New engine thoughts

[Jamie.]

One in mine just now is quite tired and knocking slightly on cold. Anyway, it won't last too much longer. So, thoughts?

172 ph1 engine and hubs etc - i.e. full conversion extending beyond engine only. Really like the 172/82 engines myself. From the two rs's I've had both are very smooth and love to be revved. Cons are hassle, time and non original none of which I care about.

Vs standard one rebuild with nice trimmings like reworked head,cams and maybe one or two other bits.

I'll never sell this car so time/cost is ok.

Exterior and looks will always remain standard.

[northy]

Its a easy conversion now Jamie - go for it!

[16v_russ]

Tough choice.

Obviosuly buying a rebuilt 7R or getting someone to build a fresh one for you would technically be easier, as it's just a drop in.

Plus, to be honest my rebuilt 7R that Hill Power did (L765 GYW, Martin bought it off me, and rolled it at Anglsea lol) was very quick - it would run 14.3 add day long at Pos will full interior and spare wheel in, and that had no interior modifications, just breathing mods, a Hill power Chip and a lightened flywheel.


Then again, the 4R is a lovely engine and will pound for pound give more power, but will also behave differently as you know they need revs to get the power.

Me personally I will be rebuilding another 7R for mine at some point - If I can get it somewhere close to my old one il be over the moon, as a prefere the power delivery of the 7R over the 4R, but there is no doubting how quick Mk1's are with the 4R in, and if you way want to get more power at a later date then a 4R would be the choice as near 200bhp is achievable with a decent set of cams, matched inlets and some decent mapping

[fabulicious]

So, thoughts?

The wobba route would be my choice..

[Coops]

F4R isn't a patch on the F7R lump imo, I loved my F7R, best French engine I've driven, its an absolute joy with lovely low down grunt and a feisty pop up the top.

the F4R has to be driven hard, it offers nothing low down and drives very much like a more powerful F7P lump.

imo its no contest, stick with what's there and just lavish some love on a nice rebuild to standard spec and enjoy the experience as Renault intended perhaps if your feeling a bit naughty raise the rev limiter to F7P dizzy heights as well

[sideways danny]

F4R on a williams gearbox = Awesome

Think I'd still go for a lairy F7 in a mk1 though

[16v_paddy]

Rebuilt F7 with trumpets is what I'd suggest

[sideways danny]

I think more people need to experience the brutal 172 and appreciate the F4R for what it CAN do when breathed on right ;)

[Coops]

don't get me wrong, its a quick engine, my 172 in stock trim is faster than any stock F7 series I've driven

I just don't like the delivery from it, you really have to wring its neck, and to further cam it surely that'll pull the power even further up the range?

[Jamie.]

182 is much better for pulling low down.

My dream would be ph1 172 engine, matched inlets, 182 manifold, decat, air filter, exhaust and that would be it. Possibly consider gas flowing the head if I could get it done for right price.