A long, long time ago, way back in 2012 we had a thread on this.
As time marches on, the answer may need updating. What is the lightest and most compact package for a reliable 400hp? Bonus points for cost but that is a secondary consideration. The ability to pass 48 state emissions is mandatory.
annnnnd go.
At least you didn't also say "cheap"
Ford cyclone? It might be able to do it without boost and isnt direct injected like the GM version.
The 2.3l ecoboost is up to 350 stock. 400 should be pretty easy.
Also quite a bit of a difference between iron and aluminum gen III/IV blocks
singleslammer said:Ford cyclone? It might be able to do it without boost and isnt direct injected like the GM version.
The 2.3l ecoboost is up to 350 stock. 400 should be pretty easy.
And popping headgaskets everywhere :)
GM ERod crate motor seems to be the answer?
Ecoboost v6
Jaynen said:At least you didn't also say "cheap"
I am learning to manage my expectations...
oldopelguy said:Ecoboost v6
How does a twin turbo V6 = light and/or compact?
LSx crate motor is about the easiest, most reliable you're going to find. Not that large of an engine either.
In reply to Bobzilla :
LSx not LSX, right? Because the LSX in an iron block, not as light as it could be.
z31maniac said:singleslammer said:Ford cyclone? It might be able to do it without boost and isnt direct injected like the GM version.
The 2.3l ecoboost is up to 350 stock. 400 should be pretty easy.
And popping headgaskets everywhere :)
No one said it had to be stock. There have to solutions for that.
In reply to FlightService :
Correct. LS1, LS3, LS6, LS7 etc.... hence the small "x". Now the iron block LSX is pretty damn stout and I'd suggest that if you were wanting 800hp reliably. But that wasn't the initial question.
+1 for recent LS variant. Many of the best new engines are light but are large-to-enormous due to having one or more turbos on them, or having DOHC and multiple cylinder banks at the same time.
Maybe a Tesla S motor if the battery doesn't count 
Easy with a slight turbo change and a retune on an Ecotec LNF. Lots of guys running around with that 2.0 little 4 cylinder with 400 bhp - they don't even need to open up th engine to get it.
You'd only need rods and pistons if you headed for 500 bhp.
My conservatively built (375 bhp 375 Tq) engine still gets 30 mpg in a 3,000 lb. car when you are cruising.
wspohn said:Easy with a slight turbo change and a retune on an Ecotec LNF. Lots of guys running around with that 2.0 little 4 cylinder with 400 bhp - they don't even need to open up th engine to get it.
But size-wise with the turbo equipment, an LNF is at least the same volume as an LS, which doesn't have the reliability negative of a turbo. I'm sure it's still lighter but it's not a clear win in a size-and-reliability contest.
NISSAN BUILDS AN 88 POUND 3-CYLINDER ENGINE THAT MAKES 400 HP
I think at this point in time, the answer is still an aluminum LS
oldeskewltoy said:NISSAN BUILDS AN 88 POUND 3-CYLINDER ENGINE THAT MAKES 400 HP
Well this definitely wins on weight and size, and it meets the power requirement, but you'll have to ask Nissan how long this LMP engine can go between rebuilds, and how much they'd charge for one...
GameboyRMH said:wspohn said:Easy with a slight turbo change and a retune on an Ecotec LNF. Lots of guys running around with that 2.0 little 4 cylinder with 400 bhp - they don't even need to open up th engine to get it.
But size-wise with the turbo equipment, an LNF is at least the same volume as an LS, which doesn't have the reliability negative of a turbo. I'm sure it's still lighter but it's not a clear win in a size-and-reliability contest.
Still quite a bit smaller and a lot lighter than a LS
Nitrous Oxide will get you there. You said cheap. Meth heading the engine is cheap.
Yeah the little Nissan engine brought all this conversation to the front of my head but for 1 it isn't available for general purchase but it does win outright.
Turbo 2.0 seems a neat trick, God knows Honda is selling one they admit is good for more than 400hp.
Ecotec with a turbo...interesting thought.
A methanol-burning turbocharged Honda B should be good for 400 hp within a 250# package.
That motown LS block in the video posted was REALLY interesting
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