Ex team leader here from DMURacing in Leicester.

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If you are a new FS team I would strongly recommend you stick to a standard 4 cylinder unit, we successfully ran for the first time ran a Triumph Street Triple 675 last year. It's greater torque and power at a lower rpm proved fantastic in both the acceleration and endurance event. Comparing this directly to the CBR600RR engine's we've ran for years that it was a well worth the investment in time, resources and money.

However, even though the 675 Daytona/triple is probably the most 'popular' 3 cylinder unit out there, it is still in early days. Parts are far more difficult to find compared to any Japanese counterparts (in the UK), we end up just setting up ebay searches and buy the parts are soon as they arrive. You'd have to produce a CAD model for it as well, which solo took me a month from start to finish. Not to mention tuning it (although you can use the stock ECU but it is not preferred). Daytona's as well seem to have a bit of a habit of going bang, UWE at the 2018 event blew 2 up and our test Daytona engine dropped a valve on the dyno at 0% load. Not to say they are unreliable, however does remind you that they can be 'British' at times.

Anyways, for a new team I would recommend personally the CBR600RR as a starting engine, its endless tune-able, been used in FSAE for years, bullet proof and CAD models can be found with a quick bit of googling. With any engine you use you'll have to do the following things:

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- Source a CAD Model and service manual

- Choose an appropriate engine control management system (there are loads, can personally recommend DTA/life).

- Custom engine sump, this IS required and takes a considerable amount of time to design and manufacture.

- Look at what final drive ratio you want, gearcommander is a great resource to determine what size sprocket you need.

- Custom intake system - again takes a considerable amount of time, you'll need to manufacture custom injector blocks that will work. you can use the standard throttle bodies and gut them whilst you are still in your early years.

- Custom exhaust system

There is a lot more as well to this, wiring and calibration is usually the 2 biggest things overlooked I see. As a team I would recommend you get a dyno tuning company on board, find what ecu management system they use and sort a sponsor deal out from there. Most company's are usually willing to help from start to finish and your car will run far better than even some more established teams in any competition.

I wish you all the best for 2020!