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Post by atlex on Aug 4, 2019 16:12:19 GMT
From what I can see, the Rocketeer cars are generally coming out at 260 to 280bhp Video shows the engine makes 232hp. They then state a better exhaust is worth an extra 20hp (8.6% power increase) which I think is overly optimistic. Also the presenter just fills me with loathing for my fellow man. |
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Post by Vindi (Russell) on Aug 5, 2019 7:34:29 GMT
As said, I think the Rocketeer is the best UK option. I'd just accept 240 will be your lot and deal with it [/div][/quote] Ok, so a Jag V6 at 240bhp ... yours, hopefully, 300bhp at a similar cost. Sounds like the LFX actually comes out at about 300bhp, although I don't know which engine the Greek guy used so (being overly optimistic as usual), more may be possible . It looks like all are similar costs as well, depending on how much DIY you do. I'd be interested to see how much power a cheap / basic Honda option would give ... UK sourced J30 with J32 head / cams, basic ebay manifolds and Megasquirt ecu That would put the Honda or LFX options ahead for me because of the potential extra power. The decider will be cost really, I can save a lot on the Honda build but the LFX one is harder to save on Russell |
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Post by V6 on Aug 5, 2019 9:31:13 GMT
LFX should be quicker though as it has more torque, being a 3.6. So I'd still say the LFX is the "Daddy" of V6 swaps. But then it should be as you need all new shafts, gearbox, diff, rear subframe, hubs, etc. So MASSIVELY more money. Respect to those who can afford to go that route properly though. Just bear in mind the engine isnt lighter and peak bhp isnt vastly different, I don't think.
Being a lot cheaper (although still expensive ha) to my mind, I like the fact my Honda will be all JDM. Not a biggie, but a nice little detail I guess. A bit less random than using UK or American engines though.
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Post by Vindi (Russell) on Aug 6, 2019 7:22:03 GMT
The LFX kit is $8k, so about £8k landed in the UK. That's a very complete kit, including pnp ecu with a base map, all the wiring, fixings, coolant solution and all the conversion bits for the gearbox and uprated diff etc.
That's the easy bit though, the LFX engine is hard to find in the UK. The engine, box and LSD will be around £3,000 through any normal routes
So by going with the off the shelf route, it's going to be a decent amount over £10,000
There is the possibility of some savings by going a DIY route on the back end, and I'm looking at cheaper options for the engine & box ... I can also go DIY for the front subframe and mounts ... with a load of work I can use an MS3 for an ECU, etc, etc.
I won't commit myself to the swap unless I think I can do it for more like £6-8k, which is very possible but a lot is hanging on finding the engine etc for a good price. That would mean probably 2 years work getting a lot of fabrication done myself, with some trial and error etc ... not exactly risk free!!
Russell
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Post by V6 on Aug 6, 2019 9:26:19 GMT
Don't forget 20% import on the prices above. The UK pound is weaker now too.
My project nearly broke me in terms of cost and time spent finding and affording parts. But on top I have labour costs too. If you are skilled enough and have a workshop then it will be loads saved for that. Just consider the time.
Quick guess... Even with free labour an LFX will be impossible under £10k.imho
Or buy a Caterham. Or wait until someone sells a UK Rocketeer car. Buy that and add an SC. Likely cheaper than mine, more power with an SC, UK spares and backup.
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Post by wannabe on Aug 6, 2019 9:43:21 GMT
My project nearly broke me in terms of cost and time spent finding and affording parts. But on top I have labour costs too. If you are skilled enough and have a workshop then it will be loads saved for that. Just consider the time. Well, you've not had the final bill yet...  lol  |
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Post by V6 on Aug 6, 2019 9:48:01 GMT
I have an envelope here waiting to be nuked  Stage one a while back was pretty fair value though. So I have an idea of the end result. When I imported all my stuff the UK pound was much stronger. So at least that helped. If I did it again now it would be a chunk more for sure. Honestly, I'd weigh up lots of options. As fun as mine will be, the time alone has been very painful. So many things are interesting. How about a UK Civic Type R engine in a real mini? Would be ultra light and immense fun I'm sure. Or how about a poverty spec Caterham or Westfield... put a SAAB turbo engine in there with 500bhp. Probably similar cost using local parts. Would murder any five.
Whatever you do though... I'd make sure you are happy to keep it for a long time. Otherwise it's too much pain and waiting to just flip it on.
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Post by Vindi (Russell) on Aug 6, 2019 19:48:40 GMT
Whatever you do though... I'd make sure you are happy to keep it for a long time. Otherwise it's too much pain and waiting to just flip it on. [/div] [/quote] This is the main thing ... I'm doing a lot of planning and researching at the moment to double check all the pieces of the puzzle will definitely come together. I'm also looking at other cars ... trying to keep a really open mind and weigh up the costs with what I could end up with Russell |
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Post by V6 on Aug 6, 2019 20:37:01 GMT
From a financial point of view it doesn't make much sense. But if you plan on keeping a five I guess it may do. Kinda.
Although I suspect you can have more fun for less (with lower weight track cars or a mini). You can certainly go quicker for less (with many turbo cars).
In reality I didn't know the full costs or time before I started. So I was in deep before the calculator came out lol
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Post by niklas on Aug 6, 2019 21:08:44 GMT
One of my friends have a 300whp SAAB engined westfield. It's hard to drive he says. The answer is always miata  |
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Post by V6 on Aug 7, 2019 7:41:49 GMT
Is it too much power for such a low mass?
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Post by niklas on Aug 7, 2019 9:27:07 GMT
It got better with wider tires. And getting used to it. He keeps it, so i think he likes it.
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Post by atlex on Aug 7, 2019 13:27:00 GMT
great cost breakdown for a turbo racecar in ozidollhairs from beavis motorsport..
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Post by wannabe on Aug 7, 2019 15:33:26 GMT
It got better with wider tires. And getting used to it. He keeps it, so i think he likes it. I'm guessing he likes it because it makes him feel alive... ...in that it makes him feel like he's about to die at any moment. lol |
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Post by V6 on Aug 7, 2019 20:38:25 GMT
LOL, nice one
Also never add stuff up or you won't get anything done. Just guess / man maths it.
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lol 
Stage one a while back was pretty fair value though. So I have an idea of the end result.
le sigh