Hey guys,
Im a member of the University of Maine Formula SAE team. Basically were a bunch of engineering students building a go-cart/race car that well be using to compete against other teams doing the same thing. This year were planning to use a an f4i motor/trans for our car so we'll be spending a lot of time on this f4i sub-forum getting as much info as we can. We'd like to get some specifics on the motor. Best year for clutches?, best year for porting?, any years with valve train issues?
We've found some info on the CCTL rattle issue but its not a big deal i.e. it wont make the pistons eat some valves for breakfast

Feel free to give message/contact us if you have any questions/insight/opinions/info.....it all helps!
Thanks!

 

Are you guys not planning on doing anything but just dropping the motor and trans in then go?

I'm a bit confused because you ask what year has the best clutch like you aren't going to at least throw a fresh stock one in, but then ask about porting like you are going to strip the head for new valves and such, which should eliminate any year-to-year valve train issues that these motors might have.

But AFAIK there are really no differences between any of the years and you guys should be fine just picking up the cheapest and best condition motor/trans you can.

Oh, and pics are needed.

 

Well its a bit more than dropping the engine in.
There are incredibly stringent rules for the engine in order to compete.
examples being a 20mm restrictor plate, decibel level rules for the muffler and a custom intake and exhaust. Subsequently well be running a tuneboy/microsquirt piggyback to account for the lack of air I was pretty sure that the motors are the same throughout the years. I was just curious if any year had a better designed clutch plate, or different/better porting. Well probably be replacing the CCTL and clutch before competition anyway.

and yes ill be uploading some pics as we go!

 

All the F4i motors are the same. There is a rumor out there that the 01-03 make a little more power than the 04-06 because the RR was out but I don't know if there is any truth to that. Honda didn't change any of the engine design while the F4i was being produced so any and all F4i engines/trans will work for your setup. These things are very reliable. The only issue is the CCTL like you mentioned. Changed that along with regular oil changes and it will last forever.

 

last year someone from another university posted a description and a youtube video of their F4i project car setup...it was pretty cool to check out. sucks about the restrictor plate regulations though.

found it...was from texas tech:
https://cbrforum.com/forum/off-topic...ogress-117763/

here's one of the videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgfwftEtrqo&NR=1

Texas Tech FSAE 2011 - 2005 Rebuild First Run - YouTube

 

That's super awesome and I feel compelled to build my own.