Thinking outside the box - Imp content

Interesting stuff to make a sprightly modern engined Imp.

Clutch disc work looks great but I'd always fear having to replace something like that though I suppose that one could be re-lined when it wears out.

Also I can't believe how solid that shell is!

I know the shell is amazing

Continued searching has brought me to turbo'd Aygos...... www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t62768-0.html

The more I read about these little motors the more I think they might be worth seriously looking into as good motors for modifed small car's in the future.

Hmmm and found this from Rotrex - IQ has same engine

Toyota IQ

Applicable body type: Toyota DBA-KGJ10
Year: December 2008 to current
Engine Type: 1KR-FE 3cyl. 1000cc
Drive train: 2WD(CVT)
Kit Price $3150

Note:
¡The kit is made specifically for Toyota iQ 1KR-FEiCVTj
¡The kit has tested only with 100 octane gasoline
¡Spark plugs need to be replaced with #7
¡Cooler reserve tank needs to be cut and separate from the fan shroud

Stock:
Power: 68ps
Torque: 9.2kgm

With Rotrex C15-16
Power: 85ps
Torque: 11.3kgm



So can up the power and torque a fair bit. With those numbers it'd even be good in something larger which you'd like economy from, rather than speed. Definately going to look a lot more into this!

Just had a look at weights out of interest. An Aygo is 890kg. So 150kg more than an Imp. Or around 20%

But then if you're having to run an aftermarket ECU on where's the advantage of spending more money on a newer engine? You may as well get something that has been around a little while longer with a proven track record. The nineties engines will currently be popular because that is what is in the scrapyards/affordable donor cars

This is my thinking as well stealthstylz. The problem with current ECU's is the CAN system. God even within the OEM its hard sometimes to find someone who can tell you what a warning light is, why something is down on power or even worse change something!

"Downsizing" as it's called, is an industry buzz word at the moment, but it makes a lot of sense. Nice small light engine, that's good on fuel, but with a turbo to give the required performance without any real loss of economy. For me the new Ford Ecotech's will be very important in the modified world in a few years time - these even come in RWD format from Australia with a 6 speed box. And around 230-250bhp stock, and a hell of a lot of torque isn't bad! But the issue is the CAN intergrated ECU, so aftermarket systems will likely be an easier option to get it running, though matching the OEM cal could be an issue.

What makes the little Toyota engine interesting to me is how many are currently in little cheap cars that will be worth nothing in a few years, and the fact that as fair as I know it's not a CAN system car as such. So fitting one electronically speaking is like a late 90's car if you want to use stock ecu, or piggyback with a turbo etc.

I'm thinking of this in the case of someone who want enough power, not crazy amounts. For me 70bhp is plenty in an Imp/Mini. It'll be faster than stock, lots of fun to drive, very good on fuel (I bet circa 60mpg) and reliable. With a turbo it'd be fast, or enough for the next size up, dolly, viva etc Not going to set the world on fire, but more than enough to put a big smile on your face, plus it won't kill the rest of the car, or get you your licence lost! Those wanting big power can just pumb for a 2 litre turbo, and go scare themselves silly!