4 Cylinder choices for a project, what would you pick

At least look at the Sentra...

http://www.sgi.sk.ca/lcgi/salvage_bid_site/comp_details.cgi?stock_num=N132739&store=North%20Battleford

Here are the height measurements, not exact at the ground is not level.

Top of fan shroud of current air cooled VW engine, 32". This is its current rear engine configuration, moving towards the front of the car and close to the rear window, you gain a few, its about 36-37, best estimate as there is no direct route to the ground and also no direct line of site to make a good measurement.

Anyway, here it is for your viewing pleasure. This was posted by a former owner, and I don't know how accurate the description is. The engine started life as a 1600CC based on the casting numbers, whats been done since then I dont know other than the dual EMPI carbs and exhaust.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=61HfiKd3I7E http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsCZfqKGft4

It is running better now, when I got it it was running as shown on the 2nd video. It had a intake manifold leak as the manifold would not sit flat because the right carb was hitting the fan shroud.

Anyway, it really needs a mid engine chassis, real front suspension, real brakes, and about twice the HP.

Steve

DaewooOfDeath wrote: The lightest, cheapest, most bullet proof 130 hp I know of is a Honda zc. Significantly cheaper and lighter than a bseries.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Saturn LL0 was lighter than this. Quick googling shows it 20lbs or so less than a d-series. Makes similar/slightly more HP at basic bolt-on levels. It's definitely cheaper. Its "bulletproof" in stock/NA form.

That said, I vote D series, B series, K series, or Ecotec. Does the side the engine is on matter to you? The latter two would probably have better weight distribution.

Horsepower-wise, I'd go with some factory turbo setup and bump the boost.

Normally aspirated, I'd go Honda, K20 or K24 for a newer drivetrain, or the B-series to get the price down. Either has a TON of aftermarket support. Another overlooked (cheap) Honda drivetrain is the H22. I had that in Kimini and with nothing other than an intake and headers, it made 190 whp.