RV8 into a HC

[steve_1984]

Can anyone give me the basic rundown on hard hard it is to get a rover V8 in a HC?? obviously there's enough space in the bay but how much needs modifying? I'd have to go witha manual over the auto so how well do they fit?

I'd love to do this somewhere down the line but not really found much info on it, mines a standard 1256 HC.

[pbottomley]

There is sufficient space in the engine bay but only if you want a car that's so unbalanced and front end heavy.

Realistically the engine needs setting back and that implies making new firewalls etc.... Your wise to wander over to the outlaws and get some real face to face advice form those that have done the hard work.

[oli8925]

The reason Paul stated (and it was probably Paul that told me in the first place) is why I've opted to go K-series over my original RV8 plan.

[pbottomley]

Martins one.. note the engine moved back a good 6 inches...


http://www.vivaoutlaws.co.uk/gallery/members/mem18.html

[steve_1984]

Hmm well thats made it a bit clearer!

I was thinking as the CAN - AM firenza ran a V8 they would be less hassle, but that already sounds like a lot of work.

I'm not after massive power, just something with some life in it! The 1256 was probably ok back in the day but it doesn't really work in todays world.

A 2.0 8v would be a good compromise between power, economy and reliability.

[oli8925]

Same problems mate. The RV8 is actually a pretty light engine, lighter than most. Redtops (if that's what you were thinking of) are heavy old things too.

[martin-reyland]

There is sufficient space in the engine bay but only if you want a car that's so unbalanced and front end heavy.

Realistically the engine needs setting back and that implies making new firewalls etc.... Your wise to wander over to the outlaws and get some real face to face advice form those that have done the hard work.

How does a Rover V8 compare to an original 2.3ohc weight wise?? I'd bet there isn't a lot of difference and if thats the case is a 2.3 front end heavy and unbalanced?? Surely his car wouldn't feel any worse than a bigger engined Viva. Cutting the bulkhead by say 6" may help weight distribution but causes problems in other areas. Be interesting to see how my car handles

[oli8925]

I've never driven one, but aren't OHC's known for being a rather front heavy and unbalanced? Not saying that's not part of their charm, but I've heard it said a lot in person and in literature. The Rover V8 is about 170kg I think, not sure how it compares to a Slant, probably not much difference between them. So I would guess yes you are right, but that's not to say the car will be particularly nimble. Then again how many proper, iconic V8s are

You make a good and interesting point though, I don't see why weight distribution should much worse with an RV8 over an OHC...

[looneytune]

A redtop isnt very heavy at all. The rover v8 weighs roughly the same as a 2.0l pinto. My viva with a sbc 350 in it handles quite well with the engine set back 6". To be honest, I wouldnt consider fitting a rover v8 as there are now better engines producing more power and more importantly, more econimical. The redtop in stock form produces the same bhp and is cheaper to tune to 200bhp. An even cheaper lump is the zetec. Both will fit without mods to the bulkhead which is an iva test and probably mean a q plate

[yoeddynz]

Old thread I know but I would have thought a slant 4 is heavier than a rv8?

Aren't rv8s quite pricey to buy and modify these days? What about a Lexus quad cam- more smoother power and certainly very cheap engines to buy -well in nz at least.