Just flying a kite here

[DonkeyApple]

Looking for some constructive comments from people in the know.

With an S3 Esprit what are the common problems?

What are the parts that are hard to source?

And what are the common engine transplants for Philistines?

I saw an article once on the Audi V8 which seemed interesting but wondering if there are smaller modern units people have used etc?

TIA

[Oilchange]

There have been a few, early ones were Rover V8's in the main, then that Audi and a Ford/Jag V6 popped up.
I think there's a chap in the states who's put a v12 in one but I'm not sure if it's on the road yet, major modification to the car though.

[WayneB]

BMW V12
Ford SHO V6
Buick Grand National turbo V6
Audi V8
Chevrolet V8
Cosworth Sierra DOHC 4
Chrysler Turbo 4
Lotus 918 V8
Ford Duratec V6
Buick/Rover V8

Those are a few off the top of my head that have been attempted , some are even running on the road ATM.

Biggest (and most expensive) problem is finding a transaxle to reliably take the extra power, I doubt the Citroen transaxle will survive long behind the BMW V12 or the Buick GN, and the Renault would last 5 mins behind a heathy 350 Chevrolet.

An interesting swap would be a Maserati V6 as used in the Citroen SM and the Merak, not for the power or reliabilty, but the fantastic sound that engine produces.

Probably the worst swap done was a PRV Douvrin V6, the ironic fact was Lotus Engineering carried that one out (Delorean Prototype)

Edited by WayneB on Monday 18th June 19:20

[DonkeyApple]

Thanks. Several people have said just use a Porsche G50 transaxle as some Ultimate builds do.

I guess if Ultimas use them then there are adaptor plates for the engines they use.

In a way a V8 wouldn't appeal for the same reason you mention the Maserati engine, I think a V8 rumble may not suit the look of the car.

Not really wanting mega power either. 300 bhp with good torque would be fine.

The real driver is whether you can rebuild an S2/3 to be a very reliable occasional car.

I'd want to avoid a mega project.

Maybe the original engine is absolutely fine for this if it has a modern management system and running gear?

This is where I really need some advice. I'm sure all the running gear can be upgraded as can the management system but I know nothing of the original engine and whether it's robust to be sat for a while and then monumentally hammered when in use?

I wonder if a Ford Duratec the like they use in Caterhams and other similar cars which are clearly very pokey engines that can take a thrashing might be the right idea?

Are there other parts of the car that just never work or are prone to failure and a bigger to replace/fix such as pop up lamps etc?

[V8 FOU]

How about a Duratec V6? Probably a better bet than the i4.
Would sound good too. You'd need an adaptor plate to the gearbox and the Renault 'box would take it if you used the V8 version or did the upgrade which will take loads of power.