Datsun Roadster Forum-311s.org

I'm seriously considering doing this swap. Has anyone done the homework yet? It's a rear sump front distributor engine and will weigh less than the U20, so it seems do-able.
Any comments appreciated

Hello.

Looks that it fits quite easy under Fairlady hood. Exhaust manifolds dont have lots of room but if you put them going into front fenders and then sidepipes it maybe possible.
In this picture motor only hanging on crane:Rover V-8

Picture is little joke for my friends and put it (rover motor) into my Fairlady enginebay and take picture when Fairlady own motor is off.

Rover V-8 motor is for my -72 240Z, motor is very light, weight is only 108 kilograms without manifolds, carburetors, start motor and altenator.

OOoohhhh...V8 power.... I like it!! Hmmm, I wonder how the 1500 drum brakes would do with that engine... LOL!! Seriously, I do like the way that it sits down in there. Exhaust does not look insurmountable. I would do hidden side pipes - side pipes that went behind the rocker and turned down just in front of the rear tires.

ehhhh, should drop a big Chief 632ci in there.... then brakes would be ur last problem.

Apperantly the rover engines are very available, but the larger ones have a higher deck height from the long stroke. It's a long term project. I'll get the engine and stuff and wait for a nice rust free body. Might be a Roadster, might be an MGA, who knows.

Joe, did you notice how close the steering column was to the exhaust ports?

I like Triumph TR4s with a V8.
Ive seen a few of them.

Do it!!i like the mgbs better my self

Steve

I found a body, 295/50-15's on the rear. Too bad it's in California. Only wants $3000.00 for it

Interesting this should come up now. I just bought an engine hoist from a gentleman in Grants Pass Oregon that has a running Buick 215 v8 that he wants $200. for. Why am I even tempted when I have my vg30 for my Roadster?

Because 8 is better than 6? How do you say Cobra in Japanese?

More like Tiger in Japanese there Dave. That yellow car would be a beast with some serious horsepower to help turn that big meat on the back!

If it was on the East Coast I'd be all over it, but an extra $1000.00 hurts to move it.

It would be an excellent platform for an SR20Turbo or other wild swap. I also have no experience with fiberglass.

contact Craig Halsted, he has transport trailer(s) going back and forth at times, depending on what he is moving, you might get lucky.

Fiberglas fears? that is natural. It is as easy as making pancakes from a mix. Just start practicing on small projects. DON"T TRY TO MAKE A SPA FIRST TIME!
"small mistakes on big projects make big messes"

it is really quite easy, and lots of online help. search for surfboard and kit boat construction sites, they are fundamental techniques that even the most hi-tech parts are being made in a similar manner. (really bad english in that sentence)

dbrick wrote: Joe, did you notice how close the steering column was to the exhaust ports?

There is space for headers but not too much.
More space you can get if change steering column what has joints (like cardan joints) and move steering column down and left near to fender.
Rover/Buick V-8 with carburetor is more simple than VG30 with injections and all other electric parts.
And sounds in V-8 is very nice...

In my 240 Z Rover V-8 sounds very nice when i revving 7500 rpm and there is no mufflers in exthaus system when i was in drag strip.

(sorry my poor english ...hope you understand my writes )

Update... I found a frame, I have a motor running 62 buick engine nearby on Ebay for cheap....It may be starting soon.....

Anyone have any thoughts on a BIG radiator that will fit?