Technical Stories V8 Conversions

by Mike Jeffreys (UK)
Above all else, the Rover V8 engine is of American origin! It first saw the light of day in an early 1960's Buick. The rights to build the engine were snapped up by Rover in the mid 1960's (after Buick stopped making them!) and the first car to use the engine was the Rover P5B. The P5B was the sort of car used by Prime Ministers (the Queen also had one).	Related Topics: V8 3.5 engine
The British Leyland cars to use the V8 were, in roughly date order, with approximate figures:

Vehicle	Engine size (cc)	CR	Power (bhp)	Notes
Rover P5B	3500	10.5:1	180	First use by Rover, used 100 octane
Range Rover	3500	8.5:1	130	Tuned for torque
MGB V8	3500	8.5:1	135	Shoehorned in!
Rover P6	3500	10.5:1	170	Same as P5 spec
Rover SD1	3500	9.5:1	155	Engine block strengthened, bigger valves and ports
Triumph TR8	3500	8.5:1	135	First injected version
Rover SD1 Vitesse	3500	9.5:1	190	UK spec. of TR8 injection, new block
Range Rover 3.9	3900	9.0:1	190	Larger pistons, new block, new injection control
MGR V8	3900	9.5:1	190	Used the RR version
Range Rover 4.2	4200	9.0:1	220	New crankshaft
Range Rover 4.5	4500	9.0:1	240	New crankshaft?

In 1971(?), the Range Rover was born. Let's face it, if the V8 can move this lump to 105mph, it should be OK for our TR7s! The engine generally remained unchanged (barring CR differences) until about 1988, when Rover created the 3.9 litre version. This block was stronger, and so allowed the bore to be increased. In the early 1990's Rover started to try increasing the stroke and eventually got to 4.5 litres. Whilst the new Range Rover (pictured) now uses a completely revamped V8, I believe that the Range Rover Discovery still uses the old 3.9 litre. So OEM engines should be available for at least another couple of years.
V8 FAQ? Question: Why wasn't the V8 engine put in the TR7 sooner? Answer: Supply problems, the SD1 took them all. Note that the engine bay was designed for a V8. Question: Why was the TR8 never available in the UK? Answer: The TR7/8 was scrapped just before release. Question: Is the V8 used elsewhere? Answer: Lots of UK 'kit car manufacturers' such as TVR, Morgan, Marcos use the 3.9 litre (sorry guys :-). TVR have taken the V8 to 5 litres, just give them the money and your TR7 will annoy any TVR. Question: Why not just fit a Sprint engine? Answer: The V8 is readily available in the UK, and it is, in general, more reliable. The V8 can be extended to over 300 bhp.

Find your engine. In the UK, it is possible to find a V8 in almost every scrap yard! These days, they are always the SD1 item. It is possible to find a running SD1 Vitesse for about 300 pounds sterling. Also, Rimmers Bros UK (supplier) will supply a brand new 3.5, 3.9 litre or 4.6 full engine. They also have a wide selection of parts and components that will give you an increase in horsepower, whilst still allowing the car to be driveable and reliable. In the US, you could probably find one of the 2000 or so imported SD1s being scrapped (perhaps a crashed Range Rover?), otherwise you may have to import. You could also try RoverWeb for more Range Rover information.

Fuel Injection installation

Converting a TR7 to TR8 specifications. First of all, let's assume you have bought the Rimmer kit after viewing the details in their free catalogue and let's assume you have the 5 speed gearbox and axle pairing in your TR7 :-). In the Rimmer kit, you would have received the following: TR8 subframe and lowering kit Uprated brake discs and calipers TR8 radiator, hoses and mounting brackets TR8 propshaft TR8 standard exhaust manifold - my advice for easy installation TR8 standard exhaust system - my advice for keeping friendly with the neighbours You will need to supply the following, probably from the secondhand market. Indeed, it would be easier and cheaper to get a complete donor Rover SD1 V8 car: V8 engine (complete with all ancillaries) V8 flywheel SD1 V8 bellhousing SD1 clutch parts (those found within the bellhousing) SD1 V8 crownwheel and pinion to install in TR7 axle to get 3.08:1 ratio You will probably have to buy new, this item: Electric fuel pump You may have to modify this item: Gearlever remote Installation operations; note: it will probably be worth changing all suspension bushes: Remove battery Disconnect fuel feed and stop any fuel leaks etc. Remove radiator and mounts Remove TR7 engine, gearbox, propshaft and axle Remove steering rack, steering shaft and engine subframe Remove brake calipers and discs Fit 3.08:1 crown and pinion gearset into TR7 axle Fit new uprated brake system and bleed brakes Fit new TR8 subframe with lowering spacers Refit steering rack Drill new mounting holes for gearbox mounting bracket (2 inches further back) Shorten gearlever remote by 2 inches - not strictly necessary Fit V8 engine and gearbox Fit steering shaft Fit exhaust manifolds and system Fit radiator with TR8 mounting brackets Fit fuel pump near fuel tank and plumb in Fit TR8 propshaft Fit axle Extend wiring to suit V8 Check out all fluids Refit battery Drive away - perhaps :-)

To be continued......... Errors and omissions excepted! For more info, join the WWW list.

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