Kia Rio engine choices

from what i have read, it is this:

1.6L Hyundai Alpha II engine 82 kW (110 hp)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyundai_Alpha_II_engine

LS1

The Beta family are a bolt up affair to the trans as well. The Elantra/Spectra carried the Beta !! rated at 138hp, 136tq. Bulletproof engine with usable torque (honduh guys, that;s the stff that makes you go ) and can be pushed to about 150-160hp with the right tuning.

The Bata engines were that good? Are there many people tuning these engines?

Beta's are a strong engine, tough and durable. Just not much power is left in them. Again, about 150-160whp n/a is all you'll likely squeak out of one. There are a bunch of us playingwith these engines. They've been around since the 1996 Elantra, 1997 Tib. In 2004 they got CVVT for emissions/fuel economy. There are litereally thousands of these sitting in junkyards across the country. $3-400 is about the norm for a 50k mile version.

In the Hyundai community (yes, we actually do stuff with these) Beta Swapped accents are fast..... let me rephrase, fast for an accent. Boost one and they are stupid. THe Beta/Beta II can handle about 300hp in teh bottom end before big failures.

I think if someone went complete standalone (think MS) and got around the crazy Korean tuning (that sucks big b... you get my point) you could easily see 150tq/150tq at the wheels RELIABLY.

Best part of the Beta family: No EGR. That's right, no clogged intakes. No clogged valves. No blockoff plates.... it's awesome to be at 111k miles and never having a CEL on.

Is there any transmission that could be used for RWD applications (if not US, maybe KDM) ?

If not, is there any interest in a custom bellhousing? (I'm into DIY casting).

Carter

The alpha/beta's were only used as FWD drivetrains. If you're going RWD, Genesis Coupe trans and a N/A 2.4L from the Sonata. The Theta's are a fantastic engine with even better power capabilities.