Engine question for the general community-not BRZ/FRS related

[CoolHandMoss]

An idea has gotten stuck in my mind about building a car to race in a higher prep class. I've been exploring engine options trying to see if I can find an engine that would fit the rules and give me a good competitive advantage in this class. Long explanation made short, the rules end up allowing me any engine sold in the states in any Ford or Mazda. Any year. For reasons, I am looking for such an engine that has a displacement of 1.5L OR LESS. No more than 1.5L. Inline 4 cylinder only. Can't use a rotary unfortunately. That would be the obvious one to go with if I could. 4-valve, 2-valve, carbureted or FI, OHC or pushrod, doesn't really matter. It doesn't need to be high performance necessarily but something with an aftermarket is definitely a plus, as is an engine that was sold in high volumes. Also, it does need to be reasonably attainable. I need to be able to put my hands on at least two. Nothing sold only in a forced induction format will work either.

So far I have found good options that were, as far as I can tell so far, never sold in the states such as engines from the Mazda 121, Mazda 2, Ford Escort, and Ford Fiesta. So far it looks like the USDM has always gotten the larger engine options and not so many smaller engine options have been sold here. The Miata 1.6 is almost an option but even if I take a power hit, something smaller, particularly if it does happen to have 2 valves per cylinder, can end up being an advantage with the particular build I am considering. The one most appealing option I have found so far is the Mazda B3 1.3l out of the Ford Festiva. Though I think I can find something better than that.

If anything comes to anyone's mind in this matter, please do throw it out there. Seriously it does not need to be a special engine in any way. The advantage comes from the small displacement, though I hope to find something that I can squeeze at least about 125 hp out of. I appreciate any ideas.

[Kiske]

I wouldn't say it is a good engine but what about the Mazda 1.5l Skyactiv-G. It is sold in the US in the Toyota Yaris/Scion iA and in the ND Miata elsewhere.

The FWD Yaris Version: 110hp and 105lb/ft.
The RWD ND Miata Version: 129hp and 111lb/ft.

[humfrz]

Yep, I agree with @Kiske

1.5 L SkyActiv-G (P5-VPS) DOHC I4 would be a good choice.


humfrz