04-08-2009, 11:14 PM
As many of you know, I'm in the process of building a Datsun 240z to be used for track duty. It currently has a carb'd 2.4L I6 that I intend to run while I sort the car's other systems out. However, I imagine I'll be ready to step up to bigger power once I feel comfortable with the car. Therefore, I'm posing this hypothetical question with you guys to get some input and thoughts...
My current horsepower goals are around 300hp, with the ability to go higher. I will most likely be sticking with a turbo inline-6 setup, although I'm not opposed to other ideas... If it has a turbo, I'm trying to stay away from laggy setups to get my 300 (yes, I realize this is mostly a function of the turbo & piping).
Engine 1:
Very low-tech, fuel injected turbo from the early '80s. This is an easy drop in and drive swap. It is also very low-budget, although these motors are getting some age on them and starting to get harder to find in good shape. It can get 300hp fairly easily using bolt-ons, but going much beyond that will require some beefing up of various bits or risking engine failure. Estimated cost to install and reach goal: $2000
Engine 2:
A more advanced design from the early '90s, this motor is still fairly plentiful. It has documented flaws, which contributes to being fairly cheap and easy to acquire. Installation is a bit of custom work, but it has been numerous times and should be easy to find resources. Meeting the power goal is very cheap and easy, once I address the flaws in the engine (not particularly expensive); there is a lot of potential and shouldn't need serious building until approaching 400+hp. Estimated cost to install and reach goal: $3200
Engine 3:
My final choice is newer, from the late '90s, and seems to be plentiful overseas although not offered here (if the car were a daily driver, that would immediately rule it out). This will also require some fabrication, but again I will not be the breaking new barriers here and have resources that have done it before. The motor is very capable and still commands a relatively hefty price, but will meet my power goals in stock form and can probably handle any power figure I will ever seek. Estimated cost to install and reach goal: $4000
I have intentionally left out what engines are being considered because I want to hear people's suggestions and consider more ideas. This is in long-term planning stages and I can still be easily swayed if anybody has an incredible idea.
My current horsepower goals are around 300hp, with the ability to go higher. I will most likely be sticking with a turbo inline-6 setup, although I'm not opposed to other ideas... If it has a turbo, I'm trying to stay away from laggy setups to get my 300 (yes, I realize this is mostly a function of the turbo & piping).
Engine 1:
Very low-tech, fuel injected turbo from the early '80s. This is an easy drop in and drive swap. It is also very low-budget, although these motors are getting some age on them and starting to get harder to find in good shape. It can get 300hp fairly easily using bolt-ons, but going much beyond that will require some beefing up of various bits or risking engine failure. Estimated cost to install and reach goal: $2000
Engine 2:
A more advanced design from the early '90s, this motor is still fairly plentiful. It has documented flaws, which contributes to being fairly cheap and easy to acquire. Installation is a bit of custom work, but it has been numerous times and should be easy to find resources. Meeting the power goal is very cheap and easy, once I address the flaws in the engine (not particularly expensive); there is a lot of potential and shouldn't need serious building until approaching 400+hp. Estimated cost to install and reach goal: $3200
Engine 3:
My final choice is newer, from the late '90s, and seems to be plentiful overseas although not offered here (if the car were a daily driver, that would immediately rule it out). This will also require some fabrication, but again I will not be the breaking new barriers here and have resources that have done it before. The motor is very capable and still commands a relatively hefty price, but will meet my power goals in stock form and can probably handle any power figure I will ever seek. Estimated cost to install and reach goal: $4000
I have intentionally left out what engines are being considered because I want to hear people's suggestions and consider more ideas. This is in long-term planning stages and I can still be easily swayed if anybody has an incredible idea.