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Photography by Yoav Gilad for Petrolicious
A few weeks back, we asked you what the greatest pre-1990 four cylinder engines were and then shared the correct answers. Some of you dissented and claimed we were off, but it seems that most agreed with our choices. This week we move up the range to six cylinder powerplants. At this point I’m sure the Porsche-philes have already skipped ahead to stuff the ballot box, but in case you’re still reading: we’re aware of the flat-six. Yes, it’s a great engine. Perhaps, just for the sake of making this list more interesting, you could offer up more than your choice for the best variation of the 901? You’re already typing ‘Porsche 901…’ aren’t you? Oh well, just make sure whatever motor you pick, it’s pre-1990!
But please, when answering, let us know why you chose what you chose. And if you want to know which way we’re leaning, click here (after commenting of course).
What is the greatest pre-’90 six-cylinder engine ever?
It’s a no brainer question when asked about the best pre 90’s six cylinder engine ever. The 3.0L V6 Alfa Romeo Busso Engine, the 3.0L maintained the gorgeous note of the original 2.5L but just amped up the performance to where it craved to be. This Engine was a work of art straight out of the box, no modifications needed.
My Runner up engine would go to:
Mercedes Cosworth 2.5L Engines in the 190E Evolution – An absolute cracker of an engine that many of the members in the comments have seem to have forgotten!
And my dissapointed engine award would go to:
PVA V6 in an Alpine GTA. It’s an engine developed to be cost effective and intended to be a universal power device to fit into every car. And they put this ‘average cost effective every car engine’ into an Alpine! a sportscar! they had to quickly bolt on a turbo to fix it’s dismal performance, and even then it’s rather mellow in comparison to existing 6 cylinders. The Unfortunate part is I really really like the Alpine GTA and would still buy one if the right car pops up for sale!
Sorry to be boring, but its clearly either the BMW M30, mainly for its longevity of production, component quality, tunability and the amount of Touring car championship victories. Additionally of course it was also the basis for the M77, M88 and S38 derivatives which produced class leading power outputs from the mid 70s to the early 90s. Name another engine which produces 92bhp per litre by fitting an exhaust and chip, like you can with the M88/3?
The Porsche flat 6 of the 80s is another strong contender, but it wasn’t really that available to the masses, and I would doubt the number of units built would get anywhere near that of the M30 – although a case for competition victories in the back of the 911 is strong.
Mopar Slant 6! The “Buzzin’ Half-Dozen” was about as bulletproof as you could get, a unique exhaust note and incredibly stout (aluminum design, cast in iron for cost savings)
Plus: http://assets.blog.hemmings.com/wp-content/uploads//2012/07/1960PlymouthXNR_04_1500.jpg
A serious case could be made for the BMW M88 (certainly the first engine that comes to mind for my vote… air cooled flat 6 taking 2nd place) particularly when you consider its variants and the lineage it went on to produce. I’ve already seen a nod here for the M30 which is/was a titan of a power-plant that already received a nod as one of the top engines of the 20th century… and the block upon which the high performance M88 was based.
Having owned both an 911 Carrera, and an E34 M5, I can assure you that the S38 in the BMW is simply hypnotic. It has so much more character and fire than the porsche engine! Don’t get me wrong, the 3.2 is also amazing, it’s just that those twin cams and 6 howling throttle-bodies are just more… So much more sexy. Have you ever heard one of those things scream it’s way thru 7000rpm?
901 is nice but I’d say 1987 930/66. A ROW flat six with a turbo conservatively rated @.. 300hp and 430lbs or torque.
Ok, so I have never driven a Porsche 911 or an E-Type, so I am not a great judge, but that said I think the Jaguar 4.2 is superior to the Porsche. Visually, the Jaguar 4.2 is simply the most beautiful engine ever put into a road car. Furthermore, it is (albeit with headers and not cat or muffler) by far the best sounding engine I have ever heard in person. Its true that these contribute nothing to actual performance, but in terms of “greatness,” I believe these both to be important factors. The Jaguar motor was also built for a very long time, albeit with some small changes, but still. Racing heritage? Check. I wish I could say more on engine response/feel/power delivery, but I would really be making it all up. One day I’ll get behind the wheel of one of each, and then be able to make a more informed decision, but until then – its the Jag all the way for me.
Maserati 250F Formula One car with the 2,5 liter 6 Cylinder engine!
8 Grand Prix Victories Total, Stirling Moss 2, Juan Manuel Fangio 6, including the German 1957 Grand Prix ahead of Hawthorne and Collins, (super famous Grand Prix, Fangios last win).
Fangio won 1 1/2 World Champion title with it, the first 2 Grand Prix of 1954 and the whole title in 1957.
I would go for either the BMW M88 just because of the history and reliability but also for the S38 for power and refinement.
The engines look good, are highly advanced and powerful even for today and can outlast the owner if properly cared for. As a bonus, they are one of the best sounding engines ever produced, ever. But if BMW would not be allowed as a choice for some reason, I’d go for a Porsche power plant because I just love engines that produce a special and unique sound.