How common are second-hand 1.8 engines?

[StuwieP]

As the subject.

I'm hoping, within the next 12-18 months to be in a position to get my hands on either a BP-4W or BP-Z3 to then give to Dann as the sort of final step in building up my rattly old NA6 into something a bit swifter.

It seems to be a common route, and given Dann's been working on the VVT engines and doing good work, I'm not fussed which of the 1.8s I end up with, but I don't really have my ear to the ground as far as sourcing the engine.

Long story short - I've got a potential line on a BP-Z3 (and drivetrain). It's too early as far as my plan/budget goes, and I've not really got anywhere to store it, but if they don't come up so often, I don't want to pass over it now and struggle to find an engine/drivetrain later.

On the other hand, if they come up relatively often, it would be silly to go after this one so early...

/Help?

[3gress]

Quite common for complete engine blocks to be about. I could list probably 15/20 engines i know of right now.
Later svt complete engines are a little harder but still nothing to have to preserve or snap up quickly like, say a BDA or lotus cortina engine.
If the block is going to have aftermaket parts poured into it by nitrodann you are perhaps better off sourcing a short block from an astina, going for the later engines with solid lifters...96/97 onwards? (Project.r...would know this) or finding the larger high port svt head and sundry parts seperately.
I bought a complete svt engine but took only the short block and dismissed the head for example.
I know of a few nra8 complete blocks and some rarish assemblies kicking about...

[manga_blue]

MX5 = forged crank. Astina = cast crank. Is that right?

[3gress]

Nah, astina is forged too. Also ford lazer, lynx etc engine blocks are sitting everywhere in wreckers now.
I am around 50ft away from about 5 later high port engines and some really nice jap spec stuff as I type..
Pm me OP and I'll get you in touch, transport down south would be an issue though, sitting in maroon colored enemy territory presently..

[hks_kansei]

My understanding is that the only internal; differences to the blocks (other than compression ratios) was when you got to the Familia GTR or GTX blocks (cant remember which), which I believe came with forged rods, plus a few other small changes to oiling and stuff.

Not sure if the Laser TX3 had the forged rods either (doubt it)

[StuwieP]

Thanks all. Plenty to think about, and none of it to hurry about

Suspect I've got plenty of time to read up on which choices to make between now and pulling the trigger on the engine side of things.