It seems like the possinbilities are endless. The A -series engine and rotaries seem like a popular choice because of their low weight, while high torque motors, which are often more fun on the street, seem to be almost twice as heavy. I am familiar with the obvious pros and cons of the stock engine, rotaries and newer turbo and non turbo fours, but what about those not so often spoken about qualities engines exhibit such as sound, how the engine feels when it pulls, etc.

I'd like to have the ideal engine for a street/performance car, that does occasional autocross and road events. Possibly as a daily driver. But if there is an engine combo that is just too cool than I'd be willing to sacrifice lots of practicality for it.

I would rate the A15 as the ideal engine.

It can make good power, it fits straight in, they are cheap reliable and easy to work on.

A15 is easy its a great engine for easy gains as long you dont want something thats going blow away new V8's

A15 with basic head development extractors and good induction and an increase in comp and the smallest Wade cam was the most fun engine package ive ever run in my coupe

Lseries, cheap, perfect fit in a 1200, strong engine and plentiful strong 5spds, also relativelly easy for DIY.
But id say turbo Aseries if conversions/legallity a problem

L series represent

just dont build a car out of free parts, they need to be replaced later in the cars life, or after the first drive

CA turbs. i kno everyone goes on about a series but if someone said heres a 1.8L turbo or a 1.4/5L turbo. what would you choose

HONESTLY

if some one said pay me 12g or pay me 3gs, what would you choose

lol @ PIGDOG
I am with turbo a-series for ease, cost, HANDERLING an cos i like old school. I have got plans for a turbo 1.3l suzuki GTi engine but....

mmm obscure small engines that are powerful

now we just have to wait a few year for all these suzukis to become paddock bombs so engine conversions are nice and cheap

are the paddock bombs or paddock bashers? is there a difference ?