Engines engines engines

Decisions decisions decisions..

Should I get a new engine or try to rebuild existing>?

Both options would give me strong engines specific for racing and built to last - small block Chevy 350 would be stroked to 383 or 408 - it'd give a reliable 400bhp and 400lbft torque or so. 910 engine would be set up to same spec as the race Esprits in the US to give 500bhp and 400+lbft torque.

Both would be tuned to give nice linear delivery, top endy, willingness to rev out, strong top ends to handle that. Both would be fully balanced and lightened, forged bottom ends etc. Both would be nice - the V8 is the cheaper engine but requirs more installation. Both will come in around 10K fitted. the 910 would be the fastest package - more power + lighter block - Chevy tends to use an iron block - all alloy LS engines tend to fetch big bucks if you want the larger stroke and more power. The LS would probably have the larger torque curve most likely... and the noise of course.

The 910 can be tuned further but not much reliably beyond 600bhp for prolonged circuit use without need for constant rebuilds - V8 can be tuned more easily but as my engine builder says - only 2 circuits where I'd miss any power deficit above 500bhp.. i.e. Thruxton, Snetterton and S'stone to a degree (i.e. Hangar straight). I've no intention to go above 500bhp.. anything above 400bhp is worth the hassle. Intention would be to have either serviced once per annum by the builder to monitor wear.

'Kemp' 910 would also be nice - built by the best 910 engine builder in the UK who prepares drag engines etc. Forged bottom end: crank, H-beam rods, pistons, special cams, verniers, new block, iron liners or modded closed block, p&p and balanced, lightened fly, special cam gear, balanced, dry sumped, uprated gaskets, arp fixers throughout.. etc etc. Counts little for bragging rights but simply gives me the best base engine for racing next year - engine would then be dyno'd, run in and tightened down with my chosen turbo before crating up.

Need to decide on a mechanic to do the install - I'll prb give Dunc first refusal but I wont pass the business if he's snowed as he'll struggle to turn around in time, which he admits himself - inundated with Scobbies and Nissans.

I'd probably switch to a fuel cell and review the fuel pump-to-rail set-up.

All going well the new engine could be ready by end of Sept/Oct - aim to have install complete by end of year and start testing in the new year.