Which engine should I choose?

[David Hodgson]

Tassie,

Heed the advice of several on here; build it for what you want to use it for.

Clearly identify the use intended - then considering cost and rego requirements, pick the engine that fits. There may be a few options here but this will narrow it down somewhat.

If you're asking the question "which engine" then you must have no preconceived desires. Keep it simple.

an LSA or LS9 will give you more power than you can use in these cars without a good traction control system. I went for a run in a work mates new GTS last week and it was just insane - 430kW LSA I think. If it didn't employ all the latest driver aids, I don't know if I'd be here writing this. My point is don't get hooked on bigger is better. What suits and what is easily registrable, is better.

In Aus the kit brand or build quality will affect the resale more so than the engine choice, but the car should ultimately be what you want, not what the next guy wants.

[Jaydee]

Mine runs on LPG and the emission test guy reckons it makes no difference trying to get it down enough. It all depends on the cats. Even a carby with euro cats will get the emissions legal.
JD

[Buzz]

Plenty of good replies regarding engine choice. I agree with those who state that given the realities of your local regulations and market environment, go for the least painful and satisfying alternative - probably the LS series and maybe even with a supercharger option if you want to be a bit over the top.

I have a question though - if you are not a purist and an originality freak (which would mandate a Ford FE powerplant), why on earth would you want the expense, wait time and fragility of alumin(i)um bodywork? If it's for bragging rights, then that is instantly erased by a non-original (ie: Ford 427 FE) engine choice.

A cobra replica with an expensive and relatively problematic aluminum body and non original details like an "alternative" engine, dual roll bars, interior comfort features, etc., etc. is no more prestigious than a well executed, more durable and pain-free 'glass bodied car that looks and drives just as good with the same features.

Here's the conversation:

Joe Blow: "It's a kit car."

You: "It's got an aluminum body"

Joe: "But it's still a kit car, right?"

I'm not at all being critical in the negative sense - just sharing my genuine thoughts.

[TassieCobra]

Originally Posted by Buzz

I have a question though - if you are not a purist and an originality freak (which would mandate a Ford FE powerplant), why on earth would you want the expense, wait time and fragility of alumin(i)um bodywork? If it's for bragging rights, then that is instantly erased by a non-original (ie: Ford 427 FE) engine choice.

I'm not at all being critical in the negative sense - just sharing my genuine thoughts.

Thanks Buzz,

I think you raise a very valid point (and one that I have started a new thread about). Is an aluminium/alloy body worth the hassle? Should be interesting to get opinions from both sides.

Thanks again

Hugh

[TassieCobra]

Thanks everyone,

There has been some really great advice. I think the biggest thing for me to take home is that max power is not always the best thing.

Come to think of it, back in the good old days I had a V8 holden with 260kw - that was lots of fun (and a bit slippery on wet roads!).

I will let you all know how I go!

Thanks again for all of the help

Hugh

[Dimis]

Originally Posted by Buzz

A cobra replica with an expensive and relatively problematic aluminum body and non original details like an "alternative" engine, dual roll bars, interior comfort features, etc., etc. is no more prestigious than a well executed, more durable and pain-free 'glass bodied car that looks and drives just as good with the same features.

But Buzz, that's not really why one would choose aluminium...
We all have Kit cars, aluminium or otherwise. Unless of course you dont... ie: CSX3xxx

For example I chose aluminium because of the artisan craftmanship appeal, purely for the aesthetic!
You can bog fill raw aluminium. Others would have their own reasons.

Originally Posted by Buzz

Here's the conversation:

Joe Blow: "It's a kit car."

You: "It's got an aluminum body"

Joe: "But it's still a kit car, right?"

I'm not at all being critical in the negative sense - just sharing my genuine thoughts.

The conversation doesn't really play out that way. More so like this...

Joe: "It's a kit car?"

You: "Yes!"

Joe: "But it's got an aluminium body, it must be real right?"

You: "Yes it has an aluminium body, but it ain't any more real than the next kit car, it just got an aluminium body!"

Joe: "Wow, looks awesome..."

You: "Thanks! I pass the word on to those who built it!"

[TassieCobra]

Just out of interest (now that I can post photos) - how do you guys think I can roughly match this engine below and still meet Australian regulatory requirements.

I probably would not be too concerned about the power (as per the advice of previous posts) but if I do choose to go with the cost/extra work of aluminium body I suppose it should match under the hood. (Although I am still tempted by an LSA or other)

Thanks!