What engine for a Lotus7/ Ratrod?

[Chapap]

One of these days when I get a shop, extra cash, and some time, I want to build a Lotus7. The standard method is to use suspension and drivetrain out of a Miata, but what's the fun in that? The current Honda 1.5 or 2.0 has a good power to weight ratio and likes to rev. The Chevy LGX V6 can make a good bit of power. An old, mechanical Cummins would be a unique drive for a 1500 lb car. These are engines I have experience with, but I'm sure there are dozens of contenders. I'm also assuming I can't go exotic with a turbine or a 38 liter tank engine.

 

[fastpakr]

Have you looked at the G16E-GTS engine? I was just reading about that earlier, might make for an interesting option if you could get your hands on one.

 

[19Walt93]

Not an SBC, I see so many in street rods I want to puke. An LS is getting to be another belly button engine, too, they're uglier than a bag of toenails, and the block is heavier than an FE. An early SHO Taurus V6 would be cool, light, and make good power. An EcoBoost 3.5 V6 would probably be easier to find these days and make even more power. A T Bird SC supercharged 3.8 would be cool but they were 90 degree engines so they were wide and the cast iron block is heavy. The 3.8 Turbo Buick would have the same faults. If cool is more important than power, an aluminum headed flathead with a couple of Stromberg's would do it. I saw one in a Pinto wagon at Carlisle this year. Do you want to go or are you building a car that looks good at car shows?

 

[fastpakr]

An aluminum block LS is lighter than a Ford 5.0 or the old SHO V6 motors, so I'm confused about the weight comparison above.

Either way - I wouldn't reach for a V8 on the Lotus regardless. Something small and light.

 

[Blmpkn]

Supercharged 4cyl.

 

[Chapap]

Do you want to go or are you building a car that looks good at car shows?

Both, but "go" for me is probably so low that just about anything would be enough. 400hp is probably more than enough for anything I'd ask of it. The two times I really care about are 10-40 (I've never even tried to get a good standing start) and 60-80 (for passing). The 2 ton, v6 Camaro with 335hp/ 284 tq was close to enough for the 10-40, but underwhelming for 60-80.

I wouldn't reach for a V8 on the Lotus regardless. Something small and light.

That's probably the best rout... but I do want to see what a 5.9 Cummins would do with "car" gearing
A small, high revving engine would probably be more fun than a power-house type engine. My Accord with the 1.5l was fun to get power out of. There wasn't much of it tho and I never tried to get all of it cause it wasn't a toy.

 

[Roert42]

I 6 of some kind would be my choice, I'm just a fan of them personally.

The ford 3.8 is a decent motor, I was considering putting one in a Miata. Has decent low torque and can be build to 250 or so HP without too much.

 

[Ranger850]

A toyota 2ZR-FE 1.8 would be pretty stout and fairly easy to find. They take abuse and Lotus even supercharged it for their Elise.

I think the Celica has a 2.0 version of the same 2ZR.
There was a Matrix that has a supercharged engine also ( M theory, iirc )

 

[Blmpkn]

I really don't like euro crap but a vr6 motor would be worth it in one of those just for the noise alone.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Blown 460.

Or if you wanna go unconventional...

8.0 Mopar V10

 

[pjtoledo]

the aluminum block & head makes the 2.0 ecoboost in my 2019 Edge very light.
it's easily capably of merging the 4000+ lb car at 90+ on an entrance ramp.
that would make a 1500 lb car literally fly.
the light engine would do wonders for chassis balance & handling.

 

[snoranger]

We’re a Ranger forum, as such we should only be suggesting Ranger engines.
2.3l Ecoboost

 

[Chapap]

We’re a Ranger forum, as such we should only be suggesting Ranger engines.
2.3l Ecoboost

Well… I already have a 2.3 Lima.

 

[Roert42]

A 2.3 ecoboost would be a great option. I would assume it would be easy to find a used one in the junk yard with how common they are. could buy a whole copart mustang or just the engine and get a control pack from ford.

 

[Blmpkn]

It would be a neat candidate for being powered by hamsters running in a wheel..