RS Motorsport :: Classic Speed Restored

Ok - It's been covered before but after current opinion.

1) I've been looking at building a fresh big HP pinto. Once I get rods $600, pistons $1000, valves $450, oil pump $150, gaskets $200 and machining $1500 i'm looking at $4000+ for a cast iron lump

2) For that money maybe I should go Duratec - I found a focus engine for $700, but then add sump $900, water rail $340, manifolds $500, bell housing $580 (possible mazda box $1000) etc you soon end up again at $5000+

3) A datsun crazy mate points out a SR20DE (non turbo) complete with harness, computer, ancelleries for $350, and a 200SX turbo box for $600. So for a $1000 I get a great engine (all alloy), good gear ratios, with plenty of potential - but NOT ford so all my ford mates are hating me!

ca18

4age 20v







12a/13b

I'm only new around here but i think a lot of people would agree that they have a special place reserved in hell for those who put nissan motors into Fords. Seriously though, I looked at the FJ20 years ago for my sports sedan but found that the same kinda $$$$ had to be spent as the YB.I'll concede that the Nissan motors can be made to go pretty hard and there's a lot of development work going on that will make them cheaper to build than ever. Ive heard through a local engine builder that the SR20 head and block can be built to do 9000rpm @ 270HP + VVT. thats a tough act to keep up with!

Guess ya gotta choose the path of your own misery....

The anti Nissan engine feelings are amazing

What about Honda?

Honda S2000 2 litre all alloy + 6 speed box, 240BHp (176kw approx) and 9000rpm out of the box all day long. Should come in at less than a reliable 170 - 180 hp Pinto.

S2000 would be fantastic but i'm on a bang for buck thread here (and the S2000 is $8500+ for a front cut)

I guess the engine is really the heart of the car therefore while is acceptable to use toyota diffs, bmw/mazda brakes, etc the heart still needs to be ford???

+1 for the Honda. If my van wasn't a Sundowner I'd seriously consider it...

+2 for the Honda S2000 engine.

Pity their so bloody expensive but woud make a great club car

bugger - i'll have to get a second job then....

FJ20- Valves too small ports ordinary
SR20- Crap valve train ports etc
Zetec- sewing machine engine and no squirt for the buck
Honda- Too expensive to start with and have yet to see one get within 10% of their quoted poke on an engine dyno (except on a GoPower!)
Bang for the buck a YB followed by an XE

Danny

Danny: the voice of reason/experience!

So I have access to a YB head for $1750 and a Aust 2ltr bottom end - how much to get 200bhp?

If you want only 200hp it's cheaper to do it with a pinto head but if you want 230+ then you're off as most of whats in the head you buy for 1750 has to be tipped into the wheely bin

I'll call you tomorrow!

Do yourself a favour and go and lift the $700 Duratec. They are bloody light you could play footy with them. I also think you can get some of the parts you referred to a bit cheaper. Then you'll have a motor at the beginning of it's development with spares galore. It is my choice and couldn't recommend it more highly...

Doesn't look like he's straining too much ......

If you are going down the YB road get a standard engine leave the Turbo attached ($6000 - $8000) no need for special expensive parts to rev the sh!t out of it, an easy 250Bhp with no stressed parts, up to 350Bhp with minimal mods and reving only to 6000 - 6500. If you want the thing to last and do not have an unlimited budget, why buy a head that was designed for a turbo and spend ridiculous amounts of money changing every thing in the head to run without one, while at the same time reducing the HP potential of the engine.

If you are not building the car for a particular class of racing leave the hair dryer attached.

I would always prefer to see an escort with a ford motor but in my opinion you are not going to get all the bits and peices to build a 240 - 250BHP YB that will be as reliable, smooth, fuel efficient and a 6 speed box for anthing like the money the of the S2000 Honda combo.