Best Engine/Transmission Choice

[schleiky]

I am wondering if there is a consensus on the most compatible engine size, transmission, & gearbox for the Rocket and Sonic 7 kits. Please ignore power, I am just wondering what will be the easiest package to put together with the least amount of modifications.

Can the newer Duratec engine be used in lieu of the Zetec?

Thanks!

[mattsmev]

Hi Schleiky

There is absolutely only one engine that makes any sense at all. No other engine is even worth considering. Unfortunately I am not going to say what that engine is in this thread, please forgive me.

This has been covered in the technical section quite a lot and you will find broad consensus among all the builders there (not). it's worth the time spent reading. You will also find advice on gearboxes and drive shafts.

It sounds like you have thought a bit about what you want the car for and that is a good thing, see what others have done and take the plunge.

Cheers

Mattsmev

[schleiky]

Thanks Mattsmev!

Since I am not an owner yet, I do not have access to the technical section.

I know there are tons of opinions and schools of thought, probably as many as there are kits. Since I will most likely acquire a donor before the kit, I was hoping someone could tell me the exact Zetec engine (1.6, 1.8, or 2.0), transmission, gearbox, & shaft that the Rocket and Sonic were designed for. I am not interested in making lots of mods to make something work.

Also, because of availability of donors in the US market, can the newer Duratec engine be used without mod headaches?

Thanks again.

[Tim Kerr]

If you are looking for the easiest build and not worried about power then in my opinion the 1.6 is the easiest to build. I also think this was the engine that Stuart originally designed the Rocket around.

[mattsmev]

Ooops, sorry schleiky - without access to the technical section i probably sounded very rude, not my intention, I was only being rude in humour, honest.

The joke is that i love my 1.6l zetec, fitted in standard form. Its the least powerful option but still packs a punch, has been easy to fit and easy to live with. Most other builders have gone for bigger engines so i have been defending my choice on this forum for some time. gx160parts and some others have gone to the other extreme with some very powerful rockets now on the road. the Joker has given me a ride in his 2.0l rocket and that was great, more power can only be a good thing. I have also driven dinosaurjuice's oil burner and I loved it.

RTR or MEv will build to suit your engine choice so fitting isnt a big issue, the main advantage of choosing a 1.6, (or a 1.8) is that you get the right gearbox and clutch from a single donor, (the 2.0 box is too big) but even that is no big problem.

this discussion has continued all over this forum since the rocket was first produced. The only certainty is that people will always choose different engines for different reasons. You could even follow dinosaurjuice and fit a diesel engine!

Cheers

Mattsmev