AdamR
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| posted on 3/7/04 at 11:04 AM |
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Rover V8
I've always wanted a V8, but I need to convince myself that it is going to be a reasonably sensible (or at least, not *too* stupid) choice for
my Locost.
Having never worked on a V8 in any shape or form, are they significantly more difficult to get running/keep in tune than a 4? For example, how much of
a nightmare should I expect in getting the carbs working together etc?
Any reliability issues with the RV8 that I should know about?
Thanks in advance. 
[Edited on 3/7/04 by AdamR]
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spunky
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| posted on 3/7/04 at 11:11 AM |
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There are a few people on this forum using RV8's who will be far more knowlegeabe than me. However I had a SD1 V8 for 3 years that I thrashed
the living daylights out of and never went near the engine, the car was eventually scrapped when the power steering pump packed up .
John
The reckless man may not live as long......
But the cautious man does not live at all.....
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alainmengoli@hotmail.com
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| posted on 3/7/04 at 11:53 AM |
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Go for it the rover/buik v8 is 'easy to work' on. Obviously you have twice the number of parts but it also means they are half as
stressed. There are tons of cheap parts about and companies such as DJE offer very good advise. If budget permits I would get rid of the su carbs and
get a good manifold and carb (weber/ offenhauser). Don't try to get too much horsepower as it will drink your tank dry but go for low end torque
(power slides). I have a few books here so might sell them cheap to you as I no longer need them. The biggest cost is the exhaust manifold. I have
been qouted stupid amounts for them but ended up building myown for £150. emailme for any more questions
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alainmengoli@hotmail.com
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| posted on 3/7/04 at 11:56 AM |
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see link below
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=10414&item=2483205022&rd=1
there are hundreds of part for the v8. If you can go for the 3.9 as you get a lot more for your £.
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white130d
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| posted on 3/7/04 at 02:55 PM |
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I could of had a V8
I've got 2 3.5's and 2 3.9's but they all came out of auto Land Rovers, so I haven't come up with a suitable transmission with
out spending buckets of beer tokens here in the states. I would love to use one in a build up if I do. What would be a suitable rear axle?
70's Alfa or ??
David
"There's only 2 things that money can't buy, and that's true love and home grown tomatos" Guy Clark
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Browser
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| posted on 3/7/04 at 05:52 PM |
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Get 'em while they're still here
Rovere V8 production has now ceased!
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Fatboy Dave
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| posted on 3/7/04 at 09:30 PM |
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Dave
Ideally, you'll use stock Rover bits, but the 2wd LT77 is pretty much non existent over your side. You can use the Ford T5, with a bellhousing
from some of the MGB specialists who fit the "215" V8 to MGs (there's a fair few around, a quick search on Google will get you what
you want).
As for axle, the ratio depends on what tyres you fit, but a 3.1:1 axle is about right with 205/50x15 tyres. As for type of axle, what about a Pinto or
Mustang II?
Dave
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PLEASE NOTE: This user is a trader who has not signed up for the LocostBuilders registration scheme. If this post is advertising a commercial product or service, please report it by clicking here.
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blueshift
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| posted on 4/7/04 at 12:51 AM |
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Adam, go for the V8. we are, I recon it's "reasonably sensible". If you start reading up on them they're pretty bulletproof,
will happily keep running with knackered cams, heineken for oil, firing on three cylinders, you name it. (ok so I exaggerate a little.)
Just think about the noise, the torque, the side pipes, the bragging rights.. you know you want one. They're not nuts expensive and
they're no heavier than a pinto (hurrah for aluminium!).
Ask yourself.. do you really want an engine out of a sierra?
(no offense to sierra-engine builders. we just wanted something with a bit more "woo"
Oh, and if you're not convinced yet, have a listen to ours (bit distorty, no exhausts, overloaded the microphone)
http://www.leetfighter.com/~jon/mooshift-v8.mp3
or have a look (DIVX, 25M) http://www.leetfighter.com/~jon/v8%20run%20big.avi
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AdRock
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| posted on 4/7/04 at 08:44 AM |
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V8s are great! I love the sound.
But Ford crossflow can sound good also though... esp with a decent exhuast n filter.
[Edited on 4/7/04 by AdRock]
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AdamR
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| posted on 4/7/04 at 09:01 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by blueshift
Just think about the noise, the torque, the side pipes, the bragging rights.. you know you want one. (snip)
Ask yourself.. do you really want an engine out of a sierra?
You've just summarised my thoughts on the matter entirely! It's all about the noise (that unmistakable 'burbble' at tickover)
and the muscle car appeal. If I'm going to all the effort of building a car, that's what I'm after.
Already saw your vid. Excellent stuff!
Ok, I'm nearly convinced - only thing bothering me a little is the manifolds/exhausts. Alainmengoli was right - aftermarket tubular systems are
seriously expensive, yet my V8 'bragging rights' as you put it (hit the nail on the head there!) will be seriously damaged when I open the
hood to reveal two great big ugly cast iron manifolds! Maybe I need to get myself some welding experience...
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Bob C
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| posted on 4/7/04 at 11:02 AM |
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Rover V8 - more work (and cost) than you think to do up - like doing up 2 engines side by side! They fill up with black gunk because they use shim
steel head gaskets & the cams wear out at 70k to 100k. you can sort all these probs on a rebuild, check www.v8engines.com
The lowest profile 4 barrel manifold (when I did mine) was the offenhauser dual plane - mine was dreadful quality (say 1/4" port mismatch!!!)
but hopefully the edelbrock stuff is better.
The rover 2WD gearbox has a bad reputation, but it's easy to slot a tremec T5 on (sierrra cosworth) I've used both an auto bellhousing
with an adapter plate at the geabox end AND a TVR bellhousing (£120 second hand - I was lucky!)
My 4.6 litre mx5 (miata) does 20mpg - other people claim much better mileage, perhaps having a much lighter car will make a lot of difference (I doubt
it)
Cheers
Bob
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Simon
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| posted on 4/7/04 at 04:04 PM |
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Adam,
Go for it. I made up a working exhaust for not a lot
(see:http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/photos.php?action=showphoto&photo=2003_1217Image0024.JPG)
See other pics in my archive, also look at Craig1410's website - check his posts for site address/link - but note that both of us have built our
chassis +4"
OK, so it ain't pretty. So what. It works, should be more free flowing than standard SD1.
As has been mentioned, engines tend to have a build-up of black crud, but they are reasonably indestructible (my RR had done over 200k miles before it
was rebuilt.
Service items - oil, plugs/leads (x8) air/oil filters. Not much more than other donor items (cept plugs and leads only cos you need twice as many!)
There are no tappets to adjust (hydraulic).
Try and get an engine/box from a running car (try and get the car!!). Buy a specialist book or two and read about them first - before you buy, so
you'll have a good idea what to look for!
Other than that, and what others have said, go for it!! You know it makes sense
ATB
Simon
[Edited on 4/7/04 by Simon]
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Danozeman
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| posted on 14/7/04 at 07:22 PM |
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Go for it mate. Iv got a ford V8 im thinking about using in me locost but it twice the size of the RV8 so may keep it till i can afford a v8 viento
or cobra.. U cant beat the sound. Mine still in a car Ford LTD 5.8 V8 with straight throu pipe. Sounds awesome..
Dan
Built the purple peril!! Let the modifications begin!!
http://www.eastangliankitcars.co.uk
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ned
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| posted on 15/7/04 at 08:44 AM |
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Adam,
If you do a welding course you could make your own up. tig or mig i would expect
Ned.
beware, I've got yellow skin
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nigelatrhino
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| posted on 15/7/04 at 09:56 PM |
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Locost V8
Adam,
Iam also currently building a RV8 Locost from the Rom Champion book but iam incoporating a Sierra independant axle, Theres a fair bit of cutting and
chopping going on but i think it will fit.
If there is any one out there who is building a similar project i would apreciate some info
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craig1410
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| posted on 15/7/04 at 10:40 PM |
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Yes I agree with most of the guys above, there is nothing better than a V8 burble!!
I would recommend a +4" chassis although I think you can fit it in a book chassis. Exhaust manifolds shouldn't be a major problem as
"Simon Says" but I've not tackled that fully yet. The design is pretty sound but regular oil changes are essential to avoid the
black sludge. You will get some sludge regardless but if you take off the rocker cover (4 screws) and look inside and can't see anything but
sludge then walk away!
Again, try to hear the engine running before buying and check oil pressure. It will be low compared with other cars as the rover relies on flow rate
rather than pressure but make sure it is within spec.
Other than that the engine is bulletproof and spares are plentiful (new and used)
Go for it!!
Cheers,
Craig.
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mackie
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 posted on 16/7/04 at 10:10 AM |
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Go for it
I think the main headache as others have said is making/getting an affordable exhaust system. I think we intend to make one (have a friend who can
laser cut the flanges  ) from bits or possibly buy a kit from custom chrome or somewhere if we feel rich.
Main problem is the height of the engine. It's possible to use a low profile manifold and carb with a pancake filter and have it flush with the
bonnet (need to cut a big hole though). We intend to make a power bulge since we have the injected vitesse engine.
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alainmengoli@hotmail.com
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| posted on 16/7/04 at 10:51 AM |
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As I mentioned before I will offer my service as I just bought a tig welder so if you get one of those kits I'll be happy to help. By the time
you get to that stage I should be able to use the thing.
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David Jenkins
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| posted on 16/7/04 at 11:54 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by blueshift
Oh, and if you're not convinced yet, have a listen to ours (bit distorty, no exhausts, overloaded the microphone)
http://www.leetfighter.com/~jon/mooshift-v8.mp3
or have a look (DIVX, 25M) http://www.leetfighter.com/~jon/v8%20run%20big.avi
My, I bet your neighbours REALLY loved you that day!
I love the way next door's hedge got knocked around when you revved the engine...
David
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mackie
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| posted on 16/7/04 at 03:54 PM |
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Strangely noone complained
Jon went round an warned the people next door just prior to use firing it up but people seemed largely oblivious apart from some kids who though we
were entering robot wars 
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wjggregg
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| posted on 22/7/04 at 11:50 AM |
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V8 Exhaust
quote:
Originally posted by Simon
Adam,
Go for it. I made up a working exhaust for not a lot
(see:http://www.locostbuilders.co.uk/photos.php?action=showphoto&photo=2003_1217Image0024.JPG)
See other pics in my archive, also look at Craig1410's website - check his posts for site address/link - but note that both of us have built our
chassis +4"
OK, so it ain't pretty. So what. It works, should be more free flowing than standard SD1.
As has been mentioned, engines tend to have a build-up of black crud, but they are reasonably indestructible (my RR had done over 200k miles before it
was rebuilt.
Service items - oil, plugs/leads (x8) air/oil filters. Not much more than other donor items (cept plugs and leads only cos you need twice as many!)
There are no tappets to adjust (hydraulic).
Try and get an engine/box from a running car (try and get the car!!). Buy a specialist book or two and read about them first - before you buy, so
you'll have a good idea what to look for!
Other than that, and what others have said, go for it!! You know it makes sense
ATB
Simon
[Edited on 4/7/04 by Simon]
Hi Simon,
Question. From your photo archive, you have changed from the 'mean looking' 4 branch to the more standard Rover Manifold. Any reasons
why??
I am building a +4 chassis with a RV8. Not at the exhaust stage yet, but just about to put the lower steering linkage in place, which may 'get
in the road'!!
Thanks,
Gary.
[Edited on 22/7/04 by wjggregg]
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AdamR
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| posted on 22/7/04 at 07:00 PM |
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quote:
Originally posted by wjggregg
Question. From your photo archive, you have changed from the 'mean looking' 4 branch to the more standard Rover Manifold. Any reasons
why??
I second that question! Those tubular manifolds in some of the pictures look amazing.
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Bob C
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| posted on 22/7/04 at 10:40 PM |
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Because of the bizarre V8 firing order resulting from the cruciform crank, you don't get the same benefits from exhaust tuning that you do from
a 4 pot. Racing V8's (+ some ferraris) use a flat plane crank so the engine is like 2 4pots side by side and exhaust tuning is possible. The
downside of the flat plane crank is that it has some of the dynamic imbalance of a normal 4 cylinder (though not as bad) whereas the cruciform crank
is much better. Normal V8 practise is to have a exhaust pipe from each bank with a hefty balancing pipe between the two - this has to be of
comparatively large cross section & makes quite a difference to power output!
All the above could be b******s but it's what I believe at the moment....
Cheers
BOb
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Simon
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| posted on 23/7/04 at 09:01 PM |
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Adam,
(Gary - see U2U)
The reasons are that I wasn't convinced that it would work very well, the rather large holes in (and subsequent weakening of) bonett, and
finally it looked a bit Mad Max. Another point (which I forgot to mention to Gary) was the front wheels on full lock weren't too far from
forward most downpipes!
ATB
Simon
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Donners90
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| posted on 24/7/04 at 08:56 AM |
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The RV8 isn't too complicated even if you have limited experience, and even if you get hold of a really crappy looking engine, with a bit of
patience it can be made to look a whole lot better.
http://www.landrover.demon.co.uk/Engine%20Build.htm
This is my engine from when I got it to now. Rebuilding your own engine is not necessarily the cheapest way to go, but you learn a whole lot more
about your engine by doing it!!
Good luck
James
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