Project 360 Probe?

Hey guys,

It's has been quite a while since I've been active on these boards so I figured I'd reintroduce my self and tell you about my latest project.

I recently picked up a 1970 Subaru 360. The car weighs a whopping 900lbs and has and incredible 25hp two cycle engine that no longer runs. I've have many ideas floating around about what should power this little monster, but I have at least settled on installing a FWD car setup in the rear. I decided not to go with a bike motor because of the drivetrain limitations, but I still may get talked into it if I come across the right deal at the right price.

Either way I have a 93 Ford Probe 2.0L lined up, but I'm a little concerned this engine setup. Apparently they only have 118hp stock and I'm not sure if it has a lot of potential. The Probe was hit in the driver side door, but still runs and drives. Additionally, it's an iron block, so weight is a concern. Anyone have any thoughts or comments? I hope to have tear down pictures available by the end of April. I'm closing on a new house in a couple weeks. So I should be setup in my new garage (aka man cave).

Here is a picture of a similar 360. This is not my pic or my car. Mine still in my friends pole barn!

Thanks, Andy from Michigan.

http://www.mysubaru360.com/DSC06697.JPG

Yeah that motor sucks but should still be quick in that car. It'll last fine in stock form but doesnt do well at increased power levels.

eff. two. tee.

You'd have to be an idiot to put a big engine in the back of a tiny car like that! Lucky for you, this place is pretty tolerant of that kind of idiot.

Bryce

The LS1 should fit with room to spare. The driver? Not so much.

G10 Turbo with it's transaxle.

RossD wrote: G10 Turbo with it's transaxle.

Don't tell anyone! That's my secret 200lb drivetrain.

corytate wrote: eff. two. tee.

F2Ts are awesome, but he sounds concerned with weight. F2Ts are extremely heavy.

I'm thinking a BP would be a better choice than the FS. Make more power, much stronger, weigh the same, and very easy and cheap to find.

Goldwing H6. Not exactly the most powerful thing, but you get a nice package with a transmission (and reverse!)

• 'yota 1.4 block w/ 4ag head
• any of the B/D honda offerings
• SR20

Light, room to grow, decent aftermarket.

just my .02

In reply to nocones: So where can I find one these engines? I'm assuming they are quite rare. Any idea what cars to look for as a donor?

In reply to 92CelicaHalfTrac: What cars carried the BP engine. Is there any particular BP that is more desirable?

Any of the aluminum block Honda engines would be great engines. I've even consider fitting a 2.2 Subaru in there. Make it FWD only.

PikeRider wrote: In reply to nocones: So where can I find one these engines? I'm assuming they are quite rare. Any idea what cars to look for as a donor?

Yeah, it is kind of rare (in the USA), but really any Geo/Chevy/Suzuki Metro/Firefly/Sprint/Swift engine and transimission combos would probably be a decent fit. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_G_engine

In reply to nocones: I probably got that idea from you!

PikeRider wrote: In reply to 92CelicaHalfTrac: What cars carried the BP engine. Is there any particular BP that is more desirable? Any of the aluminum block Honda engines would be great engines. I've even consider fitting a 2.2 Subaru in there. Make it FWD only.

In FWD form, 91-96 Escort GT, 91-94 Protege LX, 91-96 Tracer LT-S, 91-96 Escort LX-E. Also in the Kia Sephia. The Kia Sephia trans is actually the strongest, but no big deal at factor power levels.

It's the 1.8 Miata motor, really.

Looks pretty cool, where in Mi are you?

I'm located in Waterford, Mi.

The Mazda BP engine sounds like a good candidate. It looks like I have quite a few good options. Now I just need to find the right car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiegCcWxOBE

Just for kicks.

Personally, your car looks like a very nice example. I'd restore it* (I know, no fun) and get major MPG's.

*Maybe add a Magnussen(?) supercharger from a VW Beetle....

In reply to JFX001:

I am well aware of the 4g63 360. His goal is to have a 360 up Subaru 360. He's crazier than I am. I only want 200hp at the most.

Hey guys,

Does anyone here have experience with a bike powered small car? The same friend that sold me the car now has a Ninja 750 that was laid down for sale. Price is really tempting, however I'm concerned with the drive train (clutch, gears, and what not) of the bike holding up to a 1000lb car. Any thoughts?

I figure the drive train from a 2500lb FWD car could easily stand up to the abuse of a 1000lb fun car (possibly rallycross).

KLZE?

You REALLY need to consider a bike motor.

A car that small is much more fun with super high revs.

The Ninja would cover the 1/4 mile in 12.5 seconds. You'll be a little heavier, but nothing to scoff at.

Who cares if you've got no reverse? Flintstone style in a 900 lb vehicle!

In reply to JtspellS:

I actually just started considering a small V6. They appear to have pretty good power numbers, but they do weight a little more. Additionally, the small displacement V6's are also not quite as long as some of the better Inline 4's.

The KL 2.5 V6 is an interesting idea. According to wikipedia they have an aluminum block and heads. Maybe the weight won't be so bad. Additionally the V6 in the back makes me recall the Metro 6R4 from the old Group B days.

Andy,

I would say a litre bike motor would be the solution.

JtspellS wrote: KLZE?

Dear lord that would be huge obnoxious overkill.

The KL is a tad bit heavier than a full dress BP, but not horribly so.

It also makes incredible noises. A KLZE swapped Escort will run a low 13 second quarter mile weighing 2300-2400lbs, soo..... doing the math on your car and WOW.

1JZTT, no, Gixxer 600 Motor...