BMW M50/M52 engine? Or any other suggestions?
 

Hi all,

I've just made an impulse buy of a new Haynes Roadster chassis with loads of other bits (suspension arms, shocks, hubs, steering, lsd, shafts race tank etc etc) off a mate for what seemed like a bargain price.
The 1st big decision I guess I need to make is what engine/box to use in it. I don't really want to use a 4-pot, unless it was a very light, powerful, revvy motor - which'll cost big money!! Not really fancying going the bike engined route either, not sure why?? The guy I bought it off was planning to put a BMW straight 6 2.8 M52 engine and box in there. It's an all alloy lump, so relatively light for its size but I have 2 questions-
1. Will it fit?
2. Is it going to upset the handling too much?
They're a good strong / powerful engine that'll give 230BHP with minor mods and can be picked up for peanuts. Just the job if it'll go in!!
If not, then what other suggestions do people have?
Must be-
Multi-cylinder (V8, V6, straight 5 / 6)
Light(ish)
RWD config
4 valve (no RV8 ta)
Cheap

Cheers,
Nick

Sorry for all the noob questions, but I'm sure there'll be plenty more ;)

Nobody done or seen one? :confused: I think there's a guy with an M3 motor (S52?) in a 'Seven' chassis, I'll try and get in touch with him.

Aerosam has the baby V8 BMW engine, not sure if somone was doing a straight 6 BMW.

Eternal, has a straight 6 (SR20DET I think) from a Nissan Something ( a four door skyline )

I was doing a 2.9 Ford V6 12v but bonnet clearance and bell housing clearance (chassis bought before engine choice) , a 2.8 is being done bu Spikehaus.


Considering a small light powerful 4 pot car engine then discounting a small light powerful bike engine seems a bit odd..


A straight six, may need a chassis lengthening in the engine bay.

American small block V8 are SMALL! Somone is doing one.

A gr8 engine would be the Volvo B5234T or B4194T But Finding an M90 Gearbox is like looking for the a needle in a haystack.

TT

Im building a M52 power Haynes at the moment, the crank pulley sits behind the cross bar in the front of the chassis and the tunnel has been widened, this leaves it a bit narrow for the pedals but hey ho.
Its been a while since this thread was started so how are you doing with it?

Chris Gibbs brother built one with a beemer six in,forum search should provide pics.

Hey,
I know this is nearly a year ago but how are you getting on? I only have the manual and before I buy the chassis I need to decide what engine to go with.

I agree on the 6 pot thing, sounds so much better than the 4 pot. :D As for the weight, I'm sure it will upset the handle characteristics but I wouldn't be racing it.

So what did you decide to go with?? :confused:

That's what I want to see! But not many people are putting bigger engines in their kit cars.

I agree on the 6 pot thing, sounds so much better than the 4 pot. From what I can see abouth the M45 BMW engine (3.0L) is 170kg, on average about 60kg heavier than the usual 4 pot. Is that the same weight as the 2.5L? How about dimensions? I can't find anything anywhere? Have you made any weight saving efforts or are you not too bothered? Sorry for all the questions.. :(

Can't wait to go to the show over fathers day weekend, see and learn loads! :D

The yanks locost site is a good place to look, they like the big lumps.

http://www.locostusa.com/forums/view...p?f=39&t=11432


Bob