you really do have a lot of choice on this.
fiat twincam may have been the choice back in the day, but tbh they're an expensive swap these days. there much better options around for much less.
in terms of bang-for-buck, and ease of conversion, personally id probably go for either mx5 (I'm doing that on the missus 100e) or zetec on a type 9 (like in my pickup). you can easily do either for £300-ish in parts.
in novice terms, the mx5 engine and box is probably the easier option, as its already in the correct orientation, with manifolds designed for a FERWD setup. you could even use the stock engine mounts as well, the only real issue will be the prop and maybe the clutch actuation- although if the lada is hydro, then that becomes dead easy.
even if youre paying someone to make up engine mounts, exhaust, etc, youre not going to be spending tons of money. the mx5 should give you around 130hp and the (cheaper) 1800 zetec around 165, thats obviously with them decatted and the power steering, etc. binned. a 2L zetec generally cost a little more, as youre having to buy a mondeo rahter than an escort as a donor and the banger boys have pushed their value up, plus you need to change the water pump tp an excort one (mondeo ones spins the wrong way)
the mx5 package is smaller and lighter than the zetec, but does have quite a long gearbox.
they're both cheap and easy on parts, and are quite a straightforward conversion to do.
don't be afraid of going EFI, the wiring is pretty simple for both, and it will massively improve your performance and MPG over a carbed engine.
I have both setups up at mine if you want to come swing a tape measure around to get an idea of sizing.
fiat twincam may have been the choice back in the day, but tbh they're an expensive swap these days. there much better options around for much less.
in terms of bang-for-buck, and ease of conversion, personally id probably go for either mx5 (I'm doing that on the missus 100e) or zetec on a type 9 (like in my pickup). you can easily do either for £300-ish in parts.
in novice terms, the mx5 engine and box is probably the easier option, as its already in the correct orientation, with manifolds designed for a FERWD setup. you could even use the stock engine mounts as well, the only real issue will be the prop and maybe the clutch actuation- although if the lada is hydro, then that becomes dead easy.
even if youre paying someone to make up engine mounts, exhaust, etc, youre not going to be spending tons of money. the mx5 should give you around 130hp and the (cheaper) 1800 zetec around 165, thats obviously with them decatted and the power steering, etc. binned. a 2L zetec generally cost a little more, as youre having to buy a mondeo rahter than an escort as a donor and the banger boys have pushed their value up, plus you need to change the water pump tp an excort one (mondeo ones spins the wrong way)
the mx5 package is smaller and lighter than the zetec, but does have quite a long gearbox.
they're both cheap and easy on parts, and are quite a straightforward conversion to do.
don't be afraid of going EFI, the wiring is pretty simple for both, and it will massively improve your performance and MPG over a carbed engine.
I have both setups up at mine if you want to come swing a tape measure around to get an idea of sizing.
