Superlite Roadster....

I am already sourcing parts for the SRT-4 drivetrain I'm going to use to power it. I think I'm going to just put a stock drivetrain in it to begin with and upgrade later. I figure that engine will be enough power for a little bit until I get used to it, then it's on to MORE POWER! !

One thing I like about the SRT-4 is good HP for the dollar. 3-4k for 230 hp is cheap compared to the 6k for k20 Honda at 220 hp, all used engines.
 

Brian Hamilton

I'm on the verge of touching myself inappropriatel
Well the V6 is an awesome idea. I'd think putting the Nissan 3.5 V6 from a Maxima with a 6-speed would be insane. Especially if you supercharged or turbocharged it. Hell prolly just NA it would be incredible. BUT, you added weight. This whole concept is less weight go faster, as I have always said to people. If you go with the lightest engine you can find that makes the most power, then you're golden. I'd love to throw the SRT4 engine in the back of this thing with a fat turbo and make 500 RWHP in a car that weighs 1300 lbs with a full tank of gas. Imagine the people you'd piss off in that thing!!! That's what I'm aiming for.

rockonsmile

Brian
 

Brian Hamilton

I'm on the verge of touching myself inappropriatel
Wow the electric version makes me sick to my stomach

Has anyone ever thought of using a Mr2 3sgte?

Isn't that the supercharged engine they used in the 87-89 MR2's? I dunno about that engine. The way they have the supercharger setup is a little weird to me, but I'm sure it'd make awesome power. They actually have a clutch on the front of that supercharger that engages when the engine vacuum is at a certain point. I forgot exactly what it's set at, but whatever. Haha As Fran mentioned, this car will accept just about any FWD engine/transmission setup. I'm sure the MR2 is setup pretty much the same way so I don't see a problem with it. Get after it!!!
 

Brian Hamilton

I'm on the verge of touching myself inappropriatel
Be nice to see some domestic power in these cool little cars..

Ya know Chevy makes the Impalla SS with the 5.3L V8 up front driving the front wheels. Maybe the good ol LS1 with that transaxle? Well, the Cadillacs have nice V8's up front driving the front tires also. Hehehe. Cobalt SS also has the nice 2.0 supercharged Ecotec, now that I think about it... The Saturn Sky Redline and Pontiac Solstice EXP are turbocharged versions of that engine, bet they'd bolt up to the Cobalt transaxle. I'm more of a turbo fan than supercharger due to just efficiency. But that's me. ANYWAY... Yes, there are quite a few different engines/transaxles that could be used. What's the name of those transaxles all the Fiero guys use when they're throwing lateral mounted V8's in the ass end of those cars? I know they have manual transaxles available for those swaps. Hhhhmmm
 
I have located a Ecotec engine package for the Superlite Roadster. It might be lacking in the HP area but it a start for a NEW turn key engine package.

Ecotec New 170hp = $7500 + Shipping

-New Manual 5 Trans, Clutch
-Engine Wiring Harness
-ECU
-Warranty
-Dyno Report
-Fuel System
-Turn Key

-Gears (M86 )
1rst - 3.58
2nd - 2.02
3rd - 1.35
4th - .98
5th - .69
Final - 3.94

attachment.php
 

Randy V

Moderator-Admin
Staff member
Admin
Lifetime Supporter
What about the 3.0 and 3.2L V6 Ford Taurus SHO and 5 speed manual?
Twin Hair-Dryers on one of those engines would make an absolute screamer!

I don't think that the 3.4L V8 Taurus SHO was available with the standard trans but that's not to say that it could not be mated to one... :)
 

marc

Lifetime Supporter
High horse with low torque is great for a light car like the SLC, so it won't burn the tires up trying to hook up. a stressed light weight engine with DOHC would do well.

Or if you could keep the heads on it what about a 1.8L TDI with a compound turbo config. A little black smoke couldn't hurt.

I think a Genesis motor is perfect for the SLC.
 
I just sent my deposit yesterday for an SL-R, and am getting ready to buy an engine to ship for fitment. I'm leaning towards the Honda K20Z1 if I can find one with a 6 speed trans with an LSD fitted. It seems that the prices are around $4-5k for a used one with around 20k miles... 200 hp NA and easily 300 with a centrifugal SC or a turbo. Plenty of power to me. I'm psyched about this car, and plan on going up to the shop in a few weeks to select a color for the body panels.:pepper:
BT
 

Brian Hamilton

I'm on the verge of touching myself inappropriatel
Congrats Bill!!!

I'm still waiting to see Fran's other body's. I mean I've seen 2 of them in person, but I want to see the finished product of the 2nd one, and the 3rd one. I am certainly getting one of these as soon as I have the money. I have local friends talking about building these "fast" cars that will handle and they're only spending $30k on the project from a rolling chassis of a car. I tell them I'll spend about $10k less than them and have a car faster and cooler looking than the Mustang they're building. Now I just need the $16k for the car and the other $4k for the drivetrain. Hehe
Looking forward to the build Bill, plus your initial reactions from your drive. I'd bet you could have the whole thing running inside a weekend. You must be stoked!!

Laters,

Brian
 
Hope to have a demo SL-R here in Australia in April.

Currently looking for suitable engine choices.

Lancer Evo(Eclipse,Galant) 4G63 Turbo 2lt DOHC engine looks attractive for ADR 37/01 emissions.

The 4G63 is readily available, well priced and has been produced over quite a few years. Front cuts start at around AU$2500.

It's not too difficult to plate over the AWD output.

The engines cope well with the lack of oil changes/lack of servicing that is common with jap imports.

There is an abundant of aftermarket parts & tuning knowledge.

The Honda engines are also attractive, but from experience they really need to be well serviced for longevity & reliability and that just doesn't happen with a lot of jap imports.
 
I have located an engine in Portland (K20Z3) that will be around $4k shipped to Fran. Fran will be receiving the tires either today or tomorrow. They are 225/45-17 front and 245/45-17 rear Potenza RE-01R. The total cost from Tire Rack was about $670 including shipping. I think the car will have plenty of stick with this setup...
:pepper:
BT
 

Brian Hamilton

I'm on the verge of touching myself inappropriatel
Fran will be receiving the tires either today or tomorrow. They are 225/45-17 front and 245/45-17 rear Potenza RE-01R. The total cost from Tire Rack was about $670 including shipping. I think the car will have plenty of stick with this setup...
:pepper:
BT


Absolutely you will!! I worked for Firestone for 2 years and they are always on top of us for education on new products. I remember when the RE-01R came out and we got to learn all about it. It's a pretty sweet setup. The tire is actually 2 rubber compounds. The top is a high grip street compound that has decent wear characteristics. The layer under that is a super high grip racing compound that is all about grip. That center rib is all race compound in order to gain the most grip. There is also hydro-evacuation system which are small steps inside the sipes of the tire. They break up the boundary layer and allow water to get out from under and off of the tire extremely quickly. There's some other really cool stuff in those tires, but they are insane. We never got anyone who really wanted to put them on their car, so you'll have to let me know how they work for ya. I'm interested in your whole setup man!! Keep us informed!!

Laters,

Brian
 
Bill, how old is that K20Z3 you have found? It looks like they have only been around for a few years. For $4k did it come with everything ecu, wiring loom etc.

That's looking like a bargain.

I've been looking at engines that are 10+ years old.

Agree with the tires, nice choice. That's seriously good value compared to buying them locally here.
 
The K20Z3 I bought is a 2006 engine with about 40k miles on it. The miles don't bother me at all since I think the engine is good for at least 150k, and I won't be driving the SL-R everyday. The price was $3950 plus $250 shipping for a total of $4200. It includes the engine (rated at 200hp), 6 speed LSD equipped trans, ECU with complete wiring loom, immobilizer module, ignition, A/C compressor, power steering pump, starter, alternator, all sensors, drive shafts, shifter, Drive by wire pedal unit, intake, exhaust manifold (collector), key with remote, all drive belts and mounts. It seems to be a pretty complete swap setup. The company seems really nice to deal with. I worked with a guy named "Al" from Auto Adventure - Portland's Largest Indoor Honda, Acura, Toyota, Subaru, Nissan, Lexus, Mitsubishi Recycled Parts Warehouse . They are in Portland, Oregon and their number is (800) 351-0084.
I think the email I got from al was [email protected] IIRC.
Smokin' deal!
 
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