Having given it more thought and research, I think i have decided on a rough plan of action for recording-
Recorder - Marantz PMD671 recording in 96kHz
Mics - Neumann RSM 191, DPA 4011TL, Sure SM58 and possible a either a Rode NTG-1 or NTG-2
As the Marantz only has two channels I'm planning on separating my engine recordings into 4 main categories: Exhaust Pipe Perspective, Engine Perspective, Grill perspective and Interior Perspective. I rang them up and checked they have a dyno, and luckily they do :D The dyno they have also allows me to get under the car and record from below, so i'm hoping that might provide some nice gear changes and other sounds.
I'm planning on using combinations of those mics on each category going through various engine revs/starting sounds/idling etc. Possibly recording stereo versions with RSM 191 and then try various mono combinations.
Then go for everything inside the car that makes a noise, buttons/switches/ac/seat-belts etc.
And then record everything on the outside of the car that makes a noise, doors/windows/windshield wipers. Then also anything i can find around the workshop i can record like tools etc.
I think I'm going to have to draw myself up a master list of everything I want to record to make sure I don't forget anything. There's definitely alot to record, much more than I originally thought!
But does this sound like a good approach to getting a vehicle set together?
I also found some more links, I thought I'd post them here just in case anyone else was after more stuff on recording cars-
They have some good tips, and pictures of their mic setups on the cars.
Loads of other pictures of car recording setups (not that much detail)-