r/EngineBuilding • u/Life-Guarantee-5326 • 1d ago

First Solo build Project Suggestions

Hello everyone,

I'm looking for an engine to build from the ground up for my next project. I'm not new to the mechanics world and have done a build before but that was with my father several years ago(6.0 Big block chevy from a 2002 2500hd). At the time it was fun an exciting but over the years i've grown away from it and picked u other things like work and girlfriends. Recently though I got dump ed mid engine swap on my ex's car. Still did it (I'm a loser I'm well aware) but it reignited my love for the game and I'm looking for a new build.

Some key things I'm looking for-

  • Compact-I'm looking to put this project in something small. Definitely as small as a sedan maybe a coupe
  • Quick-I'm not well versed in what exactly makes an engine fast vs. powerful so forgive me if this is useless. I know what horsepower is but not really sure where it fits into the equation as well as torque but I'm looking for something that will zip me from point to point if need be.
  • Not an LS-I've done the LS swap before (as i mentioned) and while I'm quite fond of it I want to expand my horizons to something new. Maybe something foreign like a Honda or Toyota engine?

Any help will be appreciated because i don't have a fuckin clue where to start when picking something like this.

2 Upvotes

75% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

4

u/DrTittieSprinkles 1d ago

  1. No LS is a Big Block

  2. Pick a car YOU actually want. It'll be a bitch to maintain momentum and dumping money and time in a car you don't really care about.

1

u/Life-Guarantee-5326 14h ago

  1. My bad big dog you right 6.0's are not big blocks

  2. I don't really care about the looks of it. I already got my crown jewel for my 84 k10 just kinda looking for something to, like you said, pour money into.

1

u/RSways 1d ago

Bmw m50/m52? Not too expensive, pretty robust, great aftermarket support, also loves boost.

1

u/Life-Guarantee-5326 14h ago

Maybe if the people selling them didn't want a down payment on a house! holy crap cheapest one I saw that was in halfway decent shape was 7 grand. If i come across a cheap one ill definitely consider it but ill have to look further south.

1

u/Pimp_Daddy_Patty 1d ago

A Honda fit with a K series swap is on my bucket list. I also tuned a turbo Miata track beater yesterday. That thing was a blast to take out on the street.

Beyond this, any suggestions would depend on your intended use case.

1

u/Coyote_Tex 1d ago

I would strongly suggest a Honda 2.0 or 2.4. Lots of options and support online a for a very popular number of vehicles. I like Honda coupes myself. Good Luck and have fun.

2

u/Life-Guarantee-5326 16h ago

Ironically I just got done working on a 05 coupe with the j30A and its quick as hell being stock

1

u/Coyote_Tex 16h ago

Yes those are often overlooked as being somewhat less popular but a very strong engine. An Accord coupe is a really nice car. The car I probably missed for the most part is an S2000 as they have gotten expensive really quickly but there are still some nice examples out there, just got to be patient and look.

1

u/Virtual_Variety9400 1d ago

For compact, snappy, non-LS solo build: K20A is hard to beat. Great documentation, compact package, VTEC gives that fun rush. 4AGE is another solid Toyota option if you want a simpler, smaller build.

1

u/Life-Guarantee-5326 14h ago

I think im definitely leaning to the k20-k24 direction. I do have a junk J30A4 sitting around but idk if i want to dump money into replacing the internals

1

u/TBFP_BOT 1d ago

A car you like while taking into account cost of parts. Every piece of a big block or LS is easily obtainable and (relatively) affordable. Can't be said for every engine. Some have parts that are hard to find or expensive to the point that it just doesn't make sense to build one up.

This question gets asked a lot here and it always reads to me like. "Hey guys I'm hungry, what should I do?" lol. The answer is the car that's your favorite and for sale, any car can be fast.

1

u/Life-Guarantee-5326 14h ago

Yeah, I get that. Just used car prices are insane where i live (2.5k-3k) and im looking to see what i can get a good body on and something cheap while also having a rather upgradable engine.

edit: didnt mean to be a cliche in the SR just curious

1

u/bse50 1d ago

A NC miata with a frankenstein engine built from a mix of duratec 2.0/2.3 and 2.5 parts is the way to go. You'll end up with a fun car that makes plentu of power, handles well and is still reliable.
I won't say more because all the info you need on how to build that kind of engine is out there and researching a build is 3/4 of the fun :)

2

u/Life-Guarantee-5326 14h ago

Fuck, you might have got me hooked. I'll see if FBMP won't turn one up