Engine choices

[toymex]

So it's been decided that I need more power to mix it with the big boys ,so I have been thinking over my options ,1 st one is an all steel 1800 small block screamer ,2 nd choice is an alloy blocked red top that is more mildly tuned ,the red top will put me up at least 1 class possibly 2 depending on gearbox ,the 1800 will not put me up a class unless I have to change gearbox as the gear kit is going to struggle and is likely to need more frequent rebuilds as it will be more highly stressed .whats everyone's thoughts ?

[8valve-craig]

How can the 1800 keep you in your class? are they the same as a c16se block?

If so i would use one of those without hesitation. Would using a SCCR F16 / 18 / 20 have any effect on your class? or is it just sequential shift that matters.

[Stuart]

the alloy 20XE block is mental cash and pretty dire too.

1800 all the way

[toymex]

How can the 1800 keep you in your class? are they the same as a c16se block?

If so i would use one of those without hesitation. Would using a SCCR F16 / 18 / 20 have any effect on your class? or is it just sequential shift that matters.
i can get the 1800 crank in my current block ,so bigger valves etc ,f16 would move me up ,it's a piss take really as the 2.3 pinto escort in my class can run a sequential

[toymex]

Has anybody weighed a dressed red top and a dressed small lock I know the alloy block saves 18 kg

[philip]

3.5k for the alloy block is abit much when for circa 4k build a screaming small block and abit more for a 20xe. Id stay small block. Lee303 built a well specced motor. 1.8. Worth a chat.

[toymex]

3.5k for the alloy block is abit much when for circa 4k build a screaming small block and abit more for a 20xe. Id stay small block. Lee303 built a well specced motor. 1.8. Worth a chat.
I know what you are saying re the cost of the block ,but it would be a one off and there is the option of bigger cc more torque and all the bits and development has been done ,the small block is favourite but I don't want to build one then wish I could have yet more ,the small lock would be at its limit but the red top could still be developed more ,whichever way it's not going to be a quick build as both will end up costing big bucks

[mowgli]

if you use the z18xe, you'll be able to fit the f13/15/17 type box. so I'd imagine you'll keep in your class.
I would also imagine the z18xe would have room for a rebore...

is there a rule about original block or similar so you'd have to use the 1600 block?

i'll be keeping an eye out for developments on this one..

[Connor]

I like those z18xe's. Plenty of potential in them. I'd look at getting a long rod/ 2ring slipper piston setup and getting a proper little screamer, should make some decent power.

[peester]

I can recommend speaking with Bill Falconer about competition small block 1.6 / 1.8 16v engines.

[Mieran]

Just in case you didn't know apart from QED, turbo sport make alloy blocks too.

[dgbnova#1]

I've been talking to Philip re building my x18xe1 and just picked up a spare one from my local scrappy for future work possibly or just sell it on
so will be watching this closely

[BRoadGhost]

Can I ask why the aluminium block is "dire"?

[burgo]

What engine and power are you at at the moment?

[toymex]

What engine and power are you at at the moment?
its only been on the rollers once when it was new and tight ,they only revved it to 7700 but it made circa 175/125 lbft,it's probably got the least power in my series