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Originally Posted by Robin427 The Lexus engine is a modern unit, much like the LS range of Chevy engines. I think with rising fuel costs etc. to fit a big old thirsty lump is a disadvantage. My LS1 isn't very "bling" but runs cleanly and produces more than enough power. Not a cheap option, though |
As most people know on this site I am certainly not a purist.
In fact I positively dislike Yank engines as they are generally speaking inefficient, thirsty, heavy and require expensive rebuilding, tuning and aftermarket components to achieve respectable power per cc figures. The latest generation all aluminium engines such as the GM LS range are heading more towards the fuel efficiency and power delivery of modern European V8's but even they still insist on using those pushrods thingymajigs........just ever so last century !!
Yank engines are also the most popular engine to use and putting anything else in a Cobra engine bay will undoubtedly harm both the chances of both selling and the resale value of the car. :boohoo:
When Tim and I built the Beemer engined Cobra we wanted a modern European fuel efficient aluminium V8 that had good power out of the box, and the BMW V8 was a perfect answer. We also had no intention of selling the car therefore the idea of resale didnt enter into the equation. Unfortunately, how would we know that Tim's Mrs would be so bitten by the Cobra bug that she insisted in having one for themselves rather than a half share?
Hence the decision to build two more Cobra's so that we could have one each.
Next came the decision as to what engines to put into the new cars.
Tim is looking for a cruising machine , I'm looking for something I can "play with" in future years. Yank engines were out given the reasons above, BMW engines are extremely expensive to tune and the just support isnt there, Jag V8 engines are expensive to get hold of and early ones suffer from Nikasil and timing chain tensioner problems, Merc ones are too wide, Audi V8's too expensive.........but Lexus engines are the right size, have a huge support base of tuning knowledge, are easy both to work on and tune, have self learning ECU's that can support improvements to induction systems etc. ( 8psi hairdryers work wonderfully well I'm told)
They are also so well built and reliable in the original vehicles that the demand for replacement engines is non existent.............which means they are inexpensive.
Frankly, if you after a car to build and keep for a summer and then sell on go for the tried and trusted Yank motor ( an LS1 will really help the resale in the future), if you're looking for a keeper do what you want to do, its your car!
Cheers,
Tony