I have been reading this thread here, following along with what our OP has in mind, the resulting
difference of opinions from our members here on this switch from the I-4 to a possible switch to a V6 and or the V8.
The Kappa base curb weight with the I-4 compared to the Camaro with the V6 curb weight? Big difference.
Adding a V6 to this base curb weight for the Kappa? Weight reduction to our Kappa before any engine change
might be the ticket. What are the heavy ass parts on our car that can be replaced? Carbon fiber is an option but is expensive.
By dropping this curb weight from our cars 100-300 lbs., could gain some added feel of extra power without changing the engine.
Hood/trunk lid, wheels, stock OEM parts could change the feel to our I-4 without any major engine modifications to our I-4 horsepower.
The I-6 ( BMW or the infamous 2jz supra motor: see U-Tube ) is an option and has been done. V6 is imo a little more difficult.
The 2.8 V6 from the old Fiero, to the 3.4 TDHC V6 of the GXP Grand Prix, The DOHC 3.0 Mitts. GT V6 is another that comes to mind.
The curb weights, between a two seat Fiero, and 4 seat Grand Prix to the 2+2 set up on the 3000GT.
Mid-engine light weight toy the plastic fantastic, to the Grand Tourer of a coupe. FWD compared to rear wheel drive.
I've had V8's before too, in the 340 Challenger, to the small block 301 Formula Firebird. Give me the light weight toy any day.
Both the Challenger and the GXP Grand Prix/ 3000GT Mits. were heavy cars. Lot more power, but heavy cars.
With the Fiero and the Firebird not so much. Go-kart feel, not a ton of horsepower, but still enough to stain your
underpants, if you push it. I've been well over 100( haven't we all ) in all of these cars.
Maxing out the performance of our motor imo is the way to go here. 340+ hsp. before any internal motor parts, are change
with reliability, without issues of trying to make a V6 work in our car. Light weight with loads more hsp, than OEM stock set up.
Adding a supercharger is an option, ( See Ricky D threads ) but even he has had headaches with it. Changing it to a V8 in the
need for more speed 200 mph club quest. IF you are going to change the internal motor parts, then the I-4 has more grunt, but
is still light weight compared to the V8 conversion.
Two different things, apples to oranges.. scary is good. Examples: Buddy of mine V8 Big block Chevelle, 396 loads of power.
Nothing like the roar of the 4 bbl carb in full song, the snarl, growl, the snap your head back to the seat rest of a V8. 100 comes quick here.
Still not as scary imo as the light weight Triumph Spitfire 1500 with a 2.7 Ford V6 in it. I had a talk with God here...
The Viper owners I talked to recently at a car show, said almost the same thing, power to weight ratio. The drag strip close
to the car show, they watch an 4 cylinder turbo, with 700 hsp, tear up the field of V8's. These guys have V-10's now, they know
about horsepower and weight. They told me, I'm not putting my heavy ass car up against the light weight rocket no matter
the circumstances. All that power, and still wishing for the light weight option with power.
Buy a dead motor Kappa, and start the project of a V6 in it. Weekend fun in the garage, couple buddies over for beers, Sat. afternoon
ball game on, tinkering with problems... or a working motor Kappa, that is being maxed out performance wise and still runs at the end of day.
Choice is up to you, and your checkbook of course. Luck with whatever you decide to do here.
LAC