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Lightest V8 motor for a road car?

53K views 37 replies 21 participants last post by  Frank the quattro tank 
#1 ·
What do you guys think it would be? Would it matter to a point, as well?

I'm bored, and I also own a Miata, and I've been tossing around ideas for doing a swap... I collected a ton of info on the really common ones, including SBF and LSx motor swaps which are very abundant, but sbf motors are over 500lbs, and the LS1 fully decked out is 481 give or take 20. The Audi V8 is availiable as light as 375lbs without A/c for a belt driven 40v version (not sure on the chain drive motor) so that might be it. Also thinking of bmw or merc motors, and the Hartley V8 is so out.

There is a point where you wonder, is 100lbs out of the motor worth it, when you can strip 100 out of the car, or add more power? I think it is, since 100lbs is 100lbs more than you could otherwise strip out, and for all the added power the LS1 will give you it won't take away weight to help the handling.. I'm thinking if the Audi V8 could put out 360 or so that would suffice anyway.

Any extra thoughts? I've gotten on this plug of engine weights recently, and I made a small spreadsheet. The Hyabusa motor is supposed to weight about 135lbs... there's an interesting thought, but someone else already is doing that shit here...

Also, the BP 1.8l motor that is in a stock 94+ Miata is about 430lbs with manifolds, no turbo... mine has a turbo, so a bit more. Supposedly an LS1 or etc conversion brings the weight up about 200-400lbs.
 
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#4 ·
Although rather small the 215 Buikc V8 probably takes the win as the lightest V8 automotive engine (around 300lbs). You can also look into the Range rover engines as they are based off of that engine so weights and dims should be the same.

The northstar is a big heavy pig as is the Porsche 928 mill. If you wanted to get really crafty you could mate 2 hyabusa engines at the crankshaft and make a hyabusa V8.. Hmmm...
 
#11 ·
Justin517 said:
LSx is probably the lightest and cheapest/cheapest to mod.
It is heaver than a LS1/2/3; just the, cast iron, block is 215#s.
 
#15 ·
Well my vote goes to the LSx. It's a well documented swap, and the engine has pretty much had everything possible done to it, has a huge aftermarket, and can make mad power relatively easy. Though an I5 swap would be sweet.
 
#16 ·
I would at least consider a BMW engine. I would not want to venture into adapter plate territory, which would be required by an Audi V8. BMW has produced some powerful and reasonably light engines in the past few years. BMW I6s are fairly short, all things considered. Would an I6 be possible in a Miata?
 
#18 ·
pitts said:
anyone have number's on the new aluminum block 5.o Ford for the 2011Mustang? Not likely to be a cost effective option... just curious.
I like the way you think. That engine is a work of art from what I've seen. Almost on the level of the exotic European V8s like the RS4 and the M3.
 
#19 ·
loxxrider said:
pitts said:
anyone have number's on the new aluminum block 5.o Ford for the 2011Mustang? Not likely to be a cost effective option... just curious.
I like the way you think. That engine is a work of art from what I've seen. Almost on the level of the exotic European V8s like the RS4 and the M3.
Isn't it WIDE?
 
#20 ·
oh probably, but the original poster didn't say anything about physical dimensions... on never mind... Miata right... dunno probably do large.

I know the new Shelby 500 5.4 blocks are aluminum and they are using some sort-of treatment/coating on the cylinder walls instead of the more traditional cast iron sleeves (presumably the same process on the new 5.0 ??)... Yup... pretty trendy, coated aluminum cylinder walls and variable cam timing... all the modern tricks... and in a Ford... its been long wait for sure.
 
#23 ·
For a Miata I would consider a 13b rotary engine. Light, documented installations, good power, takes weight off the front of the engine, plenty of room to work on it in the engine bay. Add a turbo & a big intercooler & call it a day.
 
#26 ·
ChrisAudi80 said:
secretagentman said:
http://www.h1v8.com
That engine just kicks ass! And for a measly 1200 bucks extra it goes to 3.0L.

Just add 2 turbos and hey presto: 2x 499hp:

Or this one. Just sick: A BMW m20 3L: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0gKX2J- ... L&index=17
Yeah it does look like a pretty neat engine. What's cost in it i couldn't see prices, but it's probably one of those if you have to ask things...

On another note why not a GE T700 turbine? 437 pounds 1650 horsepower @ 21,000 rpm
 
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