Budget Building an Engine Scenario

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So here is the scenario. You've been assigned a class project in which you have to build an engine of your choice tuned up to 500+ horsepower, except the engine cannot start with more than 275 horsepower and 8 cylinders (some engines, certain years have more power than others. For engines like this, use the lesser powered versions). Here is the kicker, you only have $900 to spend, with a little leeway at $1k. Your engine may use high performance parts, but would be more favorable using factory parts that have been rigged for performance. If you pull that off, you would recieve more points on your project. Can it be done? Post your build here. Now don't just go Google budget builds either, actually think it through and make it your own.
 
Ok I don't think its possible but that may just be the way I went about it because I chose a rather cheap engine (Mazda 12a). Starting with the 12a it's already under the limit for horsepower but WAY over for price and that isn't including parts to upgrade to even get near 500hp.
 
I should have been clearer. 1k in parts. You have a raw block of your choice readily available to you for free provided to you by the school. Its possible but I never said it would be easy.
 
Also, machining costs etc are going to cost you.
 
Easy, if the engine is supplied then an F20 from the new 328, boost it to hell and load it with NOS.
If that is too expensive then a 4G63T with the same steps above
 
Do you have a Civic block? Given the number of ricers in the world that use Civics, it should be easy too. How about a Mustang engine?

Think cheap ricer cars. They've got a lot of community online that would give you ideas. Try seeing if you can find any 6 Cyl engines that are popular.
 
It can't be temporary power. It has to always be able to make that power.
 
A 2JZ could handle 500HP all stock, so just invest in a larger turbo and an aftermarket computer you can tune. I'd have to look up what turbo would give that power in the price range but I'm pretty sure it's doable.
 
GM LT1 + junkyard turbo setup... Will run like hell for about 6 minutes, 7 if you're lucky.

However, you're trying to nearly double the engine's original output with basically no budget, meaning there's absolutely no way that build will be reliable. 1000$ is not a lot of money to "build" an engine.
 
Go look around at a carshow.
Find a car with proper tuning parts.
Wait untill the show ends.
Follow the car.
Hijack it.
Bolt newly gained parts on own engine.

Save $900.
 
How long does it have to run for? I'll take a 350 and strap on a centrifugal SC. It might only last 1 pass, but damnit it'll be a good one
 
It has to be able to run reliably and as long as maintenance is kept, time shouldn't matter. Infinitely really. Daily driver material.
 
🤬

My would-be go-to motor is 5hp over in its lowest powered version.

Then again, there's no reason you can't be a cheeky bastard and bolt 4 valve heads onto an iron block 4.6. Then add your choice of power adders. Get the tune right and the stock bottom end will hold up at 500hp or so, get it wrong and you kiss it goodbye... Or just go for some decent rods and pistons along with a Cobra crank and be ready to have a motor that'll easily enough hold 800hp. From 281 cubes.
 
Twin turboed Mazda MX-6 KL. Proven thousand on a stock crank and block... 167hp stock, 2.5 litres (152ci).
 
900 in parts.

If I can use my machines, it's doable.

Probably easiest are the japanese faction. Something out of a sky (Rb26) or supra (1jz / 2jz).
Get a used turbo from a scrapyard. T04 around 150€.
Samco tubing = 150 -200€
ECU = used 300- 500€
Polishing intakes,... 0€ if done yourself.
Proper rebuilt of engine = 0€ if done yourself - little parts


With that you should get that 500hp out. Service intervall will be shorter due to the budget, but doable. Lots of custom parts and work involved though, and the final result would never pass the national safety requirements in Europe (- some countries).


Old Audi 5V engine is also doable with the same procedure, though it may need a bit more of fine tuning and craftmanship and labour

Another option (but I am not familiar with the prices of those) are old big or small blocks. Used parts, strap on turbo. Should get around the same butt he engine will weight a lot more.
 
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Rotary Junkie
Wait wait wait what?
Click to expand...

Some dude in Australia put one into a Holden Commodore with 800hp - then put it into a Gemini having upped it to 1000hp. Stock crank - original heads too, albeit with a custom valvetrain. I think the 1000hp version had a strengthened block though.

gem8.jpg

I can't imagine it'd be too liveable on the street with a 1000hp 2.5 - though it was a street drag car - but getting to half that and not grenading would be a comparative piece of cake. Might have to find a new gearbox though.
 
*ibo* S3 Racer
900 in parts.

If I can use my machines, it's doable.

Probably easiest are the japanese faction. Something out of a sky (Rb26) or supra (1jz / 2jz).
Get a used turbo from a scrapyard. T04 around 150€.
Samco tubing = 150 -200€
ECU = used 300- 500€
Polishing intakes,... 0€ if done yourself.
Proper rebuilt of engine = 0€ if done yourself - little parts


With that you should get that 500hp out. Service intervall will be shorter due to the budget, but doable. Lots of custom parts and work involved though, and the final result would never pass the national safety requirements in Europe (- some countries).


Old Audi 5V engine is also doable with the same procedure, though it may need a bit more of fine tuning and craftmanship and labour

Another option (but I am not familiar with the prices of those) are old big or small blocks. Used parts, strap on turbo. Should get around the same butt he engine will weight a lot more.
Click to expand...

You are allowed to use your own machines.
 

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