lotusseven7 (Forum Supporter) said:
So, let's say someone had a Lotus/Locost 7 body and frame sitting on a shelf, what might be a good engine to consider powering it? Any suggestion would need to be set-up for RWD obviously, so a manual transmission must be "do-able". Ecotec(I have zero-experience with these) and Honda J-series have been in my head, but the trans is the issue. What say you????
K-series is the obvious answer. I doubt you'll find a better motor for that kind of chassis for anywhere close to the same money, but it's probably not the most original choice. There are kits to put them in Miatas and S2000s, so converting to RWD isn't a huge deal.
In reply to codrus (Forum Supporter) :
On that note, what's wrong with a simple B6 or BP engine? They're happy revvy engines (unlike Honda V6s) perfect for a very light car, and they bolt right up to one of the sweetest shifting, well-geared transmissions in existence.
("With ITBs!!" shouted a voice from the back)
In reply to Tom1200 :
Check out Sarah-n-Tuned on YouTube, she's building a '74 Celica with a 1UZ from her dad's Tundra.
The level of detail she goes to in order to use factory parts and wiring is impressive!
Lootenny said:
In reply to Tom1200 :
Check out Sarah-n-Tuned on YouTube, she's building a '74 Celica with a 1UZ from her dad's Tundra.
The level of detail she goes to in order to use factory parts and wiring is impressive!
She also has serious ADHD. I like her vids though.
Tom1200
PowerDork
2/26/25 5:00 p.m.
preach said:
Lootenny said:
In reply to Tom1200 :
Check out Sarah-n-Tuned on YouTube, she's building a '74 Celica with a 1UZ from her dad's Tundra.
The level of detail she goes to in order to use factory parts and wiring is impressive!
She also has serious ADHD. I like her vids though.
As an ADD poster kid I wouldn't hold that against her.
Pete. (l33t FS) said:
In reply to codrus (Forum Supporter) :
On that note, what's wrong with a simple B6 or BP engine? They're happy revvy engines (unlike Honda V6s) perfect for a very light car, and they bolt right up to one of the sweetest shifting, well-geared transmissions in existence.
Well, with essentially the same amount of effort and a fairly small amount more money, you can have from 1.5 to 2x the horsepower by going with the Honda motor. And if you're using the K miata kit, you get the same transmission.
In reply to codrus (Forum Supporter) :
I did an F20 in a Miata decades ago and currently have one in another in a 7. Just looking for something different.
lotusseven7 (Forum Supporter) said:
In reply to codrus (Forum Supporter) :
I did an F20 in a Miata decades ago and currently have one in another in a 7. Just looking for something different.
It depends on the goal. If you want a modern lightweight high RPM screamer, and a K series is too common, a GM Ecotec or Mazda MZR would work. If your goal is "I really want to be different for the sake of different ,'" how about a Chrysler 170 set up like this engine swapped Lotus Eleven? https://www.lotuseleven.org/DarkAges1/LVnotes.htm
ScottyB
HalfDork
2/27/25 11:29 a.m.
nice to see the Atlas 4200 getting some love. quite a little cottage industry has popped up around modifying them in the last couple years and they seem to make stupid power with boost for very little effort.
Colin Wood said:
In reply to preach :
That sounds like a riot. A 944 making 5-cylinder noises would certainly catch my attention.
Not sure I like the muffler. My plan is to lower noise with only one of those spinny mufflers that kind of look like a nautilus.
My Ranchero will not get an atlas... or a Barra.
Supra turbo models might be 5k, but I'm poor and will pull out the na versions from Lexus. Now that more aftermarket efi companies are producing gdi driver boxes, ford ecoboost engines will be a hot ticket to swap. Hurricanes will never be popular imo, thanks Stellantis.
It took me a million hours to figure out that I could cram 6 cylinders of push rod over head valve Volvo B30 engine into a Volvo 1800 to replace the 4 banger B20 without a hood scoop or bulge. I also can't help but notice that there was no attempt at covering that GM straight 6 in that 240Z not to mention what appears to be a couple of extra feet of wheelbase hanging out in front. 
