What I want and don't need:
I already have two cars.....but it would be cool to have a open-top mid-engine super-light-weight car with lots of power. Something I could drive around town on nice days and be the default auto-X car.
The problem is, I'm used to cars with a power/weight ratio of 135-190 hp/kip. A stock MK3 is only 63 hp/kip (boring) (138hp/2195lb). Even an MK3 with a 2ZZ-GE swap is only around 82 hp/kip (assuming 1zz and 2zz are approximately the same weight 180hp/2195lb). I don't think I'd like driving it very much like that.
A possible solution:
I'm guessing a 2ZZ-GE with the following mods would make upwards of 300 hp.
-8.8:1 pistons
-forged rods
-a small pulley driven TVS1320 with no intercooler
-e85 or methanol fuel
-header exhaust manifold
-catless downpipe
That would be a power/weight ratio of ~133 hp/kip (~300hp/~2250lb).
That sounds more fun.
What I don't know:
Has anybody done something like this already? Do MK3's go up for sale sometimes that are close to this? If so, what do they usually sell for? What would a set-up like this cost from scratch including the Mk3? What would the cost difference be between DIY vs. having a shop like MonkeyWrenchRacing do it?
I've found 8.8:1 pistons, forged rods and s/c intakes online for sale. I don't know if the OEM fuel pump has a high enough flow rate to support e85 or methanol. I don't know what higher flow injectors cost. I'm not sure if the OEM crankshaft can support 300+ hp. I don't know if the OEM transaxle, clutch or half-shalfs can support the increase in torque.
Backup Idea:
I'd rather not get a 2GR swap because i'm estimating it weighs about 100lb more than a s/c 2ZZ-GE with no intercooler. Lighter is usually faster in auto-x. But if a fully built 2ZZ engine costs a crazy amount compared to a 2GR, that could be another option.
What I don't want:
I don't really want an intercooler because alcohol should offer enough cooling and increase the octane rating enough by itself without adding weight. I don't want nitrous oxide because I'm pretty sure it's illegal in SCCA racing. I've heard Honda K20 engines aren't compatible with TVS s/c's because the pulley rotation is different. I don't really want a Miata because I think they look stupid and everybody has one.
I already have two cars.....but it would be cool to have a open-top mid-engine super-light-weight car with lots of power. Something I could drive around town on nice days and be the default auto-X car.
The problem is, I'm used to cars with a power/weight ratio of 135-190 hp/kip. A stock MK3 is only 63 hp/kip (boring) (138hp/2195lb). Even an MK3 with a 2ZZ-GE swap is only around 82 hp/kip (assuming 1zz and 2zz are approximately the same weight 180hp/2195lb). I don't think I'd like driving it very much like that.
A possible solution:
I'm guessing a 2ZZ-GE with the following mods would make upwards of 300 hp.
-8.8:1 pistons
-forged rods
-a small pulley driven TVS1320 with no intercooler
-e85 or methanol fuel
-header exhaust manifold
-catless downpipe
That would be a power/weight ratio of ~133 hp/kip (~300hp/~2250lb).
That sounds more fun.
What I don't know:
Has anybody done something like this already? Do MK3's go up for sale sometimes that are close to this? If so, what do they usually sell for? What would a set-up like this cost from scratch including the Mk3? What would the cost difference be between DIY vs. having a shop like MonkeyWrenchRacing do it?
I've found 8.8:1 pistons, forged rods and s/c intakes online for sale. I don't know if the OEM fuel pump has a high enough flow rate to support e85 or methanol. I don't know what higher flow injectors cost. I'm not sure if the OEM crankshaft can support 300+ hp. I don't know if the OEM transaxle, clutch or half-shalfs can support the increase in torque.
Backup Idea:
I'd rather not get a 2GR swap because i'm estimating it weighs about 100lb more than a s/c 2ZZ-GE with no intercooler. Lighter is usually faster in auto-x. But if a fully built 2ZZ engine costs a crazy amount compared to a 2GR, that could be another option.
What I don't want:
I don't really want an intercooler because alcohol should offer enough cooling and increase the octane rating enough by itself without adding weight. I don't want nitrous oxide because I'm pretty sure it's illegal in SCCA racing. I've heard Honda K20 engines aren't compatible with TVS s/c's because the pulley rotation is different. I don't really want a Miata because I think they look stupid and everybody has one.