Newbie - Realistically, what engine/gearbox should I opt for?

[jonte]

Hello again All.

Although a Newbie to the forum, I'm steadily in danger of swamping it with threads, but this is one I've just got to get off my chest.

Alluding to both book and forum it's pretty clear that a decision as to which engine and gearbox to use is somewhat of a priority as allowances may have to be made during chassis construction to accomodate.

So, I'll get straight to the point: I crave acceleration as opposed to top end performance and I'd like to achieve it as simply and cheaply as possible.

Will I, therefore, be looking at a smaller, lighter car engine - say 1.3, 1.4 or 1.6 with a few bolt on bits linked to a standard sierra box - or a bike engine even

Problem is, as I admitted in my introductory thread the other day, I'm a total ar*e when it comes to cars - actually I'm a total ar*e - so that has to be factored in.

I suppose it's like asking how long's a piece of string really, so perhaps I've answered my own question.

Apologies for asking something that appears to have been posed since time immemorial, but everybody else that's asked seems to know what they're talking about.

Thanks once again for all those decent souls out there who've humoured me so far - perhaps I can repay you eventually by actually building one !!!

Kind regards,

Jonte

[twinturbo]

The chassis will accomodate most normal engine options without modification.

Your choice of gearbox will be of more importance.

Small engines don't really weigh a lot less than a big engine. say comparing a 1400 with a 2000.

From what you have said before, you route should be to follow in the path of others.

Build from a 1.8 CVH Sierra, it will be fun enough to start with and is a simple install. Then you can plan for a 2.0 Zetec later on. Plan the build to use a MT75 gearbox even if you only use a Type 9.


Have you driven many RWD cars?

TT

[jonte]

Originally Posted by twinturbo

The chassis will accomodate most normal engine options without modification.

Your choice of gearbox will be of more importance.

Small engines don't really weigh a lot less than a big engine. say comparing a 1400 with a 2000.

From what you have said before, you route should be to follow in the path of others.

Build from a 1.8 CVH Sierra, it will be fun enough to start with and is a simple install. Then you can plan for a 2.0 Zetec later on. Plan the build to use a MT75 gearbox even if you only use a Type 9.


Have you driven many RWD cars?

TT

Thanks TT - makes sense, I suppose, bearing in mind my limitations.

With regard to RWD: one or two. I learnt to drive in an Escort and my first car was a Cortina 1600 E which quickly succumbed to the vigours of my youth (I last saw it buried in a fence). Not too long after, I owned an RS Mexico (complete with black painted bonnet) and even drove an RS 2000 -giving my age away now!!!

Most recently, although going back several years, I'm ashamed to admit I owned a Rep-mobile in the form of a 3 series BMW (why oh why I did do that?)

In between, believe it or not, they even paid me to drive 2.8i Granadas, Capris and apparently souped up Rover V8s at very high speeds. What were they thinking of

Jonte

[twinturbo]

Sounds like a lot of police cars at one point.

And also sounds like you have some good experience with Proper Wheel Drive.

TT

[jonte]

Originally Posted by twinturbo

Sounds like a lot of police cars at one point.

And also sounds like you have some good experience with Proper Wheel Drive.

TT

Sorry for waffling on TT - thank goodness you're still with us!

Thanks for the complement; however, I've still no idea how the darned things work which is why I'm glad you chaps avail yourselves.

Seems an awfully long time ago now but I really enjoyed driving proper cars with that 'predictable' little rear end twitch - got too cocky with that in the early days and got my fingers burned which is how the Cortina ended up intertwined with that roadside furniture I mentioned in my last thread.

Kind regards,

Jonte

[les g]

Hi Jonte
well acceleration is the easiest thing to achieve
a long time ago we got 2L Capri and put a diff from a Mk2 1300 estate cortina in it and putsome wide sticky firestones on it
accelerated like a scolded cat!!!!!! honest it would whip the ar*e off nearly
anything!!!!
problem was it would not go above 85 mph and you was forever changing gear
what you crave is easily done
the choice,s are yours alone to choose from
cheersles g

[jonte]

Originally Posted by les g

Hi Jonte
well acceleration is the easiest thing to achieve
a long time ago we got 2L Capri and put a diff from a Mk2 1300 estate cortina in it and putsome wide sticky firestones on it
accelerated like a scolded cat!!!!!! honest it would whip the ar*e off nearly
anything!!!!
problem was it would not go above 85 mph and you was forever changing gear
what you crave is easily done
the choice,s are yours alone to choose from
cheersles g

Gosh les g you are going back!!!!

Your obviously an old hand at this and I'd love to hear more, if that's okay?

Bearing in mind, I think I'm right in saying this, that Capris and Cortinas are now classics in heir own rite and bits no doubt hard to get hold of, what would be the most recent equivalent?

Thanks for getting in touch

Jonte

[jonte]

A 'diff' ?

Think that's short for differential which is something to do with back axles?

How does that affect performance?

Answers on a postage stamp please in words of no more than two syllables and preferably no big words.

Thanks in anticipation,

Jonte

[alga]

See this video for an explanation what is the differential: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yYAw79386WI

[twinturbo]

Does the video explain ratios or just differential drive?


TT