The four cylinder engine was powerful and could move the car from 0-60 mph in 11.2 seconds. On top of that, the car still got 22.5 miles per gallon! Unfortunately, my Austin Healey didn't come with this engine or transmission (a three speed with overdrive). In fact, the last engine to be in the car was a Chevy 350 V8 (the previous owners butchered parts of the car to fit it in).
Before starting this restoration project, I had decided to use a Chevy V6 4.3 liter engine with a five speed manual transmission.
This Chevy V6 has many advantages. First, the engine is readily available, which means a lower cost. I should be able to find a good engine and transmission for about $600 to $800. Replacement parts are also readily and cheaply available. Second, this engine, unlike the V8, fits very well in the Austin Healey. Lastly, the engine does increase the power of the car. The V6 will move the car along very quickly (which is both a pro and a con).
The only disadvantage the Chevy V6 has it that it significantly decreases the value of the car. According to several experts, it decreases the value somewhere between $30k to $40k. Now I am in a dilemma, which engine do I choose?
I love the look, idea, and added value of the original four cylinder engine. However, I am not thrilled about the cost, as it will cost approximately $15k to $17k to install a rebuilt engine and transmission. Currently, my plan is still to use the Chevy V6 because my budget doesn't allow me to consider the original engine. Though once the car is finished, I can look into saving my money to get the original engine and transmission. I may put the original engine and transmission in my five-year plan.
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