Sumo Engine replacement

[angus99]

I recently saw a Pilrim Sumo Replica for sale with an 1800cc engine. The car was a very recent build and looked good value considering the total cost of the parts on the car. The car is now sold, however I am interested to know how difficult it would be change out the engine to a V8, preferably a Chevvy small block. From what I've read on the forum removing the engine shouldn't be a problem, so the main concerns would be access for upgrading the cooling system, fuel pump etc. and getting the new engine in without damaging the body shell.

Alternatively is it possible to remove and re-install the body shell with out damaging it?

[Miket]

Originally Posted by angus99

I recently saw a Pilrim Sumo Replica for sale with an 1800cc engine. The car was a very recent build and looked good value considering the total cost of the parts on the car. The car is now sold, however I am interested to know how difficult it would be change out the engine to a V8, preferably a Chevvy small block. From what I've read on the forum removing the engine shouldn't be a problem, so the main concerns would be access for upgrading the cooling system, fuel pump etc. and getting the new engine in without damaging the body shell.

Alternatively is it possible to remove and re-install the body shell with out damaging it?

Angus

It's a major operation doing an engine swop,

Engine, gearbox, clutch and master cylinder, bell housing, gearbox, propshaft, possibly uprated brakes depending on the Kit you buy, new engine and gearbox mountings will need to be fabricated and welded to chassis.

As you mention the cooling system will also need upgrading, depending what's in there at the moment.

If it's a Sumo you are thinking about, IMHO you will not get the body off without a lot of blood sweat and tears.

[TheUnixKid]

If you do a search in the Pilgrim tech help pages I'm sure a guy did just this and put a Rover V8 in a Sumo. It seemed like a fair amount of work but he proved everyone who said it couldn't be done quite wrong.

[TINKA]

Originally Posted by TheUnixKid

If you do a search in the Pilgrim tech help pages I'm sure a guy did just this and put a Rover V8 in a Sumo. It seemed like a fair amount of work but he proved everyone who said it couldn't be done quite wrong.

I think the chap you are referring to posts under the name Slider :thumb: :thumb:

[tonym]

IF it is a recent build then it'd be, remove the prop shaft, take off the gearbox, remove the engine- all possible with the body in place. Check with Pilgrim to see if the radiator fitted is up to the job, if not then change it. Fit new engine mounts (they only bolt on) and new engine. Fit gearbox and new gearbox mount (again a bolt on part) have new prop made and fit and voilla, job sorted. On the other hand, if it's an older chassis then expect problems :thumb:

[Dutch Paul]

Originally Posted by tonym

IF it is a recent build then it'd be, remove the prop shaft, take off the gearbox, remove the engine- all possible with the body in place. Check with Pilgrim to see if the radiator fitted is up to the job, if not then change it. Fit new engine mounts (they only bolt on) and new engine. Fit gearbox and new gearbox mount (again a bolt on part) have new prop made and fit and voilla, job sorted. On the other hand, if it's an older chassis then expect problems :thumb:

Springs/shocks

[stu e]

If it's a MK2 you also need to change/move the steering shaft,engine electrics and exhausts, possibly change the rev counter as well.
I changed mine from a V6 to a V8 it was more work than i thought it would be, not regretted it at all.


Stu

[gareth08]

don't forget exhausts and manifolds.

could be (apart from engine) quite expensive.

[slogger]

Originally Posted by gareth08

don't forget exhausts and manifolds.

could be (apart from engine) quite expensive.

Too right!! Gone from RV8 to Chevy B Block. £1900 just for the headers and side pipes.(Dax) Ouch! Don't keep a running total but must be in the region of £7000 spent without paint and trim! All those £150 and £200s add up!!!

[dinosoar]

Hi,

I am in the process of doing this conversion for a customer at the moment.
Rover conversion from 2lit. pinto on an early SEV Sumo.
The engine setup will fit quite nicely however it will require the P6 type front pulley and waterpump to get enough clearance to the steering rack.
I may need to alter the bulkhead braces to gain enough clearance for exhaust headers and I had to remove the strut brace to get the engine in.
Other wise it looks to be reasonably easy.
I would recommend buying a scrap engine to strip out and use as a light weight dummy for the purposes of fitting as it will have to be hauled in and out a few times and it is easier to fit the gearbox/bellhousing without the crank and flywheel there.
I will have to update this with the progress as I go.

Andy