Rover V8 Cylinder Heads

[Adrian]

Guys
Does anyone know how to identify what type of heads they have and whether there off a Vitesse or not?

I've been led to be believe that the later Vitesse heads were ok for Unleaded.


Cheers

Adrian{-} {-}

[russell_ram]

All Rover cylinder heads are OK for unleaded.

There is no difference between a Vitesse cylinder head and a standard SD1 head . All heads between 76 and 95 are the sameas far as we are concerned. Before 76 valves were smaller (inlet 38 vs 40mm, ex 34 vs 33mm dia). Post 95 (10 bolt heads) are different - port bigger inside, fire face moved upwards for composite gasket and, of course, only 10 vs 14 cyl head bolts (these are the best std heads).

Russ

[kev]

Vitesse heads are identical to standard heads. The inlet valve though, has a waisted stem to improve gas flow, but as Russ says they will take unleaded.

How is the build progressing near the SVA yet?
Kev

[maxGD059]

>All Rover cylinder heads are OK for unleaded.

Hmm. If this is the case then I was ripped off by a certain Rover V8 'specialist' a little time back. Kinda pissed me off now.*# I won't mention names on line but will if emailed directly

Cheers

Richard
(It'll only be a five minute job)

[Adrian]

Hi Kev,
Mostly done now, just got to order the seats and trim. Been waiting for a clutch conversion kit for three months but hopefully that will be here soon.

If your passing come and have a look.


Adrian

[Adrian]

Russ,
Having checked I have 10 bolt heads with 40mm inlet valves and 33mm exhaust.

So are you saying that the valve seats etc are ok for unleaded? and that the 10 bolt versions are best?


Adrian

[russell_ram]

Adrian,

yes, sorry, my last post was gramitically ambiguous! Late 10 bolt heads are superior (ports & valve stem seals mainly), they were introduced with the last New Range Rover in 95 (but also carried over to all other RV8s at the same time. Easiest way to identify is that they do not have the 4 'outer' cyl head bolt holes drilled. These must be used with composite gaskets otherwise you'll end up with a comp ratio around 8.5:1 with 'high comp' pistons! They are entirely suitable for use with unleaded, afterall the are design for use with 91RON US and third world fuel.

You should be able to find a casting date mark on the outside face by the spark plug holes.

Russ

[Adrian]

Russ,
Thanks for that.

Bad news for em though as both my engines have 14 bolts in the heads. (I couldn't count before)

So I might have a look round for some newer ones.


Cheers
Adrian