rover conversion

[allanqn]

hi i have just bought 72 stag with 3.5 rover engine but the ride height is not right any advise would be helpfull allan

[Richard Saunders]

Hi Allan and welcome to the forum.

Firstly don't get put off by people whining about a Rover v8 Stag not being a proper Stag (there will be a few ). I'm sure any Tv8 owners who have been plagued by HG issues would be more sympathetic th the idea!

As I am sure you already know, the Rover 3.5 is a very light engine. I had a 4 cyl MGBGT then traded up to an MGBGTv8 which was considerably lighter then the 4 cyl. At the risk of being obvious, you need to look at suspension mods, not only from a ride height perspective but also from a balance/handling point of vbiew as well. I'm sure there will be plenty of people with experience of Rover v8 conversions who will be able to give you more helpful and specific guidance.

[martin]

Hiya, welcome to a fine institution, that is, if you want to live in one . I'm a big fan of the Triumph V8, but if your RV8 keeps another Stag on the road, I'm in favour. Enjoy Martin.

[V Mad]

The RV8 is about 100 lbs lighter. To reset the ride height you need softer or lower springs. You could try Monarch Stags who are specialits in RV8 mods, or Chris Witor who does various springs for the Triumph saloon and stag.

[DJT]

Hi, Allan. Welcome.

When you say 'ride height' do you mean front or overall?


If front then it is likely that whoever did the conversion didn't change the front springs. As Martin says, the RV8 is much lighter than the TV8. I am sure someone will advise which springs are needed.

[saxplayer]

Hi allan
speak to Ian Coe at monarch. You can get parts cheaper ,however i can recomend monarch products are second to none.
shaun

[73stagman]

As already said.... Monarch (does progressive rate springs and is where mine are coming from), Chris Whitor does some, or you can try ROBSPORT On ebay or buy direct. He sels a front spring specifically for RV8 engined Stags.... around thirty quid each plus VAT

[martin]

I used to know a couple of beetles that used the RV8, it's only 40 lbs heavier than the original engine, and just hung on the four bolts on the bell housing, no rear mounting at all, very little modding needed and the engine cover moved back on hinge extensions. Martin.

[GDPR]

I used to know a couple of beetles that used the RV8, it's only 40 lbs heavier than the original engine, and just hung on the four bolts on the bell housing, no rear mounting at all, very little modding needed and the engine cover moved back on hinge extensions. Martin.

And a large eff off radiator and a huge life insurance policy....

[martin]

TPFT didn't cost much then One had the rad leanlng back in the spare wheel well, and four small grills set into the bonnet, seemed to work, needless to say it wasn't as fast as he'd hoped, the gear ratios and the swing axles saw to that M

[jakesmig]

RV8 engined cars are never as quick as owners wish, too much wheelspin
John

[ChasR]

TPFT didn't cost much then One had the rad leanlng back in the spare wheel well, and four small grills set into the bonnet, seemed to work, needless to say it wasn't as fast as he'd hoped, the gear ratios and the swing axles saw to that M

A friend of mine in the VW trade once acquired an RV8 early Bay Window Camper. Interesting was one way to describe the experience (considering most Campers could barely take the skin off a rice pudding!). It looked little strange on the front though with it having a grille!