James May's 1275cc Challenge

I was going to mention rotaries too but they're generally outlawed in displacement limited classes or classed up. But, if there isn't a rule against 'em run 'em.

Keith wrote: As for "small engine better because it's slow" - keep in mind that Capt. Slow is British. Which means small engines are easy to find. Those 1275s were vomited out by the millions. He's also chosen fairly inexpensive cars. Minis and Midgets litter the landscape. The trick is to find something similar here.

This was what led to my 4A suggestion. Maybe things are different back east, but out here in the PRC, I've only seen 2 spridgets in my entire life, neither of which were street legal. Couple that with the 2 old-school Minis I've ever seen, and I can honestly say I've seen more Lotus Elises in one place at the same time than I have 1275cc British cars ever.

It's a little past the max displacement but 1300 cc in a Swift Gt/Gti..

Yeah, there's no question the BMC A series is a bad choice in North America.

That said, you could have seen two of them in my garage recently

Had a 1978 Corolla with a 3KC 1200 engine; bought it new for under 3 grand. Sure, it didn't have much power, but even on skinny tires, that thing handled really well!

I believe it could've given a 1275 SBC a run for it's money, even in stock form. Of course, I'm prone to memory lapses and nostalgic flights of fancy..

Datsun was selling a 1.2 engine in the B210 at the time. I belive they would also do well in a small engine class.

If only there were any of them left...

I was actually thinking Rotary 12a swap into the front of a VW Beetle FWD.

Historically, rotaries haven't been overly lucky or successful at the Challenge.

Historically, I have a problem making it to the Challenge... so it seems as if destiny is calling.

How to make an adapter plate to fit a rotary to a VW transmission WITHOUT power tools...

Maybe have to make a wooden buck then make a mold and cast one myself?

Right.

I am going to just sleep through this one instead.