What are the major differences between the Rover T Series and K Series Engines ?

Question

I have a Lotus Elise which has the 1.8 none-VVC K Series engine in it.

I have had several Rover's before hand which all had the K series engine which I found to be quite Torquey at low revs. I have also had a 620Ti which I believe has the T Series engine (turbo charged), which is the engine they also used in the 220 Turbo coupe and the 220/420GSi Turbo (although I've never seen a GSi turbo).

Next year, when I have the resources to do so, I would like to replace the current engine with either a Honda Type R Civic engine (maybe supercharged) or a MR2 Turbo engine.

I was though, wondering what the difference was between the K Series and the T series and whether it would be worth looking at a Turbo charged T series engine (and is it was significantly different in terms of dimensions, mountings etc). I reckon a T series from a 620Ti would be a cheaper option but that would depend on the differences. I already know there are Honda and Toyota conversions and that they fit the car with little or no bodywork conversion.

Answer 1

The K and T series engines are very different engines, the k is small, and light with all alloy construction, which is why lotus chose it for the elise, and the T series has a cast iron block and weighs nearly 170KG, compared to the K series at under 100kg.The T series is also significantly larger.

The T series is a good engine in a larger car, but in an elise would just ruin the handling.

A properly built K series will be perfectly reliable, and cost wise, cheaper than an engine swap.

Answer 2

The T series engine will fit without any issues, but the turbo & ancillary plumbing probably won't - if you could squeeze things in, they'd get seriously hot: As above, go for a Honda unit for reliability & the same power output without the need for a turbo.

Answer 3

dunno but the k series is one bloody c**p engine

Answer 4

if this was me i would hold out for the honda or the toyota as they are both really good strong engines. as for the rover there is a reason they went bust and you would be buying into some of there worst years. do ya self a fave go j*p.