So, I finally managed a factory visit and spent a good couple of hours with Craig and Lydia. Such great people and generous with their time. It’s been a couple of weeks since the visit and I’ve decided on the GR engine. A few reasons I eventually went Toyota. Reliability. Availability and I have someone that can supply the engine with or without upgrades.
Each year we (myself and a few friends) compete in the Race of Remembrance. The chap that prepares the cars and runs the team on the day(s) also has great experience of building the GR2-FE engine for competing in 24 hour races.
After discussions with him I am seeing if I can get an engine that has Cosworth internals and head that has an increased capacity to 4 liters. There are a couple of variations with 400 bhp or 440bhp but would be slightly detuned for longevity. Availability of a prepared engine may be an issue but he is looking into it. A slight compromise would be a hybrid of having a 3.5l bottom end (that is easily rebuilt if required) with the Cosworth top end.
After seeing 2 cars at the factory next to each other, one with 15 inch wheels and 1 with the larger 16/17” combination it has to be the 15” wheels.
As regarding getting a turnkey car, I have always wanted to build a car. I realise that my skills will not allow me the engine and gearbox fit but I’m really looking forward to get it to the rolling chassis stage.
It’s just the timing now so it may be that I will have an engine and gearbox sat in the games room before a chassis arrives but I feel there is a plan coming together.