Best engine for an exocet?

......besides LS and miata engines.    

GO!

K24, unless you're also looking for noises

I was going to say the SSC Tuatara engine; but then you said no LS. I am disappoint.

Are there any examples running around with a 60* v6 (multiple make options)? I always thought that an alu block version would be a good choice, assuming one does actually "fit".

3.6 LFX V6: 310hp, similar weight to the BP, V8 roadsters mounts. 

Why suffer with the limitations of the Exocet if you're going to throw out one of the redeeming aspects of being simple to build from a single donor?

I can understand going with an established Miata engine swap, but I'm not sure why other chassis options wouldn't be investigated instead?

3.5L EcoBoost?

Stefan (Forum Supporter) said:

Why suffer with the limitations of the Exocet if you're going to throw out one of the redeeming aspects of being simple to build from a single donor?

I can understand going with an established Miata engine swap, but I'm not sure why other chassis options wouldn't be investigated instead?

Just an exercise. That's all.  My buddy is in the planning stages, he's leaning toward LS. I'm kinda tired of the LSX everything mentality out there, but I totally get it. It's hard, if not impossible to beat when power, physical dimensions, and weight are concerned. 

Whatever the Lexus LFA engine is...

Exocet builders have a pretty open mind. They're not as constrained as Miata owners when it comes to engine dimensions. There's at least one that runs a Volvo inline 5 if memory serves.

Best engine in my opinion? Turbo Miata, hands down. It's easy, everything just bolts together using off the shelf parts, the power level is perfect. There are a bunch of other valid options but nothing beats the BP for bang for the buck and build time. I wouldn't even consider anything else for my Exocet.

If the goal is for a crazy engineering challenge, well, now we have a different set of priorities.

3.6 liter VR6.  Super simple packaging with the exhaust on one side.  Just figure out a transmission and have the best sounding 300 hp ever.

Inline five with a snail seems like the right answer after reading Keith's post.

Pratt & Whitney PW300???

OK on a slightly more serious note I've wanted to install one of my extra Datsun A series engines and transmissions in an Exocet as this combination would shave another 200lbs off an Exocet. The thought of a 1300-1400lb Exocet appeals to me.  The motors are capable of 100-110hp at the wheels in non race trim............if you wanted to install the race engine hand grenade those make 150hp at the wheels.

Having driven a mildy tuned 1.8 Exocet realistically I would stick with one of those, they are plenty of fun. If you run high speed tracks the huge drag of an Exocet becomes very apparent......I'd rather come up with some drag reducing body work than a bigger engine (read the project appeals to me more than an engine swap), something similar to a clubmans type race car (front engine sports racers).  

If I won the lottery, I'd probably go with a Colombo V12.

If I didn't win the lottery, I'd probably go with the JV6 swap kit.

I know a guy that stuffed a 60*v6 in a miata and its a riot to drive. Can't imagine using the later 3500/3900 in a lighter chassis. 

Honda J35 V6. They sound sooooo good. Or a Toyota 1UZ-Fe, those are pretty sweet too.

Jag V12

It would be interesting.

How many spinning Doritos can you fit in there? Not that I am a huge fan of the rotary, but if you want to be bonkers, it will certainly fit the role. It thrives on revs and no weight, so good to go.

Flathead Ford!

Dusterbd13-michael (Forum Supporter) said:

I know a guy that stuffed a 60*v6 in a miata and its a riot to drive. Can't imagine using the later 3500/3900 in a lighter chassis. 

I came here to say this. The 60* V6 is compact and light. With the right parts, a 3900 is 300hp and a 3500 (short stroke 3900) ain't too far behind. The older 3400 and 3500 (big bore 3400) make some serious hp with a snail.

All these engines are strangled by the factory cam . . . If memory serves me correct, GM used the same cam specs on all these engines.

kdze or whatever they're called. The baby v6 from the mx6/probe. Or a boosted duratec, though it's so close to the Miata engine it may make no difference. 

Strike_Zero said:

Dusterbd13-michael (Forum Supporter) said:

I know a guy that stuffed a 60*v6 in a miata and its a riot to drive. Can't imagine using the later 3500/3900 in a lighter chassis. 

I came here to say this. The 60* V6 is compact and light. With the right parts, a 3900 is 300hp and a 3500 (short stroke 3900) ain't too far behind. The older 3400 and 3500 (big bore 3400) make some serious hp with a snail.

All these engines are strangled by the factory cam . . . If memory serves me correct, GM used the same cam specs on all these engines.

I was thinking more Ford cyclone v6 3.7L. 305/280 stock from the base engine in 11-14 stangs, and similar year f150/exploders. Harder to package for sure (dohc) vs. a turbo BP,  but I'm not sure it'd be heavier.

Street ported 13b!  brap brap brap brap brap brap

I had a K20 in mine and thought that was the right motor since I ran in a 2L class and SCCA DM.  However it cost a damn lot of money to build the motor and also for the KMiata stuff to install it.

I don't see how a LS is worthwhile in these cars.  First gear was pretty much useless even with the K20.  It was faster to start in second to limit the wheelspin and skip the 1-2 shift.  The back end is light enough that a couple of stout guys can pick it up and walk with it - can you say traction limited?  While an LS isn't a lot heavier than the Mazda 1.8, it doesn't do the F/R balance, which is already nose heavy, any favors. 

IMO the logical candidates for this car are turbocharging the Miata motor (by far the easiest and most cost effective), a K24, and maybe a K20 which will be by far the most expensive of these.  (Maybe a LFX? Hmmm...). Or just run the 1.8 with bolt ons, a megasquirt and a tune.  150WHP is a lot of fun in a 1500lb car.