Dave - You're right, I should have mentioned my intentions. Storming through twisty mountain roads (a bunch of them here in western North Carolina) and the occasional auto-x is what I have in mind. Course cones are one thing but a track day and the possibility of trading paint with another novice racer like myself is somewhere south of appealing. Also, drag racing is not a consideration...the occasional stop light to stop light grand prix is fine but if I really wanted to go drag racing, I'd probably choose a different platform than the Mini.
I have been working on a blueprint of a front engine RWD configuration featuring a Honda F20 (gotta love those high revs) but needless to say there are numerous obstacles to wrestle with,
not the least of which is space. The necessary engine setback really cramps up the pedal box area and requires a substantial rearward placement of the driver's seat (nothing quite like having the B pillar in the middle of your side vision). There's also the concern of having so much weight above the front axle centerline (seems like a recipe for understeer). Then you get to the back end: a live axle rear adds unsprung weight and designing such a narrow IRS seems quite complicated. I haven't ruled out the possibility but KB's mid-engine Kimini build is seriously capturing my attention.
As far as K20 vs J series packaging is concerned - it's more or less a wash. The engine placement and weight distribution should be fairly comparable.
So I guess I come back to the comparison. As you've noted, the HP/lb comparison favors the K20 but the torque disparity is pretty large. My intended usage would seem to welcome the additional torque however considering the goal weight (under 2000 lbs with 1/2 tank of fuel and me in the driver's seat), at what point is the additional torque just a tire smoking device?
davew wrote:
A simple comparison 200/405 = .493 HP/lb. Vs 255/550 = .436 HP/lb. The V6 will also have additional wt such as cooling and exhaust systems.
BUTT
what is the main use? drag racing or driving down back country roads.
The real question is Torque, what is the best advantage for your selected application, acceleration or handling.
If you are racing, torque typically wins.
Another BUTT, is packaging and wt distribution.
I would start the decision process by making a list of needs, wants and goals.
Than look at the technical aspect and est cost for each item.
A little up front planning in any project goes a long way.
Dave W