Decisions decisions
 

Well my build is approach kick off. Just been sourcing tools, equipments etc.. (Still need a decent mig though) :(
Found donor parts from a Sierra and chassis steel (thanks to Wazac), as well as wishbones and uprights from phil@talon.

I am still totally oblivious for engine choice though. Really want a turbo lump but being on a budget its a bit tight. I'm looking for a engine and box around the £500 mark, was hoping to get a non runner as i will refurbish anyways so head gasket blown or bottom end bearing failure would be fine.

Ive been offered a 1.8t Vag engine for next to nothing but matching with a type 9 maybe a challenge. Maybe with a DIY bell housing

Love the idea of a 200sx lump like kev but they appear to be scarce at the moment.

So before i crack the whip with chassis building am i best to find and engine first?

Also anyone got any ideas what engines are out there?

Thanks guys

What about a Saab with an Omega gearbox, like AshG did?

Dont be put off the VAG because that conversion does exist. Keep your eyes peeled on the piston heads site and one will probably turn up.

http://www.tigersportscars.nl/vag-ford_(e).htm

Bob

Plenty of Ford engines available for not much - I sold a 2ltr Silvertop engine for about £150 (if memory serves) - when I got rid of some bits I bought with my build...

I've not looked at the detail much (as I have a pinto and Type 3 straight from my Sierra donor) - but in short a lot of the Ford FWD engines up to 2000's can be attached straight to older Ford gearboxes without special bellhousings as the bolt patterns match up.

So newer Ford engine to older Ford gearbox seems sensible to me. You can always add a turbo in later on?

I'd think about what gearbox you want to use mainly - the engine bay on the Haynes is fairly big - but the tunnel on the book spec chassis is fairly narrow - I think the tunnel is where most 'early' changes need to be made ...

The vag is probably my most preferred choice, purely as i know my way around them and i can get one for buttons. However i am a total noob when it comes to Rwd conversions.
I will be using a type 9 that i acquired. Ive read about people turbo-ing there zetec's so that may also be a possibility.

Honestly ive been trawling ebay/gumtree for days but nothing has popped up. I just had a small hit on the sxoc for a ca18det but £1250 for engine and box is a bit steep..

As for the saab route, i am sure i have seen one or 2 vids on youtube of the build but for sure i will search like crazy on here to get more info on the work required. Did Ash make a build diary?

Ash did an artical in CKC issue 74. could scan and send if you PM email add.

A word of caution - make sure the gearbox (whichever you choose) is tough enough to withstand the torque a turbo motor will put out.

Neil have you tried putting a wanted request on Driftworks and sxoc for a CA dead or alive (within reason of course) the guys on Driftworks must have many a CA lump lying around with knocking b ends....when I was looking I was getting one PM after another.

I think complete kit car sell the complete build diary as a guide to making a haynes roadster

David

They did, but Ash fitted the Saab engine and Omega box after that was published.