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BMW or other Modern engine-What would you use?

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christophe

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I have a very unoriginal 100-4 bn1 with a chevy v8. While Chevy engines are great for some cars, it looks very out of place in the Healey. Last night I found myself looking on the internet for modern, or somewhat recent inline 6 engines to use in the BN1. What i found, or think i have found, is that a 2004ish BMW M3 engine looks like it might fit nicely into the Healey and with 333hp, that should give it quite the kick.
I found a few pictures of Austin-Healey's with BMW 325 engines, but not many. So, if you had a very non original car, what engine would you use? Anybody have links to modern engines used in Austin-Healey's?

Thanks
Chris
 
I like Norm Rest's SHO V-6: https://www.britishv8.org/Other/NormanRest.htm

Toyota Supra: https://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?4,6342

M3 motor in a TR6: https://bringatrailer.com/2011/08/21/ultimate-motoring-machine-bmw-powered-1973-triumph-tr6/

Toyota Supra in MGC: https://forum.britishv8.org/read.php?13,8518

If the car's already set up for a small block Chevy and I wanted a more modern engine, I'd be looking at an LS-1 or similar. Otherwise, sticking with the SBC that's already there is pretty period correct. Here's a SBC powered 100 from the '59 Oakland Roadster show:

206j8r4.jpg
 
I would stick to a American V-8 such as a power plant from a mustang...don't ask me why, but I always felt a ford V-8 was a natural for a Healey because of the association Between Carol Shelby and Donald Healey. It just seems to look right sitting in there at least in my eyes. One of the more radical conversions was a Supercharged E-type motor stuffed into a 100 Healey by one of the British Car Forums members, I think it was Frameman from Jule enterprise?? It was impressive!
 
I have always been impressed with the nasty boy's skill in wedging v-8's into Healeys. But the fact is the Healey was really designed for an in-line engine. I have wondered why more nasties haven't tried to use some of the many great modern in-line engines out there.

Most of the Japanese manufacturers make 2.5 liter fours, many with DOHC or other performance features. They also have straight sixes in the 3.0-3.5 liter range. Most of these engines are available used on-line for very reasonable prices. I think any could make a very nice performance engine for a Healey. As would your BMW engine.

Then there is always the Chrysler slant six, it looks like it could fit in the Healey just like a 300SL engine!

Go for it!
 
drambuie said:
I would stick to a American V-8 such as a power plant from a mustang...don't ask me why, but I always felt a ford V-8 was a natural for a Healey because of the association Between Carol Shelby and Donald Healey. It just seems to look right sitting in there at least in my eyes.
Click to expand...

Me, too :thumbsup:
BritishCarDay6-23-13152_zps8644fe22.jpg
 
Thanks for the replies and links. I was enjoying seeing pictures of the M3 placed in british cars because it looks very much at home to me. Not knocking the American V8s, but to me, they just look out of place. However, they would look at home with side draft webers or stacks.
 
There is a TR6 with a modern BMW 6 in it, I agree with Derek, a modern motor with the big plastic cam cover like they make them just doesn't look right to me in a painted metal and chrome old sports car. So for me it is not so much the configuration but the look, have seen so many old small block Fords in old Austin Healeys that it looks pretty normal to me. I always think the Buick/Rover aluminum block V-8 is a great choice for old British sports cars, light weight, more power, but not so much that it is likely to overwhelm the chassis. If you like SUs I believe the Rover versions came with dual SUs. I have a friend with the Rover V-8 in an MGB-GT, very professionally done, and makes a great package.
 
christophe said:
I have a very unoriginal 100-4 bn1 with a chevy v8. While Chevy engines are great for some cars, it looks very out of place in the Healey. Last night I found myself looking on the internet for modern, or somewhat recent inline 6 engines to use in the BN1. What i found, or think i have found, is that a 2004ish BMW M3 engine looks like it might fit nicely into the Healey and with 333hp, that should give it quite the kick.
I found a few pictures of Austin-Healey's with BMW 325 engines, but not many. So, if you had a very non original car, what engine would you use? Anybody have links to modern engines used in Austin-Healey's?

Thanks
Chris
Click to expand...
I saw a Chevy 6 cylinder in a Healey in the late '70's and it fit really good and was easily uprated to 175hp plus.
 
christophe said:
Thanks for the replies and links. I was enjoying seeing pictures of the M3 placed in british cars because it looks very much at home to me.
Click to expand...

How about the Chevy Vortec 4200? I'm thinking that might be what my old MGB GT is going to get - some day. Aluminum block straight 6 with 250+ hp seems like a good fit.
 
I have thought about the BMW S-54 engine (used in 2000 - 2006 E-46 ///M3, 2001 - 2002 ///M Coupe/Rdstr & 2006 - 2008 Z4///M Coupe/Rdstr) ever since I got my 2001 ///M Rdstr; same engine that the original poster suggested.

It would have to be installed more upright, as there isn't room to lay one over like its intended fitment. To this end, I already have the basis for the modified sump required; salvaged from a damaged oil pan, this could be used to fabricate one more a more upright installation.

This engine came out of a wrecked M3 racecar:

IMG_3184.jpg


IMG_3186.jpg


IMG_3541.jpg


IMG_3544.jpg


IMG_3545.jpg


I think that the engine would still require a slight starboard tilt, as ther aren't any oil drain-back ducts on the port side.

Then, you'd have to get the gearbox mounting rotated X#/degrees for the manual shift lever to be vertical__or tailor the swap around the SMG electro/hydraulic manual xmsn__with steering column-mounted paddle shifters...

If you decide to go this route, I can certainly help you with updating/upgrading an S-54 engine; one (1) finished engine ready to ship (picked up yesterday, in fact) and another one (1) ready to get the same treatment (all polymer coated internal/external pieces, including dry-film lubricants, thermal barriers and thermal dispersants):

IMG_8999.jpg
 
Hot Wings said:
How about the Chevy Vortec 4200? I'm thinking that might be what my old MGB GT is going to get - some day. Aluminum block straight 6 with 250+ hp seems like a good fit.
Click to expand...


Interesting and it looks like it sits vertical without any tilt. HOwever, i cant find any for sale to see what they normally go for.
 
Thanks Randy! Im assuming the 325I engine is the same and is tilted as well. I was worried about the tilt, but still thought it would fit. hmmmm, bummer!
 
Those beemer conversions are amazing, incredible work with space management. I am thoroughly impressed. But getting back to reality, there are a ton of readily available 60 degree V-6's in the 3.5 liter range around. Might these not fit rather well and even leave some room for a radiator, your feet and exhaust manifolds?
 
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