LocostUSA.com

Hi all,

My goal is to make around 150 horsepower and use NOS to boost power.

So I have been searching for 4 cylinder RWD 5 speed powertrains.

I am wondering if I can use the powertrain from those old japanese small pickup trucks, such as Mazda B2200, Mitsubishi mighty max, Nissan, toyota?

What would be the issue? Engine lack high end torque>?

The only real (or imagined) downside is some of the pieces may be a little heavier than is needed for a Locost, but there have been a few truck based builds here that turned out just fine. Check out hilux's build at http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=35&t=18193

_________________
Mike - Read my story at http://twinlakesseven.blogspot.com/

The first potential problem I see with using a "mini-truck" engine is the shape of the oil pan, mini-trucks tend to have a deep narrow pan.
There are other minor differences, for example if you use a KA24 engine I'd recommend using one out of a passenger car because they have a crank girdle but the ones in trucks don't.

_________________
"There are times when a broken tool is better than a sound one, or a twisted personality more useful than a whole one.
For instance, a whole beer bottle isn't half the weapon that half a beer bottle is ..." Randall Garrett

I had a '86 Mazda B2000 - low reving motor. Gearbox was nice and slick though. Six bolt wheels make wheel selection tougher.

I used a 79 toyota pickup drivetrain for mine. The height of the engine makes using off the shelf nose cones and scuttles difficult without a hood scoop. Check my build thread for more info: viewtopic.php?f=35&t=18193

_________________
If you have time to clean your shop, you don't have enough interesting projects to work on.

Build Log

Depending on how "old" you want to go, and how much nitrous you want to add, there are certainly some good ones. 90's toyota RZ are very stout and if I wanted 200-400-600hp that would be one of my first "truck donor" 4cyl picks.

Kia Sportage 2.0 Mazda engine is a good one and often can be found very cheap.

My recomendation would be don't go the NOS route. At this stage you can probably get to around 200 hp without too much additional cost. Certainly less than adding a NOS system. Then you always have the power and it is reliable. I am learning very quickly that if you want power the best way to do it is start with an engine that makes the power you want. Nearly every aftermarket part I buy is lower quality the the OEM part it replaces and adds a point of failure.

One of the guys on here bought an S2000 kept engine, running gear and everything he needed, then turned a profit selling the other parts of the wrecked car.

_________________
2015 & 2016 EMod Florida State Autocross Champion
2013 & 2014 DSP Florida State Autocross Champion

Scrap Metal Build Log viewtopic.php?f=35&t=14558