V8 replacement

I'm sure this has been asked a million times before but not sure what the current thoughts are...

My v8 is ruined and I'm thinking of replacing with a recon up rated from either jrv8 or perhaps rpi engineering. However a mate of mine who has owned, rebuilt and fixed many 90s. He says I'm stupid to get a v8 especially a rover as it's old tech and prone to all sorts of failures etc and I should drop a diesel in

I know it's old and I know it drinks fuel but it's a v8... It's my toy and that's what I want. So here's my question;

Should I look at a rebuilt up rated rover unit or should I be looking at another turnkey option? I'd prefer carb based but would consider an ecu based system. I don't really want to fanny round with trying to make something fit either...

What do you v8 guys think????

budget???

stay clear of rpi

my oppion..fit a modern lr engine..ie jag..but thats ££££££ and mucho grief..

i hate the rv8, yet am fitting one to my 2 door..ok..late 4.6 blown on gas, and nitros...

so...also have blown toyota quad cam in another..400hp..thats fun!..but again much mucho greif in fitting etc...


so budget????

If it was me I would buy someones rebuild project that they finished but ubiquitously never got fitted. They pop up on ebay a lot. Yes its a risk but you would pay a third or quarter of an rpi units cost. Its a risk but one I would take.

whats actually wrong with the old lump? Personally speaking, I would look at sourcing a replacement v8, I've thought about changing my v8, but don.t have the heart to do it. I like it too much, and if that went bang, I would get another v8 lump straight away

Don't really have a budget but not made of coin either. I had thought about an ls1 Chevy or similar but I have limited mechanical knowledge sou would need a specialist to fit. I could manage a removal and refit of the same I think...

Jrv8 recommend a rebuilt 3.5 for around 3k

I actually bought a nut / bolt rebuild project - 89 year with carb v8 from a rr classic. It was an unfinished none runner with an apparent fuelling issue, Just gout round to servicing carbs and realised previous owner has been running it with a knackered oil pump. There is dust in the rocker covers .. Seriously.. Tbh I need to check the diffs are for a v8 not a diesel too...

diffs are same...

3500 for a 3.5????is it gold plated, hand made by naked 21 yr old blonde ladies?

I would personally buy an old V8 3.5 - 3.9 and re shell and re ring it if you can get an x bolted block then better still. Ive had a few V8's and not without their issues but I do love them and the parts are relatively cheap with endless combinations. RPi etc are mega bucks not bad if your loaded but if your not like me then they were never really an option for me

I don't really have a yard stick in terms of price but jrv8 compared to rpi/ John earless engines it was cheapest option and they do look awsome

JRV8 - for Rover V8, Chevy V8

Perhaps eBay is a good call for a rebuilt engine. Could always stick my doomed lump on for someone to buy to offset the cost?!

Just noticed this block too... http://bit.ly/1eoy0fe

mordzy said:

I don't really have a yard stick in terms of price but jrv8 compared to rpi/ John earless engines it was cheapest option and they do look awsome

JRV8 - for Rover V8, Chevy V8

Perhaps eBay is a good call for a rebuilt engine. Could always stick my doomed lump on for someone to buy to offset the cost?!

Just noticed this block too... http://bit.ly/1eoy0fe

Click to expand...

Yeah that looks ok, for a few hundred quid you have nothing to lose, light rebuild check over on the stand, must be worth a go. If its junk you would get £75 for the carb and inlet on a good day if they are decent.

Ok cheers for help boys

I'm selling a low mileage 3.5 with a load of spares atm

Dr_evil said:

I'm selling a low mileage 3.5 with a load of spares atm

Click to expand...

Where abouts you based bud?

Cumbria but can pallet

Ok cool what's it include and what you looking for? Pm me if you like

Flapper EFI with 89k on the clock! Real nice inside still a very light tan colour rather than black and nasty. Its got a new dizzy cap, arm and leads as well as plugs.

Comes with;


Spare inlet manifold
Spare water pump (OEM)
Spare air filter
Fuel pump
Labeled wires so you can plug it straight in
ECU
Three spare resistor packs
Spare wiring harness
Exhaust manifolds are all intact with no stripped bolts as I replaced the gaskets properly using loctite paste
New thermostats been put in (Waxstat)
New pump gasket
New oil and filter too
One spare pair of good late 3.5 heads

Ahh it's efi. I suppose I could return to carbs?

Yeah just swap the inlet manifold over although this only takes 5 wires to plug in the EFI and make it run properly

Can't remember if manifold has to be skimmed before it's fit? How much you looking for all that?

Was wanting 425 obo for the lot, all spare included I'll stick it on a pallet too and label the wires so you can plug it straight in. comes with everything you need to run it

That sounds fair to me! 3.5efi is the one to go for by all accounts, no slipped liners and it will start on a cold day.