General Rover engine info

[martin_t]

Hi

This is really just a request for information to clear things up in my mind as to the way forward when I eventually upgrade my RV8 3.5. I have read lots of posts but am still not 100% sure on a few points that you guys can help me with I'm sure.

1) What year is the cut off point where you have to have cats and injection?

2) Can I put a car through the SVA with a 3.5 and then change to a 4.6 without having to SVA again?

3) If the previous applies, would I need to put cats on the new engine if the imition year applied, or is that just to get it through the SVA?

4) Lastly (thanks for you patience!!), If I want to build up another engine, 3.9, 4.0 or 4.6, maybe even stroke it, would I be advised to deffinately get a cross bolted block or is that not the be all and end all? On the same subject, what year were the cross bolted blocks around?

Thanks for any information guys.........Its all a learning curve, which is why I love this forum.

Martin

[robinj66]

Martin

the cut off year for SVA/cats is 1995 (July I think but will have to check). There is no problem in obtaining an SVA with one engine and replacing it with another at a later stage. All you have to do is inform DVLA in the usual way. The only problem would be if your engine at SVA had to meet the most stringent (post 1995) emissions but you later changed iot to a much earlier engine with carbs - at MOT you would have to meet the emissions stated on your V5.

RV8 Cross bolted blocks were introduced for motorsport. Can't see why you would need one if you aren't racing but I know others will disagree. The cross bolting stops the main caps moving under sustained high revs.

I do know that later cross bolted engines had main caps with full side profiles which are supposed to do the job better than the earlier ones.

Frankly, if you're getting into that league you should read the books by David Hardcastle & Des Hammill

[Sidecarbod]

You may wish to go for a block that has been prepared by someone like V8 developments if you go for a large bore lump as the standard ones could have problems with liner movement which caused the head gasket to leak, so I believe. (Other members will have more info and know doubt put me right if this is wrong)

Basically you want top hat liners.

HTH,

Pete

[chesterak]

In my view you will be disapointed with a"small" engine.
If you go for a bored and stroked engine they usually start off with 4.6 RR block that is porus. The cure is top hat liners and at the same time a stroked crank to give 5.0L or more. All this work aint cheap, choose your suppliers carefully. I've had this work done, while by no means an expert (Russ Ram is) I can provide info on my suppliers, good and bad.

[martin_t]

Don't think I will be disapointed. I have built the 3.5 myself from nuts and bolts, of which I am quite proud (as long as it starts!!), because I have never done this before. If everything goes according to plan, I will have a nice car with a sporty engine. Nothing like the huge yank lumps but hey, it will do the trick for me. the plan is then, to stop from being bored, build a bigger (4.6 ish) one and replace the 3.5 eventually. I agree Russell Ram is the Rover expert, along with a few other guys on the forum, and I guess they aren't disapointed with the Rover engine in whatever guise it ends up as!!

Thanks for all comments, Its the only way I learn, and I appreciate them all.

Martin

[Big Thirsty]

Hello Martin,

I was in two minds about selling my Rover engine, as I was going to use it on a special project of mine. But the finished engine looks to a profesional standard and you should be proud of what you have done.

I'm looking forward to seeing your finished GD at one of the shows.

[martin_t]

Originally Posted by Big Thirsty

Hello Martin,

I was in two minds about selling my Rover engine, as I was going to use it on a special project of mine. But the finished engine looks to a profesional standard and you should be proud of what you have done.

I'm looking forward to seeing your finished GD at one of the shows.

Thanks Ian