Forum:
Hi everyone,
I'm currently tackling a blown head gasket on my Extol, and was wondering if I might just as well try and pick up a 1500cc 3SZ-VE engine to replace the 1300cc K3-VE. I did toy with the idea of a K3-VET for a while, but they're a bit pricey and there isn't a lot of room between the engine and cross member for the turbo. From what I can gather, the 1500 is pretty much identical, apart from being about 2cm taller. Has anyone else tried swapping these engines? How interchangeable are the ancillaries and wiring, etc.?
Thanks in advance for any help with this.
Easier to fit the K3-VE2 1300
Easier to fit the K3-VE2 1300 from a Sirion? 102bhp.
Sounds like a good option,
Sounds like a good option, but where does the extra 16bhp come from? Because the engine lays flat under the seats, I'd probably have to use both of the original manifolds anyway. Unless the K3-VE2 has greatly improved internals, there might not be any power gain. And, as some might say, there ain't no substitute for cubic inches.
The K3-VE2 runs higher
The K3-VE2 runs higher compression than the K3-VE, and has more agressive cam profiles and ignition timing for better top end power.
Externaly, manifolds etc I believe are the same.
Of course, you would also need to plug in the K3-VE2 ECU to get the benefit.
Why didnt the YRV Turbo have this engine?
Or has it
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
'12' Plate Mazda MX-5 2.0 litre NC 3.5 Venture Roadster 160BHP
'15' Plate SEAT LEON 184 FR TDI. 240BHP/500nm Torque.
Past: '53' Plate Yellow YRV Turbo Approx. 150BHP
You can't run as high
You can't run as high compression with a turbo...would cause serious detonation at anything but low boost levels.
K3-VET runs 8.1 compression, which is about as high as you would want to go.
It also has stronger pistons (forged possibly) and better oil spray onto the underside of pistons for improved cooling.
Ah mystery solved. So best
Ah mystery solved.
So best left in a normal aspirated car then.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
'12' Plate Mazda MX-5 2.0 litre NC 3.5 Venture Roadster 160BHP
'15' Plate SEAT LEON 184 FR TDI. 240BHP/500nm Torque.
Past: '53' Plate Yellow YRV Turbo Approx. 150BHP
I think a manual gearbox
I think a manual gearbox conversion into YRV Turbo is probably the way to go to really make it more zippy without the need of tuning for more power.
Yes granted it may not last forever with the torque, but second hand K3-VE/2 boxes are going to be far easier and cheaper to find. And in some ways it's better than the fear of the autobox playing up, and that odd brief slipping sensation that they seem to do even when standard power.
Special heavy duty racing gearbox oil (Redline shockproof) would help the manual gearbox survive a reasonable time I think.
A custom lightweight flywheel could also be fitted.
How to spot a K3-VE2?
Thanks guys, this has made my options a bit clearer. I know someone who has a K3 from a Sirion, but he doesn't know if it's a VE or a VE2. How do you tell the difference?