think there was 25" or so in engine bay width on the V8 Pontiac Firefly. I say LS swap! And then once you get used to it, add a turbo.
In reply to mike :
I've seen all his videos on his anglia. He does good work but considering I do not fit in a miata I can't go that route.
Saab v4 is an interesting idea but considering I've never seen one in real life or for sale, it doesn't appeal to me.
I had thought of a bike engine but I want something that I can get in and drive across at least Texas (considering its about 8hrs any direction to leave). I want this to be a nice cruiser that gets good mpg and has heat and air.
The problem with any rwd setup (except honda v6) is the length. The front seats have to be pushed at least to the front of the backseat.
Problem with the honda v6 is the expense. Motors are cheap but adapters are not. About 1k for an adapter and you either are stuck with SBC auto trans or Toyota truck trans.
I'm leaning heavily towards a late model ford fwd setup. 175hp, around 30mpg, in a sub 2k car will be fun.
Here's an example of a rover v8 swapped one. Notice how far back the seat is.
http://iancaseley.com/vehicles/cars/roadzombie-ford-100e/
And another (ignore the awful roadster roof)
http://topclassiccarsforsale.com/other-makes/182866-anglia-100e.html
You've sold me on the V8.
In reply to SkinnyG :
I was leaning towards gasser style for a long time. But I want this to be somewhat practical and enjoyable to ride for long distances.
3.4 v6 and 5 speed from 4th gen camaro. Easy button, and common mg swap. I just made a similar swap in my miata.....
Buick odd-fire 231?
Mazda V6 1.8 liter from the MX-3. You would need an adapter plate.
I have a spare SAAB (Actually Ford) V4, 1.7L. Lots of assembly required: it's as torn down as it can be without being smelted.
Sooooo you probably don't want mine. But IF you lose your mind and want to go that route I know where to source another one probably in the neighborhood of $500... but I'm in NC so GETTING it to TX would be a challenge, and it most definitely wouldn't run out of the box.
That being said your options for transmissions in the states would be somewhat "limited" (read expensive) to stay RWD. I would think you'd have to track down/make a conversion bell housing to put something more conventional behind it, and would likely exceed the example $1000 Honda one... and make less power. If you wanted to go FWD there's obviously the SAAB Transaxle that comes in the Sonett... but trust me: that's a whole nother' can of worms. What with the freewheeling hub, and how far forward it puts the motor in front of the drive wheels, and spare parts being made out of unobtainum... Probably more trouble than its worth for the weird factor.
I like the idea of the 2.3 Turbo, but don't do FWD, keep it RWD right out of the Mustang. And obviously a stick. Maybe low buck 8.8 rear end?
The Saab V4 fits Ford bell housing pattern like a Kent or Pinto, but is a poor choice today due to low power for its displacement and vibration. It would fit though. If the little Mazda V6 fits the Ford bell housing it would be a much better choice. Someone else on here needs to answer that. I have lots of Saab Sonett time, but no V6 Mazda time, its too new. Most other suggestions are too long and or too heavy for the OP's intensions. Even a Ford Kent is too long, and it is tiny!
The Saab V4 was the Ford Taunus V4. I believe they share bellhousing pattern. As such a manual transmission from a 4.0 liter mustang should bolt up.
A kent ford cross flow would be shorter than the 2.3 Not sure how well it would fit, but parts are still available, formula ford stuff and Burtan power sells stuff for that engine as well.
In reply to TED_fiestaHP :
Crossflow
2.0 pinto
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