What engine should I use?

Question

I am building up a classic car with modern technology under the hood. Looking for advice on which engine would work nicely. Space is very limited so it has to be physically small. 4 Cylinder should be good. What engines are viable options and will give me good power, reliability and consumption. I am willing to slap on a turbo, hoping to get good acceleration, not too worried about massive top speed. Do not want to put in a rotary motor.

Old Man Dirt · Accepted Answer

The Mazda B series engine is the first one that comes to mind. In specific one from a Miata because it is set up for RWD. Up-grades are easy to find and the other reason for a Miata engine is the skirt squirters that make for a more reliable engine. With preference to the B6ZE(RS).
The next is the old cross flow Ford Kent engine. This was a favorite engine in small kit cars and Formula Ford racing for years. There is plenty of after market support for this engine also.
Ford sells two different blocks for this engine:
1. Kent (M-6010-16K)
2. Lotus (M-6010-16L)
Mega-squirt could be used for ignition controls and fuel injection.
Now the 2300 engine found in Pinto's, Ford Ranger, Mustang, Merkur and several other Ford products is good- the engine is longer the those I mentioned. It is a nice choice also.
Cruse (search) JDM engines for other options. But with a narrow front end something that is easy to find a RWD transmission for will limit the choices.

Richard A · Answer

Some people go with Ford Pinto engines. They're simple, and easy to work on.

timber.matt · Answer

Honda H22a DOHC VTEC.  2.2L ~200HP and its a Honda engine so it's the most reliable thing you can get.

Dsfdasf · Answer

The best one

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What engine should I use?

4 Answers