It's official...V8 time

Discuss engine swap details here!

Moderators: notoptoy, S Allen, Solex68

User avatar
dbrick
Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
Posts: 10084
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 11:05 pm
Location: Kenilworth, New Jersey

It's official...V8 time

Post by dbrick »

I bit the bullet and got a Rover 3.9 v8 to start the swap. I'm calling it Roverkill. Goal is 275-300 HP and 300-plus torque. It's an amazing engine I can lift the bare block with one hand. 320 -350 pounds ready to run. I think it's lighter than the U20. Plans call for a GM T5 5 speed and stock rear for now. Block turned out to be no good, seller refunded most of the money, and the other parts are well worth the price. On the hunt for a 4.0 liter block, stronger version with crossbolt mains.
Image


This will be a long process, but one of my bigger priorities will be a much larger radiator. A clean 2000 rad with elec fan may work, but if this engine overheats, it's toast, so over cooling is a good idea. Any suggestions?

I am going to mock it up on an extra frame, may even do a rack and pinion conversion for steering column and radiator clearance.

Now the big question, how long until Alvin finds a photo of one and posts it? :D

Dave Brisco

Take my advice, I'm not using it"

66 2000 The Bobster
64 1500 in pieces for sale
1980 Fiat X1/9
2009 Volvo C-70
08 Expedition EL, STUPID huge but comfy
1962 Thompson Sea Lancer, possible money pit
User avatar
Dave
Turbo Powered
Posts: 657
Joined: Fri Aug 01, 2003 12:24 am
Location: In the refrigerator, to the left of the mayonnaise, behind the pickles and beer.

Post by Dave »

Dave,

I've been very happy with my Fluidyne:

http://www.fluidyne.com/pl_hpimports.html
Part number FHP11-92CIV - Honda Civic Application

The best part is that the stock Honda Civic electric fan and shroud assembly bolts right on.
Dave Kaplan

68 2000 Roadster - Now with GT2560R power!
SR20-DET: 223 rwhp, 222 lb-ft.

http://www.cardomain.com/ride/698904
User avatar
nomadtrash
Roadster Fanatic
Posts: 456
Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2004 11:30 pm
Location: Krum, TX

Post by nomadtrash »

Try Del Long. He had a few of those motors taking up space in his garage if I remember correctly.
dglong@aol.com
Andy Cost
Roadster-less

Bolt on modification? I did use some bolts!
User avatar
Alvin
Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
Posts: 8381
Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:01 pm

Re: It's official...V8 time

Post by Alvin »

dbrick wrote: Now the big question, how long until Alvin finds a photo of one and posts it? :D
Here you go Dave:
Image
Now don't forget to put Stickerman's "Not Datsun" sticker on your wing window :D
But seriously, take a look here at all the quality v8 swaps here, ac, nice radiator ideas, and ways to get power:
http://www.britishv8.org/Photos-MG-Conversions.htm

Go Ford 302, EFI and don't look back.
Image
Image
Alvin Gogineni
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
Instagram
YouTube
My SR20 Build Thread
User avatar
dbrick
Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
Posts: 10084
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 11:05 pm
Location: Kenilworth, New Jersey

Post by dbrick »

I meant in a Datsun :D , but those are nice shots. It's gonna be a long road to do it right.

Dave Brisco

Take my advice, I'm not using it"

66 2000 The Bobster
64 1500 in pieces for sale
1980 Fiat X1/9
2009 Volvo C-70
08 Expedition EL, STUPID huge but comfy
1962 Thompson Sea Lancer, possible money pit
User avatar
Alvin
Roadster Nut-Site Supporter
Posts: 8381
Joined: Tue Jan 23, 2007 7:01 pm

Post by Alvin »

dbrick wrote:I meant in a Datsun :D , but .
Rovers are for MG's!!!!
Fords and Chevy's are for Hot Rods
Nissans are for Nissans

A long road indeed but can't wait to see the finished product!
Alvin Gogineni
San Jose, CA
1967.5 SPL/SR20
1997 Acura Integra GS-R
2022 Chevy Bolt EUV
zcarblog.com
Instagram
YouTube
My SR20 Build Thread
User avatar
dbrick
Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
Posts: 10084
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 11:05 pm
Location: Kenilworth, New Jersey

Post by dbrick »

Oh, I'd love to put in a Titan or Infinity V8, but budgets are budgets.

Dave Brisco

Take my advice, I'm not using it"

66 2000 The Bobster
64 1500 in pieces for sale
1980 Fiat X1/9
2009 Volvo C-70
08 Expedition EL, STUPID huge but comfy
1962 Thompson Sea Lancer, possible money pit
User avatar
spl310
Roadster Guru
Posts: 13241
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2002 10:38 pm
Location: In front of this keyboard... in Jacksonville, Florida!

Post by spl310 »

dbrick wrote:Oh, I'd love to put in a Titan or Infinity V8, but budgets are budgets.
Infinity engine on the east coast for $625 BIN http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1991-INF ... enameZWDVW

Titan engine with only 12,000 miles on it for $1,790 BIN http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/04-06-Ni ... enameZWDVW
"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little

1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
User avatar
spl310
Roadster Guru
Posts: 13241
Joined: Sun Dec 29, 2002 10:38 pm
Location: In front of this keyboard... in Jacksonville, Florida!

Post by spl310 »

If you don't want to eBay it, then you can find a Titan engine on car-part.com for $1000 or so (less for a fire victim) and an Infinity engine for about half of that...
"Wow, a Roadster!" Stuart Little

1967.5 2000
1967.5 2000
1964 1500
1964 1500
1967.5 1600
1968 chassis
2006 Acura MDX
2013 Volkswagen Jetta TDI wagon
1995 F350 Powerstroke!
More...
User avatar
Conner
Roadsteraholic
Posts: 621
Joined: Mon Apr 11, 2005 8:19 pm
Location: Baltimore, MD
Model: 2000
Year: High Windshield-68-70

Post by Conner »

Has anyone put a VQ56 into a roadster yet?
Andy Conner
SRL 311-01633
User avatar
dbrick
Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
Posts: 10084
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 11:05 pm
Location: Kenilworth, New Jersey

Post by dbrick »

Conner wrote:Has anyone put a VQ56 into a roadster yet?
I don't know, but that engine looks a bit big.

Dave Brisco

Take my advice, I'm not using it"

66 2000 The Bobster
64 1500 in pieces for sale
1980 Fiat X1/9
2009 Volvo C-70
08 Expedition EL, STUPID huge but comfy
1962 Thompson Sea Lancer, possible money pit
User avatar
nomadtrash
Roadster Fanatic
Posts: 456
Joined: Mon Jul 26, 2004 11:30 pm
Location: Krum, TX

Post by nomadtrash »

Has anyone put a VQ56 into a roadster yet?
I've got a Q45 MAF on my motor. Is that close enough?

I think Les was installing a Hemi in a roadster a while back.
Andy Cost
Roadster-less

Bolt on modification? I did use some bolts!
User avatar
dbrick
Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
Posts: 10084
Joined: Thu Sep 09, 2004 11:05 pm
Location: Kenilworth, New Jersey

Post by dbrick »

nomadtrash wrote: I think Les was installing a Hemi in a roadster a while back.
I'm feeling saner now.

Dave Brisco

Take my advice, I'm not using it"

66 2000 The Bobster
64 1500 in pieces for sale
1980 Fiat X1/9
2009 Volvo C-70
08 Expedition EL, STUPID huge but comfy
1962 Thompson Sea Lancer, possible money pit
x5.0guy

Post by x5.0guy »

Hey Dave I have been thinking about a 2.3 turbo out of a merkur xr4ti or svo mustang. They are tough and powerful with plenty of performance options. It's just a thought for now. good luck, Craig
User avatar
FergO2k
Roadster Fanatic-Site Supporter
Posts: 1773
Joined: Thu Apr 29, 2004 12:18 pm
Location: SoCal

same V8, licensed to Rover

Post by FergO2k »

Isn't the engine Dave is talking about a later version of the V-8 in this car (alum blocked 215 from a 63 Pontiac Wildcat) ??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1972-Dat ... dZViewItem

The license was sold to Rover/MG (insert Brit name here) and used for years afterwards. (and was also the basis for porsche front engined V-8 from the 80's, or is that just a rumor)

even though not a Nissan motor, it looks nicely done. When he says "ready to go racing", I am just not sure "with whom"?
Post Reply