V8 into a Mk2 Sumo

[slider]

I've had a Mk2 Sumo for a few years now. Though it was fairly nippy with a tuned Pinto - its hardly the same is it??
After becoming disatisfied very quickly with the lack of V8 throb and sound, I started asking around if the Rover lump could be fitted in. Almost everyone asked was dismissive. None more-so than Pilgrim themself (actually bordering on rude).
Well, to all the sceptics - I've almost done it. Its cost me many skinned knuckels to get this far but the rebuilt engine is now resting on its newly made engine mounts.
Next jobs the gearbox of course ..... em!

I will keep details on everything I've done (including mistakes), and if there is enough interest I will post to other members.

Hope I'm still this positive in a few weeks!!??!!

[Alaska Gray]

Hi Slider
I am supprised you have met such negetive response I would of thought
It would be fairly straight forward after all mk 2's did have rv8's in them
am putting a rv8 in my sumo right now seems quite easy realy.

[slider]

Thanks for the response Alaska Grey.

I have the early Mk2 that was designed for Cortina bits. I think the Mk3 was the first that was designed to take a V8?? I may be wrong.

Like to hear more about your build as it progresses, hope its going well?

[TheUnixKid]

Well done! I'm very impressed!

[robinj66]

Slider

Mk II Sumo was definately able to take Rover V8 - the only potential problem was that the engine mounts were produced as part of the chassis and were different for Pinto, Essex, Cologne and RV8.

Can't think why Pilgrim should even hint that you might have a problem as, to the best of my knowledge, the rest of the chassis is exactly the same.

The other area of change is the clutch mechanism - RV8 uses an hydraulic clutch using a Marina pedal box or you have to sort out a cable conversion.

Good luck. Be interested to see the progress in pictures

[dave]

Sumo II, Cortina based, Rover V8......The first Cob I built back in 1993.:thumb:






The mini had nothing to do with me.

[slider]

I'm starting to feel a lot less worried now I know that it has all been done before.
Does anyone know if the diff will take the increase or should it be uprated?
Thanks for the feedback.

[Alaska Gray]

Hi slider depends which diff you have also Robin mentoined the manual clutch
I can help with that if needed

[dave]

The Cortina Axle location is not the best in the world for applying power through but so long as you don't go completely mad on engine tuning then you will probably get away with just changing the void bushes periodically.

[stu e]

Hi and congragulations I've just done the same conversion except mine was a V6. The easiest way I found around the clutch problem was to fit a Sierra pedal box with a Magnum hydraulic conversion, it does mean you have to move the steering colomn as it goes through the bulkhead but you don't have to fit the steering shaft with an extra joint. Hope all goes well Stu.