For years we've pondered engines to use in the 126.
That illusive more power and reliablility engine to suit the 126 which isn't easy as the 4 cyl engines I have seen would require cutting and welding and tests and
pain. And handling must take a turn for the worse with the weight of and extra sheep on the back of the car!
You've then got bike engine which are as above...pain, and not much torque to torque about.
Then Steve suggested the RX7/8 engine however there is pain as far as I can see there in poor fuel consumption and the rotors wear. God knows if you'd get a good engine and they seem like black magic to me all that whirly stuff. Not a bad idea at all though and could you imagine, a 126 would go like..
One bike engine looked like a possibility, the BMW twin however the flywheel seems to be recessed into the engine, take a look you will see, it's just not going to work for me with limited funds etc etc.
So you left with tuning the original engine. You could go Steve's route of the turbo. Ok so rocket scientist meets 126 with engineering abilities and resources.
You could go the comercial route buying performance parts...prepare to re-morgage the house. I saw a souped-up engine for £10000 once they say gives something like 80hp.
And the problem with this route is reliability takes a fall. Pictures of broken cranks can be seen often.
But what about...not 2 cyl...not 4 cyl... but maybe 3cyl?
Thing is time passes and newer cares with new engines are now ending up in breakers and flea bay, and for the price of my electronic ignition one could pick-up a 1.0litre 3 cylinder Toyota Aygo engine with what looks like a proper flywheel etc etc.
Surely the pick-ups will go with the engine and coil packs. I'd go old school and bung a carb on the thing and forge some exhaust and inlet manifold stuff on my anvil with the help of some hot coals and hammer.
But I wonder what the opinion is if if it could work?
