In-line engine and gearbox options

[marinacoupe]

Sorry if there is another thread on here somewhere, but I can’t find anything so far.

I am thinking about options on updating the engine/gearbox on the Marina.

My BMW K100 head on BL 1.3 A+ block project has stalled after I blew it up before turning a wheel (don’t ask - too painful even several months later).

I have been thinking about other options. So suggestions must be 4 cylinder inline or narrow angle V6 (no V8s due to space limitations), not bigger than 2.0 litre and ideally 1.8 litres, ideally with gearbox from same source (plan to buy an MOT fail and strip it out). Must be really light weight package - no boat anchors.

I don’t know much about the various Japanese sports cars, but there seems to some obvious contenders, what have people done previously in other classics? I know there are Marinas with Honda S2000 engine/gearbox and Red Top with Type 9. I have an illogical aversion to Ford engines - can’t explain why.

I have a Type 9 gearbox and Caterham bellhousing for a Rover K series, but am thinking about a bulletproof engine, rather than the K series.

All sensible suggestions will be followed up on, as I want to get it right first time, so happy to do more research based on suggestions.

[Phil H]

Fit the latest spec of head gasket, dowels and thermostat and a K-series is as bulletproof as any thing else.

Mx-5 is the one that jumps out - if you didn’t already have the Caterham version of the type 9 and go with a K-series. It’s a pretty lightweight combo with the alloy bellhousing even if the type 9 itself isn’t exactly svelte.

[marinacoupe]

Phil, is it right that you have to counter bore the K crankshaft to take a spigot bearing for the gearbox spigot/ input shaft?

[marinacoupe]

What about the Nissan 200SX, I don’t know anything about them?

[welshpug]

Rover K would be the logical route given the heritage and parts you already have, as mentioned they are a good engine once its inherent flaws are addressed.

[Phil H]

Aug 18, 2018 14:41:38 GMT marinacoupe said:

Phil, is it right that you have to counter bore the K crankshaft to take a spigot bearing for the gearbox spigot/ input shaft?

Yep - I might have the dimensions somewhere.

[gtviva]

Sell the K series bellhousing and get a type 9 to Vauxhall bellhousing, get an 8 valve 1.6-2.0, bullit proof/light/cheap to fix/simple to fix and they will make good power without breaking the bank! plus when your bored there is another vast array of GM engines that will bolt up to the bellhousing

[dickie12]

mazda mx5 there cheap to buy hole cars these days. if you go k series ive got a brand new 1.4 k series twin cam engine from a gta sitting under my bench i mite part with

[igor]

Have you considered a Rover V8? It's been done before.

[marinacoupe]

Aug 19, 2018 6:33:19 GMT igor said:

Have you considered a Rover V8? It's been done before.

Hi Igor,

Yes, I have looked very closely at the Rover V8 in three different Marinas, even the factory made two in 1974 and a couple of others later. It’s part of the reason that I wanted to do something different.

[marinacoupe]

Aug 18, 2018 16:09:31 GMT gtviva said:

Sell the K series bellhousing and get a type 9 to Vauxhall bellhousing, get an 8 valve 1.6-2.0, bullit proof/light/cheap to fix/simple to fix and they will make good power without breaking the bank! plus when your bored there is another vast array of GM engines that will bolt up to the bellhousing

That would be great, if you could find them.

[ettorebugatti]

Didn't they turn out the Marinas in the OZ/NZ with a straight six?

Then maybe a BMW 2.5l straight six might be an idea. It is a bit bigger, but it has a lot more power and that might be well worth it if you start about swapping engines. I only mentioned because the obvious RV8 was mentioned.

[marinacoupe]

The OZ/South African straight six, was the old BL E series ohc engine in 2.6 litre form. It needed chassis strengthening and an extended front valence to squeeze it in, same Is is necessary to get the RV8 in. The OZ version also had stronger suspension uprights and steering arms. They also had to raise the steering rack 30mm to get the bell housing into a bigger transmission tunnel, for the beefier gearbox.

You can see why I am looking for something physically smaller, with around the same power output.

[moggyman]

Dolomite 1850?
The gearbox uses the same casing and it will hook up to the stock prop without too much hassle.

[scimjim]

I stupidly sold my spare Caterham bellhousing and am now thinking about going VVC 160 in the sprint car. I have a bulletproof option if you’re interested in a p/ex - Nissan CA18ET (unknown condition so I would rebuild, no turbo fitted but ECU included) and Nissan 5 speed box?

[pauly22]

With a type 9. Why not fit a 2.0 pinto, they did a 1.8 pinto too if you can find one.

[topcat]

Surely a zetec or K series are the most obvious routes given that you already have a Caterham bellhousing and a Type 9 'box

[xbl]

B234R and and Omega R28 gearbox would give you an instant 250bhp with plenty of scope to improve that of you required.

[Waxoyling Lyrical]

How about the good old Fiat twin cam, available in 1.6, 1.8 or 2.0 -litre forms, with a 5-speed gearbox as standard.

I had a 2-litre one in a Morris Minor and it went pretty well, with effortless torque.

They are quite heavy though, at about 150 kg - slightly lighter than a BMC B-series (that was fitted in some Marinas), IIRC.

[theoldman]

What's wrong with a turbo T-Series? As it is derived from the B-Series it's as near a 'straight swap' as you will ever get.

Is that too obvious/easy?