Ok this thread was pretty much dead but I wanted to add to it because one of the things we don't mention is the whole drive train.

I'll keep going on the Ford V8 thread. There are aluminum blocks available at a mere $4500 and that will save a whopping 35lbs, now factor in the T5 transmission which brings the weight within in 25lbs of the CA18DET engine and transmission. Allegedly the T4 transmission is a further 20lbs lighter and given how light a 1200 is a 4 speed with the torguey V8 would likely work fine. The rear ends between the CA18DET and V8 should be the same weight.

So theoretically a V8 and CA18DET package would be the same. The factors are going to be cost. A aluminum block and head would set you back $5200 plus you'd need a $500 parts car and a $150 T4, so we'll call it $6000. Both packages would require a crossmember and most likely tranny tunnel mods. The V8 would need very little mods to the wiring amnd nothing done to the fuel system other than a pump. The alloy heads and basic cam would be good for 350HP and probably 50,000 miles. So what's the cost of getting a CA18DET to put out a reliable 350HP as well as the wiring and fuel system upgrades...........$1500 for pistons rods, Cams $450, injectors $400, ECU $1500, turbo upgrade $600, intercooler $200. Call it $4700, $1300 cheaper than V8 package BUT will the CA18DET gearbox hold up and what's that cost.

So at the end of the day I suspect building an uber light V8 vs building a CA18DET and installing them would probably cost exactly the same.....................all roads lead to Rome. So end of the day what we've said for some time hold true, put in whatever floats your boat.

Now what still keeps me from the V8 or CA18DET option; Not really cost, including the value of my existing GX head and FCR carbs my A15 is going to come up to $2400 or pretty close and the gearbox choices I have are either mid-close 4 speed (decent ratios but delicate) or 60 series (strong but wide ratios) solving that will be $1000-1500, pushing $4000 and if you throw in what I've spent on the A12 bottom end I'm right on $5000..........................in other words within $1000 of a serious power upgrade. Why I've stuck with the A-series is keeping class legal, which keeps it in run groups with full fields. Mostly though I like the balance of the lighter engine as I have my bikes for big power.

Moral of the story..................don't muck about just put a bigger engine in it.

Tom