V8 Just out of curiosity??

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Re: V8 Just out of curiosity??

Postby Colin » Mon Jun 10, 2019 9:59 pm

I know I'm probably being naive here, but I've always wondered why it's really necessary to cut the bulkhead to install a V8 into a Viva shell?

The slant four OHC engine was originally a V8. It's only a slant four because it's half a V8. A small V8 like the Rover 3.5 should pretty well slot straight in shouldn't it? - perhaps with some sump and engine mount modifications?

On the other hand nothing in life is simple is it! :lol:

Has anyone successfully managed a body-mod free (non-radically altered vehicle) VHI friendly V8 installation in a Viva?
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Re: V8 Just out of curiosity??

Postby 1972nail » Mon Jun 10, 2019 10:16 pm

The Baron has a Rover V8 and the original bulkhead I believe, maybe Fred can confirm. Don't forget the Can Am Firenzas from SA. They have the original bulkhead.

Some Rover V8 engines have a lot of stuff at the front with long shafts sticking out so it's often cheaper to cut the bulkhead to get it all to fit in.
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Re: V8 Just out of curiosity??

Postby BobbyMel » Mon Jun 10, 2019 10:18 pm

Isn't Fred's V8 modified Firenza without bulkhead modification...maybe Fred can clarify
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Re: V8 Just out of curiosity??

Postby 1972nail » Mon Jun 10, 2019 10:22 pm

Can Am engine bay

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Re: V8 Just out of curiosity??

Postby Colin » Mon Jun 10, 2019 11:00 pm

There you go! Just like a slant four but with an additional bank on the right! 8)

VHI friendly too - this was a production Firenza - albeit rather limited!
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Re: V8 Just out of curiosity??

Postby lord13 » Tue Jun 11, 2019 7:31 am

A good few years ago I helped someone put a SBC in a viva HC, using original crossmember ( modified on mounts and beefed up ) and no bulkhead or tunnel mods, so it is quite possible to do. I did the wiring which was simple enough, as the SBC had a massive 4 barrel carb on it so no electric box of tricks to wire up.
Incidentallly, the same friend has also shoved an LS1 into a HC ( again I helped with the wiring), this was a fully injected engine management arrangement, the ECU needed sending off to remove the PATS etc but after stripping the loom right back to it's bare bones I got it to run happily with not much problem, It just needed a couple of wires to the ECU for power etc, and it was good to go, not a difficult issue once i'd got a map for the pin outs and knew what went where. Again no bulkhead mods...but its a bloody tight fit.
In the same stable there is a HB with a C20XE living happily in the engine bay, again no bulkhead mods, And many moons ago I put an essex in a HB with no bulkhead mods.
So you see there is no excuse for cutting the shell, it is all do-able with a little thought and preparation.

Although....In my personal opinion, a V8 is too big for a viva, It's maybe ok in a HC, but it's far too big for a HB. A HB needs a well tuned 4pot screamer, it's just that type of car. Have you thought of putting a ford 1600 SE from a focus in there, mated up to a mx-5 box? The Puma also uses a 1700 VVT version which kicks out no end of power and screams its way up to (and over) 7000rpm, plus you can get a focus for pennies, and a puma for around £500, lots more cost effective than a V8.
Or, why not a volvo 5-pot? I've heard tell that a 5-pot gives out pretty much the same off-beat burble as a V8 and can be had for a lot less... but I couldn't say for sure...

Or, why not go electric? There a few companies out there that will supply you with the parts and advice to do it... then you could fit a throttle sensitive sound system that would play the V8 soundtrack you wanna hear :D :D :D :D
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Re: V8 Just out of curiosity??

Postby ADRIAN » Wed Jun 12, 2019 11:10 am

The front axle MUST HAVE an anti - roll bar fitted , to help prevent your car visiting the ditch on a bend.
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Re: V8 Just out of curiosity??

Postby 1972nail » Wed Jun 12, 2019 11:59 am

ADRIAN wrote:The front axle MUST HAVE an anti - roll bar fitted , to help prevent your car visiting the ditch on a bend.


I would agree totally with that one. I fitted a DTV front ARB kit to a 1256 back in the 70's WOW what a difference.
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