Personally, I think the choice of what engine to swap in comes down to your choices of what compromises you want to choose.

Like any project, there is no "best" way. Any project is nothing more than a selection of compromises. You need to decide what you want the car to be when done, then choose the compromises that get closest to your goal.

As my interest is autocross if I go beyond the current A15 project for power, I'm leaning towards the CA18DE. Handling is the most important measure to me followed by engine response. Turbo lag and adding weight to the front of the car are not compromises I'm interested in.

If you are more into straight line speed then the heavier engines may be what turns your crank.

Gary

Seems the webserver system time has changed. I can't reply to this thread in chronological order... Hmmm

Yes a little of course, but you can get performance parts and spares without selling your unborn babies.

You get more power, better fuel economy and improve the environment from lower emissions.

When battery technology improves, I'll be happy to go to full electric. The visible end to supplies of fossil fuel does not worry me these days.

Quote:

not necessarily...

Adam Allan's SR20 1200 race car

So the KA and SR aren't going to kill the handling?

i think you mean best engine swap? as was explained above, the ca18det is more common in oz, and there's also the displacement regulations in some areas. you'd be better off with an sr20 or even a ka24 if you're on a budget

Has anyone seen a Rover / Buick V8 in a Datto? I have seen a few smallblock Ford's in 510's, and a LOT of smallblock Chevy's into the Z's, but not too many V8's in other models.

the biggest problem seems to be the weight of these powerful engines, SR's, FJ, KA engines are all so heavy.

One of the main reasons for the popularity of the CA conversion is that the motors are plentiful and reasonably cheap in comparison to the SR. FJ's are getting pretty scarce nowadays. CA's are also more compact and lighter than the other 2 motors you have mentioned. Also crossmembers, wiring looms etc are available with a few clicks of your mouse.
The SR is a newer motor and consequently has better aftermarket support but is still quite expensive to purchase.
Regards Matty

ca18s are kool but why not try an sr20det or fj20det...they seem like ok engines in my opinion....full of power and very tunable.