Looking for a 4cyl for a project

[CJ]

I am just doing research, maybe some of you can help me out.

I am looking for a 4cyl engine for a project, but have some strict guidlines the engine has to follow.


1: No VTEC or any such variable valve timing where a 'shift' is present as in Honda's or Toyota's VVTi.

2: No turbo's or SC's for many reasons, including turbo lag, weight, and complexity.

3: Must be simple to have a standalone brain etc.. so if OBD2 or other, must be able to convert to a standalone ECU and ignition system.

4: Must be 1.4-1.8L in size. The smaller the better, same with weight. If its an aluminum block engine, even better.

5: Must have potential to be tuned to upwards of 150-190hp reliably.

6: Must be easily obtainable, and fairly inexpensive. Same goes with parts.

7: Also looking for a 4-5 speed gearbox, fairly compact and lightweight to match up with this engine. Also, must be able to accept the power available.


So off the bat, I am thinking a BMW M42, not sure of the weight, and its an iron block no? Don't really have any other engines in mind. Didn't Nissan make some smaller decent hp/torque engines? Any info on those?

Thanks for any insight.

When I can, I will share more about my project plans.

[CJ]

Also, may be interested in looking into bike engines/trannies. But I am a little uninformed in this area. Would like something not TOO high-revving, and decent power.

[BimmerDawg]

Does it have to be BMW? I've got a buddy with a VW Jetta GLI w/the 1.8 16V, putting 150 hp to the ground...

[lhoward]

i have an 85 318i BMW that runs well and everything mechanical is great. i would perfer just to sell the whole car and then you could take off what you need for you project. the engine has 134k miles and the 5 speed trans has about 42k miles. new clutch last year with only 2k miles on it. all fluids change every 2k miles. its a great car. i have just lost intrest in it. the problem with it is that it has some body damage. it can be repaired easley and is driveable the way it is. email me for more info at: shibumi@myownemail.com

luke

[ClubSport332ti]

Buy an m42 engine and rebuild and stroke it. Luke will probably give you his, if not there are a lot of people swapping there ti motors right now and you can probably get one from them. I know when I did mine I just wanted to get that motor out of my life!

[eire_318i]

get a mk2 golf gti 1.8 8 valver they put out plenty of torque drop in a cam etc.
or if u want more higher reving power go for the 16 valver
these a great engines very relible and loads of stuff around for em (well here any way)

[CJ]

330ti: I was thinking M42, but its quite heavy (iron block), but since I don't know much about many motors, I don't even know if there are any aluminum block engines out there. So M42 may be an option, what type of performance could be had (reliably) from an M42, ported, polished, cams etc..



Also, those who suggested VW engines, that may be a good idea. Any more information about the 1.8 8 and 16 valve engines? What about stock hp numbers, and weight? I imagine they are really cheap as well... thanks!

[Kos-motate139]

The M42 weighs about 220 lbs; it's pretty light, all things considered. Depending on how much work and money you wanted to spend would tell you how much power you'd get, but I've seen dynos that put them in the 150s with just bolt-ons.

The S14 is a obvious choice (230 lbs, 192 hp at least) but it's too big if your displacement limit is strict.

The M10 is only 180 lbs, and can most certainly be tuned into the hp range you're talking about...smog legality becomes a point there, since many 2002s don't have to be smogged.

Most motorcycle engines (at least the really interesting ones) end up right about a liter in size. You could probably stroke them up in size to meet the displacement, but if you're talking hp per size of engine, motorcycles do very well in that department. They tend to be a bit down on torque, however, it depends if you appliction is a very heavy thing and you need it.

Anyway, you have my interest piqued. :) Let us know more about the project when you can.

[eire_318i]

the golf 8 valver put out roughly 123bhp std but can be tuned so easily. also it has more low end power than the 16 vavler obiviously.

the 16 valver put out 139 bhp std
but id go for the 8 valver mainly for the torque.

[ihooklow]

There are quite a few Toyota inline 4's that can approach the 100hp/L mark relatively easily. They are cheap, abundant (in SoCal there are at least a dozen rebuilders specializing in these) and plenty of cheap hop-up parts. The 1.6L 16V that was used in the Corola GTS / MR2 comes to mind... it was about 135+ hp straight out of the box if I remember correctly, stone reliable, made for 10+ years (?)... and meets all of your requirements (I don't know about weight).