What Are The Most Underrated Engines, Oppo?

"TheHondaBro" (wwaveform) 11/22/2014 at 11:07 • Filed to: engines

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I'm talking engines that are better than we might be expecting, engines that we might be overlooking simply because the car it's in might not be captivating enough.

Take the Honda J-series V6s, or any Japanese V6 engine put in a family car. These engines are not only built extremely well, but they sure do growl when you play with the throttle, and they can pull. We only ignore them because they're mounted in a boring Camry or Accord.

So what is it, Oppo? Most underrated engines?

Rainbow > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 11:09

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Coming from someone who wants to put a 'Busa in EVERYTHING, I'd say all other motorcycle engines. Nobody puts THOSE in golf carts.

Thunderface > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 11:10

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Ford's 4.6L Modular V8

-runs for ever

-makes lots of power with (relatively) cheap mods

-cheap to run/maintain

-is found in everything Ford made (almost)

Vimto > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 11:12

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Ford Modular 4.6 was already mentioned, so I'm going to go with the Toyota 2.7. Bulletproof truck motor that sounds a lot bigger than it is.

BlazinAce - Doctor of Internal Combustion > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 11:16

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Fiat Twin Cam. It's not as much underrated as it is kind of obscure nowadays, in some circles at least. Designed in 1966, it was pretty advanced for its time, so much so it was used in several Fiats and Lancias until 1995. It's also the engine with the most Rally championship wins, so it's a shame people these days just go "huh?" when you talk about it...

jkm7680 > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 11:18

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Audi's 2.8 V6 (12v) From '94 to '97 on A4 models and on a couple other models.

Probably the most reliable non-diesel VAG engine. They run forever, start up in the cold no problem, Rev nicely, and are nice and peppy.

BrownMiataDieselWagon > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 11:25

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More specifically, J35Yx (Y Earth Dreams) Honda Engines. Direct Injection mucho bueno.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Thunderface 11/22/2014 at 11:28

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But its not underrated. Plenty of people praise it already, in my opinion.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 11:36

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I would love to say the L98 TPI 350, but I gotta go with the 3800 Series II. Specifically, the 3800 Series II Supercharged. Pretty decent power stock, and it has tons of mod potential to make it even quicker. Not to mention, they are reliable as fuck, and will last for quite a long time. So long, in fact, that GM had to cancel production on it because they weren't getting enough money off of repairs.

TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 11:42

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Fords Cologne V6. You could have in 2.0, 2.3, 2.6 and 2.8 sizes. Nearly bomb proof and make some surprising power figures. And one of the best exhaust notes in the world if you massage it a bit.

Thunderface > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 11/22/2014 at 11:45

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MOAR PRAISE PLS

lonestranger > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts 11/22/2014 at 11:46

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... and 2.9 and 4.0 sizes.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 11:49

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GM's Atlas I-5's and I-6's. Great engines, yet everyone seems to forget they exist.

dogisbadob > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 11:51

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as long as you avoid VCM the engine is fine

dogisbadob > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 11:52

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The problem is that the transmissions mated to these motors are utter shit.

The best application of the J35 is the Saturn Vue haha

dogisbadob > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 11/22/2014 at 11:55

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Hell yeah the Atlas I6 is awesome. Too bad GM stopped making it. The Atlas should have replaced the V6's in all their RWD trucks (not the transverse FWD crossovers since that'd be impossible). They just need to make it alum block, SOHC and DOHC versions, maybe 5v per cylinder, too. A twin-turbo I6 could make over 500 hp out of its 4.2L displacement.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > Thunderface 11/22/2014 at 11:56

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But it already has enough praise from Mustang-Bros and Panther enthusiasts!

dogisbadob > dogisbadob 11/22/2014 at 11:56

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it appears I can't edit :(

Zoom > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 12:08

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Chrysler's 3.5 V-6. Rated at 265 hp in '98 whan it debuted in the Gen II LH. Still used today in the RWD LX. Bullit proof engine. Owned one in an '03 Intrepid SXT, pulled hard to the MPH limiter (120) at 225,000 miles.

Overshadowed by the mistake that was the 2.7 in the Intrepid. All FWD 300m (Gen II LH) bodies that live today are still around because of this engine.

Thunderface > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 11/22/2014 at 12:10

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Lol ik but still

FalconHoon > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 12:11

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Zoom > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 11/22/2014 at 12:12

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I loved the 285 hp 4.2 in the Trailblazer, et al. But I thought the I-5 was a weak waste of time. It sucked in the Colorado, if this is the same engine.

FalconHoon > dogisbadob 11/22/2014 at 12:15

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You say impossible, I say Volvo.
Traverse mounted FWD, 2.9 Liter Twin Turbocharged DOHC 24 Valve Inline 6 Cylinder Engine

FalconHoon > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 11/22/2014 at 12:16

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It made an appearance in Australia too.

If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent > Zoom 11/22/2014 at 12:18

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The 3700 I5 puts out 242hp and 242 torques. That's much better than the highly regarded Jeep 4.0 with one cylinder and 300cc less.

FalconHoon > Rainbow 11/22/2014 at 12:19

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Literally two seconds of google has turned up an R1 Golf Cart:

And one powered by a GSXR750

dogisbadob > FalconHoon 11/22/2014 at 12:19

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Yeah, but Atlas is much bigger than that though, and 4.2L

Vicente Esteve > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 12:27

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No one gives the VR6 in the Passat a serious look or even interest. Even when it can sound like this

crowmolly > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 11/22/2014 at 12:31

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Yeah, but I don't think they are underrated. I drove an L67 for 13 years and the aftermarket support/community were booming.

I always liked the fact that you didn't have to crack a gasket to add 60-75hp to the engine.

Goshen, formerly Darkcode > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 12:33

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Since we were discussing it just the other day. A Cosworth version of this engine produced 370 hp. Had GM fit it in their '80s coupés everyone would be drooling over it.

Zoom > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 11/22/2014 at 12:35

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I've owned a lot of Jeeps....and the I-5 in the Colorado feels like a pig in comparison.

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 13:06

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I5's that VW put in so many cars over their lifespan.

One such example is the 2.5 I-5 in the jetta 2.5SE. It delivers all it's push higher up in the range, with peak torque coming in at just over 4200RPM, and I'm sure that the 170ft-lb number is conservative. It also has a very distinct growl to it when you get on it! Couple that with a very smooth 5-speed box (with an admittedly, overly light clutch) and you have a very fun compact car that isn't a bad performer overall!

(yes, there's an engine under that plastic... somewhere..)

CPT Speedbump > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 13:08

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The Toyota 1UZ, pretty much a V8 version of the famous JZ engines, in the way it can hold a butt load of boost and make a butt load of power stock, but for some reason the JZ's still get all the attention.

SlickMcRick > dogisbadob 11/22/2014 at 13:11

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What J35 are you talking about? They're in Accords and the 6spd is amazing in all ways.

Rainbow > FalconHoon 11/22/2014 at 13:18

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I don't mean that literally, you know.

TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H! > TheVancen- In Pursuit of a Greater Payday and Car Parts 11/22/2014 at 13:31

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As the owner of a broken 2.9, I disagree.

TheLOUDMUSIC- Put it in H! > lonestranger 11/22/2014 at 13:32

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And the 4.0 is the only good one.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > dogisbadob 11/22/2014 at 13:54

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The Trailblazer SS was originally planned to have a sequential turbo Atlas.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > If only EssExTee could be so grossly incandescent 11/22/2014 at 13:55

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And it sounds SOOOO much better.

dogisbadob > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 11/22/2014 at 14:01

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Oh wow I never knew that! Too bad it never happened though :(

dogisbadob > SlickMcRick 11/22/2014 at 14:02

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You didn't know that the Satutn Vue used that Honda V6? It debuted in the Vue Redline, and then the following year it was standard on all V6 Vues. J35A3

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > FalconHoon 11/22/2014 at 14:17

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They put it in the right direction in Australia? Didn't know that.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Zoom 11/22/2014 at 14:18

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They stop using the 3.5 in 2011 IIRC.

SlickMcRick > dogisbadob 11/22/2014 at 14:20

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Well thank you for your knowledge. Honestly Oppo is the only place I learn something new everyday.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 14:24

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The Toyota 2ZZ-GE. Fuck VTEC. 190 hp out of a NA 1.8 liter engine, up to an 8600 rpm redline, and a Yamaha designed head, what's not to like. And dat sound.

Cé hé sin > Thunderface 11/22/2014 at 14:51

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"-is found in everything Ford made (almost)"

Lots of almost. I've never heard of it and neither it nor any other V8 are available on any Ford at my local dealer and haven't been in living memory.

So, found on almost everything Ford made - in some places.

Thunderface > Cé hé sin 11/22/2014 at 15:01

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1991–1993 Lincoln Town Car , 190 hp (142 kW) and 270 lbft (366 Nm)

1992–1997 Ford Crown Victoria / Mercury Grand Marquis , 210 hp (157 kW) and 270 lbft (366 Nm) with dual exhaust option

1998–2000 Ford Crown Victoria / Mercury Grand Marquis , 215 hp (160 kW) and 285 lbft (386 Nm) with dual exhaust option

2001–2002 Ford Crown Victoria / Mercury Grand Marquis , 235 hp (175 kW) and 275 lbft (373 Nm) with dual exhaust option

2003–2012 Ford Crown Victoria / Mercury Grand Marquis , 239 hp (178 kW) and 282 lbft (382 Nm) with dual exhaust option

2003–2011 Lincoln Town Car , 239 hp (178 kW) and 282 lbft (382 Nm)

2004–2011 Ford Crown Victoria Police Interceptor , 250 hp (186 kW) and 297 lbft (403 Nm)

1994–1997 Lincoln Town Car , 210 hp (157 kW)

1994–1995 Ford Thunderbird , 205 hp (153 kW) and 265 lbft (359 Nm)

1996–1997 Ford Thunderbird , 205 horsepower (153 kW) and 280 lbft (380 Nm)

1994–1995 Mercury Cougar , 205 hp (153 kW) and 265 lbft (359 Nm)

1996–1997 Mercury Cougar , 205 hp (153 kW) and 280 lbft (380 Nm)

1997–2000 Ford F-Series , 220 hp (164 kW) and 265 lbft (359 Nm)

2001–2006 Ford F-Series , 231 hp (172 kW) @ 4750 rpm, 293 lbft (397 Nm) @ 3500 rpm

2007–2010 Ford F-Series , 248 hp (185 kW) @ 4750 rpm, 294 lbft (399 Nm) @ 4000 rpm

1997–2014 Ford E-Series , 225 hp (168 kW) and 286 lbft (388 Nm) ratings for 2001 and later model year E-Series

2002–2004 Ford Explorer , 238 hp (177 kW) @ 4750 rpm, 282 lbft (382 Nm) @ 4000 rpm

1998–2000 Lincoln Town Car , 205 hp (153 kW)

1996–1997 Ford Mustang , 215 hp (160 kW) and 285 lbft (386 Nm)

1998 Ford Mustang , 225 hp (168 kW) and 290 lbft (393 Nm)

1999–2004 Mustang GT 260 hp & 302 lb-ft (heads changed in 1999 to PI heads)

1993–1998 Lincoln Mark VIII , 280 hp (209 kW) and 285 lbft (386 Nm)

1995–1998 Lincoln Continental , 260 hp (194 kW) and 265 lbft (359 Nm)

1995–1998 Lincoln Mark VIII LSC , 290 hp (216 kW) and 295 lbft (400 Nm)

1996–1998 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra , 305 hp (227 kW) and 300 lbft (407 Nm)

1999/2001 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra , 320 hp (239 kW) and 317 lbft (430 Nm)

1999–2002 Lincoln Continental , 275 hp (205 kW) and 275 lbft (373 Nm)

2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 , 305 hp (227 kW) and 320 lbft (434 Nm)

2003–2004 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra , Iron block, Supercharged, 390 hp (291 kW) and 390 lbft (529 Nm)

2003–2005 Lincoln Aviator , 302 hp (225 kW) and 318 lbft (431 Nm)

2003–2004 Mercury Marauder , 302 hp (225 kW) and 318 lbft (431 Nm)

2003–2005 MG X-Power SV , 320 hp (239 kW) and 317 lbft (430 Nm)

2004 Ford Mustang Mach 1 , 310 hp (231 kW) and 335 lbft (454 Nm)

(This isn't even all of it)

Cé hé sin > Thunderface 11/22/2014 at 15:06

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Nope, not me. Much of the Ford world doesn't (or didn't, I suppose) get any of these.

Thunderface > Cé hé sin 11/22/2014 at 15:06

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Well that's you

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > crowmolly 11/22/2014 at 15:38

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They aren't completely underrated, but I don't think they're extremely well known. There are still plenty of people in the automotive world who still don't know about its potential.

Oh, heck yeah. No doubt.

Kanaric > CPT Speedbump 11/22/2014 at 16:32

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Really it doesn't get attention because it's in no interesting car stock and people who do engine swaps default to LS.

CPT Speedbump > Kanaric 11/22/2014 at 16:34

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So it would infact fall in the category of underated, lol

Kanaric > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 16:37

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4G54B

Really any bad reputation this has is because of the shitty American head. Replace it with a overseas head and it's extremely stout. With head work or the 3v per cylinder head it can rev to 7000 rpm and produces massive amounts of torque with the right turbo.

Kanaric > CPT Speedbump 11/22/2014 at 16:38

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In the same way that Pippin is underrated when compared to Jordan sure.

Zoom > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 11/22/2014 at 16:43

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Oops. Most likely because of the pentastar 3.6. You're probably right.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > dogisbadob 11/22/2014 at 16:43

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You're saying the GM transmission is better than the Honda's?

Toofdoc > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 11/22/2014 at 16:48

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Yep. I have this in my Exige and it does sound pretty good on the second cam.

Zipppy, Mazdurp builder, Probeski owner and former ricerboy > TheHondaBro 11/22/2014 at 17:04

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You already know my answer.

Right?

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I also had a recent affair for the 2.5 5 pot VW has available.

twochevrons > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power 11/22/2014 at 17:09

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Agreed – my wife's Golf has the 2.5 in it, and although I can see why it wasn't the most loved engine (it's thirsty, heavy, and not especially civilised), but it sounds wonderful, and it does feel remarkably sporty for a base-model engine. It's definitely quicker off the line than my 850R, and even from a roll, I don't think that it'd be that far behind the old turbo-monster.

The five-pot made a lot of sense for the US market, too, being a normally-aspirated, relatively low-tech engine that has enough excess power to never really need to be worked hard in normal driving. I have no problems with boosted engines myself, but with the somewhat less-fastidious approach to maintenance here in the US, a low-tech but durable and under-stressed engine makes a lot of sense.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Toofdoc 11/22/2014 at 17:16

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Your's would be supercharged, wouldn't it?

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Zoom 11/22/2014 at 17:17

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Yep, the 3.6 replaced it.

dogisbadob > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 11/22/2014 at 18:14

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GM makes better automatic transmissions than Honda, but sadly the Vue V6 used a Honda transmission :(

But I think it's kinda cool that they used the Honda motor in the Vue. The only GM vehicle with VTEC so it's the best thing they ever sold :p

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > dogisbadob 11/22/2014 at 18:17

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In what alternate universe have GM slushboxes ever been good? Common and cheap to fix, sure, but good? No.

Toofdoc > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 11/22/2014 at 18:23

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:( no...I have the NA Exige. I've driven a SC S260 and it was bonkers.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Toofdoc 11/22/2014 at 18:36

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Either way, you have an Exige. Can't say that's a loss.

dogisbadob > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 11/22/2014 at 18:37

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Well, compared to Honda they sure are :p

And I didn't say good. I said better than Honda.

Toofdoc > Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies 11/22/2014 at 18:49

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Thanks! I love it to death.