Engine Choice for offroad racecar.

[rivmasta]

Hey all, Newbie here - my apologies in advance if I sound like I have no idea... Ive only raced with VW, datsun and toyota engines...

I race offroad buggies in what is currently a class restricted to 1650cc with a 20valve 4AG. There will probably be a change in this class to go up to 4000cc N/A starting in '07, so its time to start planning!

Im tossing up a few options including Honda, Lexus V8, Mitsu and Toyota (camry V6 as opposed to lexus). Im after info on possible Honda options... It'll be mid mounted matched to a Renault UN5 transaxle.

Could I ask for some feedback on what honda engines are available close to our 4Ltr limit, approx factory hp & tq or kw figures, advantages over the other options, which car the engines come out of, and lastly, the dreaded budget, approx cost from an importer. Any info is good, but I'll probably have more questions as info comes in as Im a Honda virgin.

Important question - I heard that all Honda's run anti-clockwise. Could anyone verify that? or is it a vicious rumour?

Cheers to anyone who helps out!

[VT3C]

hrm I've seen B16A powered buggies in HONDA TUNING magazine (try a search there) however for a 4L class.. i'd say go with the Lexus V8.

Honda V6 will be lacking in power in this 4L class unless you get an NSX C32A which you may have drivetrain issues and still not as much torque as the Lexus motor.

basically IMO the lexus motor is VERY good with strong aftermarket support both in Japan and the US and has been used locally in many high-powered application drag cars etc.

for the weight and price and power output.. LEXUS V8.

and yes Honda motors spin the opposite direction.

[saxman]

and yes SOME Honda motors spin the opposite direction.
had to edit that to make it accurate

[VT3C]

oops sorry saxman - good point there I need to get with the times man !!.. hahaha

F20 and K-series motors spin in the 'regular' direction HAAHHA.. my bad !!

[EGB16A]

the xr6 turbo engine would be my choice, assuming forced induction is allowed?

[rivmasta]

Naa - no forced induction.

were tossing up between 6G74 mitsu, VG30 nissan, C30A honda, EG33 Subi, and the 1UZ... which I think is probably where we'll end up.

[genesis]

which of those engines is the lightest?

[SLOWEGG]

Go with 1UZ, ive seen a few nissan actually putting this engine into there car and they go pretty hard! even harder when its twin turbo..

[bennjamin]

if theres a budget , why not a old astron 2.6l ? (out of the old sigmas) torquey and ive seen them in a few buggies etc.

[SiReal]

or even the accord V6? J30A. they make i think aruond 147Kw. But it is a bulky basturd

[EGB16A]

Naa - no forced induction.

were tossing up between 6G74 mitsu, VG30 nissan, C30A honda, EG33 Subi, and the 1UZ... which I think is probably where we'll end up.

one vote for the vg30de from me cause i'm biased and used to own a zed :thumbsup: :cool:

[ek4-guy]

get a buick v6 from a formula 3 (holden)

[SINISTR]

Seeing as you've already used a VW engine - believe it would have been aircooled - would it be an option for you to use the 80s Porsche 911 Aircooled type motor? to my best knowledge they are either a 2.7L or 3.2L - produce heaps of torque and I also think fitting wouldn't be much of an issue?

Just an idea...

[Slow96GSR]

IF any of you know about the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, I'd be surprised, but we built a b18c1 for it and it performed brilliantly. We couldn't have asked for a better motor or driver. It did better than most of the v-6's and v-8's. It is all about the torque than the HP, since TQ helps more off the line than the HP. anyways any motor can be used for off roading, it's the rest of the car that matters. Also the driver.

[SiReal]

Pikes Peak of course we all know, thats becasue we played Gran turismo! hehe