I need some Challenge ideas

Last summer I bought a TE27 Corlla SR-5 that someone linked to on this forum. Initially I'm doing rust repair and cleaning it up. It was purchased as a roller without an engine. It does have the 5 speed transmission. My first instinct was to put in a 1UZFE, then a 5.0 Ford. Some measuring indicates that those choices would require taking out the firewall. Post Challenge I'd like to get some use out of the car as a track day thing, or a rallycrosser, so I'm leaning to a 4 cylinder.
So, what other power train ideas should I look at? I'd much prefer a manual transmission and an engine for some power potential down the road. Of course, it all needs to be Challenge friendly costs and readily available , like at the local pick-n-pulls. Ideas, please.

Mazda 13B

1. 3800 V6 and T5 from 96-2002 f-body 200HP/225LBS

2. 60* V6 (2.8/3.1/3.4) and T5 (Less wide) 135-200HP 170-210LBS

3. 2.9 Atlas and 5 speed from Colorado pickup 195 hp

4. profit

5. rotary

6. various ecotech engnes, may need $olstice bellhousing

Mazda KL V6. The noises and Rev happy nature is something that lightweight would bring all the smiles

What Gear said above (2) but with the 3.5L out of a G6. Lots more potential from the get go with similar pricing. They are about as small a package that you can find.

+1 for lightweight v6. Add supercharger for power now if in budget, or a wet shot if not. Can turbo/sc later for outside of budget power if desired.

Orrrr.... Small BMW v8. They're in 5/7 series in all the yards here.

So, the choice has to be rwd?
Are you insistent on manual trans?
Do you also need a rear axel? What is there currently?

I second the 3800 + T5 swap idea.

I like that OP specified 4 cylinder, and got nothing but spinning triangles and V6s in response.

I'll pile on the V6 one more time. If you go V6, go Isuzu V6. Stupid light, stupid cheap, good power, and uses GM 60 degree bolt pattern for all the transmission options.

Ok, now on to 4 bangers. Mazda is going to be your huckleberry.

Mazda BP (1.8 4 banger, miata/escort gt/protege LX/tracer LT-S/Kia Sephia)
"Mazda" FE3 (2.0 out of 1st gen Kia Sportage. It's like a BP, but bigger and MUCH stronger.)

Since you're starting from nothing, i'd say go with the Sportage motor. It's bombproof, and nobody is looking for them, so you shouldn't have any problem finding one for $150 or so. (I can pull them all day with manual trans attached here for well under $400.)

I have a Miata 1.6 with trans ready to drop in.

Dead - If you are down near Missouri at some point, I have a B6 (supposedly good, ask psteav) attached to a manual trans in a 90 Miata that you can have for $150. Come and get it. I just need help pulling it out of the car.

Edit: Ditto to Evan then

What about a cobalt/ion ecotec with solstice trans? What do those run?

$700 BMW 318ti
Claims to need body work but does not say if it truely runs or not.
If it runs, you should be able to easily zero down the purchase for budget reasons netting a free drivetrain.

Or, rebuild up the 318ti itself. Its got some swanky paint!

In reply to JohnRW1621:

I would prefer a manual transmission, just because it would be better for other activities afterwards, but for the Challenge an automatic isn't completely out of the picture.Depending on the power output I'd probably throw an S10 axle in it. It happens to be almost the same length as the Corolla axle and should take a couple of hundred horsepower long enough. I wouldn't bother going to the trouble of putting a FWD drive train in the car, so any FWD engines need to be easily attached to a RWD transmission. I'd prefer no adapter plates unless it was something simple enough to be fabbed with hand tools.
The 13B is a good example, but (Miata aside) there aren't many RWD/manual transmission/4 cyl. combos that are OEM anymore. The GM V6/T5 suggestions could work.The easiest solution would be 250HP/4cyl on carbs, then I don't have to dink around with fuel injection systems from the fuel cell, or modern ECUs either.

DeadSkunk wrote: In reply to JohnRW1621: I wouldn't bother going to the trouble of putting a FWD drive train in the car, so any FWD engines need to be easily attached to a RWD transmission. I'd prefer no adapter plates unless it was something simple enough to be fabbed with hand tools.

If you are regarding my option, I'm 95% sure I read that they mate up perfectly.

But to say the least, I think you have some pretty good options here.

Turbo Volvo four cylinder and whatever transmission it comes with?

Nissan KA and SR with respective trans.

Also saw a 4G63 in a rear drive...uh..something. But idk anything else beside that.

1986 chevette project factory 4 speed - $500

http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/4947966114.html

I had been looking for Chevettes before I acquired the Corolla. I had visions of a Vauxhall 2300 HS/HSR replica at the Challenge. The Ecotec/Solstice suggestion would go well in a Chevette.

I also missed a Sportage engine/trans combo around Christmas. Guy only wanted $350. Sold it hours before I got hold of him.

In reply to BeardedJag:

The 4G63 bolts up to the transmissions from the Mighty Max/Dodge D-50 I believe and I've seen one in a Starion.

Swank Force One wrote: I like that OP specified 4 cylinder, and got nothing but spinning triangles and V6s in response. I'll pile on the V6 one more time. If you go V6, go Isuzu V6. Stupid light, stupid cheap, good power, and uses GM 60 degree bolt pattern for all the transmission options. Ok, now on to 4 bangers. Mazda is going to be your huckleberry. Mazda BP (1.8 4 banger, miata/escort gt/protege LX/tracer LT-S/Kia Sephia) "Mazda" FE3 (2.0 out of 1st gen Kia Sportage. It's like a BP, but bigger and MUCH stronger.) Since you're starting from nothing, i'd say go with the Sportage motor. It's bombproof, and nobody is looking for them, so you shouldn't have any problem finding one for $150 or so. (I can pull them all day with manual trans attached here for well under $400.)

How is the trans on the Sportage? Is it like the miata? or does the miata trans bolt up?

EDIT: plus, I need to stop reading your posts about FE3s from Sportages. Every time I do, I get closer to buying one.