Researching engines...

[hidethekeys]

Hey y'all. I'm totally new to this and I don't know what to be looking for for an engine....

What would be a good starter engine?
What do these crazy letters and numbers mean? bb400-zztop?.....lol
Basic things to look for?

I'm also wanting my build to be able to compete with my friend's Lotus Exige.
So the lower center of gravity I can get, hopefully the better. Should I look at a flat-4, like a VW bug, Subaru WRX, or even an aircraft engine?

I need something cheap and reliable that can pull, hopefully, a ratrod that weighs a little over a ton....

Thanks

 

[dmw56]

Huh????????????????????????????????????

Read every car magazine you can get your hands on. Do some research on the web. A rat rod is not a sports car!!!

 

[wrecker55]

Yea definably go with the BBX400Z, they kick ass on any lotus, other that that ask lots of questions good luck

 

[Unkl Ian]

Never mind competing, if you want to out run a Lotus Exige,
without spending a lot of money, take a look on Locostusa.com

The "Locost" is a home built based loosely on
the old Lotus Super 7. The chassis details could
be adapted to suit many body styles.

Several videos on Youtube.

The motor can be as simple, or as complex, as you want.
I would suggest something towards the "simple" end, to start with.

I'm also wanting my build to be able to compete with my friend's Lotus Exige.

 

[Unkl Ian]

Yea definably go with the BBX400Z,

The BBX440ZXRR2+2 is the motor to get.

If you can find one.

 

[Sam_Fear]

Hey y'all. I'm totally new to this and I don't know what to be looking for for an engine....

What would be a good starter engine?Something common, easy to get parts for, and easy too fix.

What do these crazy letters and numbers mean? bb400-zztop?.....lol Big Block SBC-Small Block Chevy, BBF-Big Block Ford, I6 - Inline 6 cylinder, V8-....uh...V8, 400 cubic inches, a 302ci is a 5.0L. Old American iron is still referred to by the cubic inch rating.
Basic things to look for? Something that runs, doesn't knock like the bearings are shot, and doesn't spew oil everywhere.

I'm also wanting my build to be able to compete with my friend's Lotus Exige. A Rat Rod will beat a Lotus at getting dirty looks and making noise, past that, good luck! Handling isn't gonna happen.
So the lower center of gravity I can get, hopefully the better. Should I look at a flat-4, like a VW bug, Subaru WRX, or even an aircraft engine? So, ignoring handling, low center of gravity doesn't mean as much. So then it's acceleration and speed. That means a motor with as much HorsePower and Torque as you can get.
I need something cheap and reliable that can pull, hopefully, a ratrod that weighs a little over a ton....
You have a mighty BIG wish list.
Thanks

Take a look at the 'Builds' forum to get a good idea what this site is all about.

 

[hidethekeys]

Thank you, mainly to Sam_Fear lol

I know I will not be able to build anything that can compete with a Lotus on the handling.... But, I do want a ride that can keep up with the others when we go for a drive, the others are driving Ferraris, Porsches, Lotus', and Audis...

I think I would be able to get a BBF(finally know what that means!) in this area... I'm thinking about finding a wrecked PI and getting stuff from that, but then I would have to do a auto to manual conversion....ARGH, I wish the weather wasn't this crappy so I could get out and talk to people.... ><

Are there any years to avoid, like an engine from a 19XX?

 

[Unkl Ian]

Bike powered Locost vs Porsche 911
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-K8kSVe8gYw

Donkervoort vs Porsche GT3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eihGkJ_PKm8

Caterham vs Ducati
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qfy1VO4ePlA

Caterham vs Ferrari F40
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ecdMZXp8fY

 

[Unkl Ian]

I'm also wanting my build to be able to compete with my friend's Lotus Exige.

Caterham vs Lotus Exige
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sTVOZ0V6VY

Caterham is quicker then the Exige.

The Caterham is not an inexpensive car,
but it is just a factory version of a Locost.

Imagine beating him with a car than cost WELL under $10,000

 

[Blue Eyed Devil]

 

[Sam_Fear]

As you can see, you've kinda confused some people as to what you're after. What exactly do you think of as cheap? A lot a folks here think EXPENSIVE is something between $3000 and FREE when talking total cost.

 

[Unkl Ian]

I think the Lotus 7 is pre '64, so it's fair game.

Easily under 2000 lbs, you don't really need a LOT of hp.

 

[LordMaximo]

And since you asked for some advice, this is the type of rear suspension you would need to handle your cravings on the road.
http://parts.factoryfive.com/newcatalog/chassis/irs.htm

Good luck, and do take up reading and heeding as a hobby as well.

Maximo

 

[Tripper]

What would be a good starter engine?
What do these crazy letters and numbers mean? bb400-zztop?.....lol

Keys,
Well I guess the easiest & cheapest way is a SBC (small block Chevy)... they're plentiful in the junkyards etc, have cheap aftermarket parts & u can find parts when traveling at any parts house. BB (big blocks) cost more & weigh more. ZZ350's ZZ454 & ZZ502 etc are hi-po GMPP (General Motors Preformance Parts) crate motors... decent power for a decent price with a 2 year warranty (hopefully they'll be around to make good on that! )

I'm also wanting my build to be able to compete with my friend's Lotus Exige.

You can probably forget this one unless maybe in the 1/4. 0-60 & on corners... ain't happening. BUT... compare the price tags! Lotus... $50K+! Rat Rod... $5-15K. Some choice!!! Kool factor... er... need I say more?!? Never cared for the look of those cars & they sound like... er... nevermind!!!

LSMFT <----- u old cats will know this 'un!!!

BoB

 

[moronthethrottle]

get a Jag

Judging by the makes of your buddies vehicles, maybe you should consider something like this... http://www.jagsthatrun.com/Pages/Jaguar_V-8.html

An XJ12 will fit in with the other "snobby" cars you listed, and the V8 in it will help you keep up. Search the web...you can usually find a sharp XJ6 or XJ12 for $2000-$5000 already converted to a V8 SB or BB. The XJ6 Sedan is not built for handling quite like the XJ12, but can still corner pretty well.

 

[Unkl Ian]

A flat black Chevy powered Jag or Rolls' would be cool.

The nicest Jag i ever saw was on a 4x4 chassis.