Good engine for my El Camino project?

The obvious answers to this question are LS1, LT1, or SBC. And I might do that.

SBC is easy, but old school. Getting power out of them means 12 mpg and a lumpy cam. LT1 is basically the same ports as a Vortec so it has a slight advantage. LS1 is easy and fits the bill nicely, but HAVE YOU SEEN THE COIN THEY'RE BRINGING? Expensive little berkeleyers for what you get.

So for giggles, I trotted on over to Ebay and found some Ram V10s and BMW V12s in about the same price range. Just made my mind work.

Any other ideas for unique but not super expensive engines? I figure an LQ9 or LS1 is going to set me back $3000 until I get the parts, mounts, etc. I would like to put a T56 in this car since I have two, so the easiest would be Ford, Dodge, or GM, but no engine is off limits as long as it can have a stout manual behind it.

BMW V12? Jag V12? Ram V10?

4G63?

20B

(brapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrap)

Turbo 4.3? or SC 3.8?

saw a 4g63 in a 911

NONACK wrote: 20B (brapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrapbrap)

This,

Non-turbo. Huge peri-port.

If you want to be different, do a late model 4.2L out of a Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada/9-7X. I've had dreams of throwing one of these into something else, like an El Camino, and turbocharging it. It's stock output (260hp IIRC) should be more than enough to move that thing.

SilverFleet wrote: If you want to be different, do a late model 4.2L out of a Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada/9-7X. I've had dreams of throwing one of these into something else, like an El Camino, and turbocharging it. It's stock output (260hp IIRC) should be more than enough to move that thing.

I like this idea very much

Ok, probably not cheaper than an LSx, but how about a Duramax?

I would grab an LS4 and put it in the bed. Then another one under the hood. I mean, why not.

A Jag V12 is a thought. It seems they can be had for fairly cheap and make decent power. I vaguely recall adapters to fit T56 transmissions, but they were pricey.

I understand most BMW V12 are automatics. I've seen Manual conversions, but you need a BMW trans.

Ram V10 - no better than a SBC if you're complaining about 12 mpg. A V10 gets that bone stock making less power... A sophisticated engine it is not.

It's seems to me, continuing to hawk CL for a used LS in a Camaro or Firebird will be your cheapest option in the end.

LT5 and its ZR1/Lotusie awesomeness!

• Lee

6g72tt. Bolt it to a Supra 4sp auto or Kia Sorento RWD 5sp manual. Use a Diamanté intake manifold for hood clearance (probably not needed on an El Camino).

SEADave wrote: Ok, probably not cheaper than an LSx, but how about a Duramax?

I gave a LOT of thought to that. I think the vibes and torque would make mincemeat out of a T56, but it would be fun until it blew.

Ian F wrote: Ram V10 - no better than a SBC if you're complaining about 12 mpg. A V10 gets that bone stock making less power... A sophisticated engine it is not.

Yeah, but a MS tuned for proper spark curve and fuel trim should do a heluvalot better than 12 mpg in a little car. Aren't Vipers EPA rated at 25 highway?

And if we're talking sophistication, an LS1 isn't very sophisticated either.

SilverFleet wrote: If you want to be different, do a late model 4.2L out of a Trailblazer/Envoy/Bravada/9-7X. I've had dreams of throwing one of these into something else, like an El Camino, and turbocharging it. It's stock output (260hp IIRC) should be more than enough to move that thing.

Coulda swore that stock that motor did 275 with 305 ft lbs

For fun, how about a Northstar? There used to be kits to put them in the S10, so a T56 might work also. Yes, Northstar can be a hassle to service. Yes, early ones were prone to leak in very ugly ways. Yes, they will punish deferred maintenance. But ye gods, man: to experience a healthy one at full wail is to understand how Cadillac raced competitively in prototype a decade back or so. That plant could get the dowdiest old girl to lift up her skirts and twerk a little.

ToyoLexus UZ? No idea about the T56 adaptability...

Buick turbo 6

Sorry, only idea I can come up with is un-original and gas hungry but with some adapting, the fact it's backed by a T56 would be interesting.

Caddy 500. Plenty of drag racers did pretty good bitd with a stock Elky powered by a stock Cad 500. Mating a Cad 500 to a T56 is possible and has been done plenty of times.

conesare2seconds wrote: For fun, how about a Northstar? There used to be kits to put them in the S10, so a T56 might work also. Yes, Northstar can be a hassle to service. Yes, early ones were prone to leak in very ugly ways. Yes, they will punish deferred maintenance. But ye gods, man: to experience a healthy one at full wail is to understand how Cadillac raced competitively in prototype a decade back or so. That plant could get the dowdiest old girl to lift up her skirts and twerk a little.

Either this, with boost added, or a supercharged 3800.

4.3 also crossed my mind, just because they are a good small truck engine.

4bt

Mercedes turbodiesel?

If I had a decent elky body right now it would get the same 4.8l truck motor and 5-speed I am putting in my S10.

4.8 and nv3500.

LM4