Crazy idea but what if ......

[Blacktree]

The GM 3.6 liter V6 is a common swap in Miatas. Might be worth checking out.

[hat_man]

I actually looked at some of those. Even the 2.0l LTG. They were so prone to oil consumption and timing chain failures that it wasn't feasible. I'm building it to enjoy not work on or worry about catastrophic failure. The 1UZ-FE from a Lexus sc400 was another option but having to make periodic valve adjustments just didn't sound like any fun either. The SR20DET is another option that still rattles around in the back of my mind.

Any other suggestions?

[freebeard]

Any other suggestions?

Dasher diesel. I've sold mine on but the Dasher has the longitudinal slant four

https://www.smartmotorguide.com › cars-for-sale › volkswagen-dasher
The Dasher was the first modern VW with numerous forward looking features. It enjoys crossover with the Porsche 924, the Audi Fox, and other German manufactured cars at the time. At the high end price bracket for its time, it was marketed as a performance car with the sensibilities of a sedan.

Same base engine as your Golf/Jetta models. So a VW TDI ahead of a 924 trannysmission.

[Blacktree]

Originally Posted by hat_man

I actually looked at some of those. Even the 2.0l LTG. They were so prone to oil consumption and timing chain failures that it wasn't feasible. I'm building it to enjoy not work on or worry about catastrophic failure.

The issues with the V6 are caused by a design flaw in the PCV system, and extended oil change intervals. The fix for the PCV system is pretty easy. And change the oil every 5-6k miles. You'll be fine.

[rmay635703]

Originally Posted by hat_man

So maybe I'm not as crazy as I thought. I like the fact that there are older cars out there that have this set up. I would guess that with some custom work, a stock mid mount engine could then be moved up front and work with it's mated rear mount transmission. Hmmmm......

A V4 would be a very interesting swap for my Triumph TR7. But $$$$. I'll probably end up going the standard LS swap route for simplicity, but a lightweight, low profile, 4 or 6 cylinder engine with 250ish hp isn't easy to find. Even a 5.3l truck engine, geared correctly, with its low end torque should push a 2500 lb car down the highway to the tune of 30 mpg or so.

That is because boxer and v4 cars are a rarity

The Triumph is a 100mpg rig with a little diesel

The cobalt is a 165-185hp (NA) or 200+ turbo rig with an inline but not low profile

A Subaru would be your closest chance of low profile

[ksa8907]

Originally Posted by Blacktree

The issues with the V6 are caused by a design flaw in the PCV system, and extended oil change intervals. The fix for the PCV system is pretty easy. And change the oil every 5-6k miles. You'll be fine.

I would also support the gm v6. Generally with any modern engine, put an oil catch can on it at day 1 and change the oil every 5k miles and you won't have a problem. The issue comes from folks running oil north of 10k miles and never checking the level. Once the oil consumption starts, the lack of oil inspections kill the engine.

Too many people expect their vehicle to be an appliance.

[freebeard]

There must be a middle ground? VW VR6 on a 924 axle.

'Power-dome' hood.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by rmay635703

A Subaru would be your closest chance of low profile

The Subaru boxer engines might be cool, but I'd rather go full-redneck and fit a small-block Chevy V8 (or a V6 instead) and convert a Subaru to RWD only. It's not so pleasant to replace timing belts on Subarus.

[freebeard]

It's not so pleasant to replace timing belts on Subarus.

Freevalve it.

[cRiPpLe_rOoStEr]

Originally Posted by freebeard

Freevalve it.

That would be tempting, yet in the naturally-aspirated port-injection engine it would not be supposed to be as beneficial as in the old turbocharged ones when they still relied on port-injection too.