what V8 engines

[V Mad]

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Kevin Garrod wrote:

Here you go!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Vltbhg...eature=related

You got it Kevin, thats the Ford V8 lump. It does look like a good fit in there, and proves it can be done. I wonder if the bonnet will shut without a bulge?

[TimShoubridge]

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V Mad wrote:

Kevin Garrod wrote:

Here you go!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Vltbhg...eature=related

You got it Kevin, thats the Ford V8 lump. It does look like a good fit in there, and proves it can be done. I wonder if the bonnet will shut without a bulge?

Where there's a will .....................

[grahamb]

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Why not the Rover engine - there are enough conversions both power wise and into the stag to make it good and simple

[Ian B]

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grahamb wrote:

Why not the Rover engine - there are enough conversions both power wise and into the stag to make it good and simple

Graham


because if you are going to put an American V8 in the car, then put in a proper one, i hope the situation does not come up and the TV8 lasts forever;but looking at the cost of the new heads at £2500 this is not a price i could justify which got me thinking what could you get for that sort of money.

Ian

[V8 Rumbler]

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Ian B wrote:

grahamb wrote:

Why not the Rover engine - there are enough conversions both power wise and into the stag to make it good and simple

Graham


because if you are going to put an American V8 in the car, then put in a proper one, i hope the situation does not come up and the TV8 lasts forever;but looking at the cost of the new heads at £2500 this is not a price i could justify which got me thinking what could you get for that sort of money.

Ian

I too have the original TV8 in mine and I hope it will last forever. BUT I think you are a bit out of order saying that the Rover V8 is out of the running as it isn't a proper American V8:?

It has been a fantastic engine for the british car industry and in my opinion is now more UK than US based on who had used it and developed it the most. Where it originated from is neither here nor there.

Most of us ,albeit quietly, would agree that had Triumph put the Rover unit in the Stag it would have been an infinately more sucessful, reliable and indeed sportier car from the offset- the sugestion of spending 2.5k on heads for those engines would have resulted in someone being sectioned.

But we have what we have and although I have never driven a Stag with a 'good Rover Conversion' I should imagine it to be very rewarding.

Darren

[tedlit]

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One of the many parts boxes that came with my Stag had a complete kit to convert to a Chevy 350.. lightened/machined prop, engine mount adaptors, stiffer springs, gearstick extension, the lot..

If the original V8 gives me problems.. all I have to do is threaten it with that particular parts box

[grahamb]

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Providing you get the suspension adjusted correctly (for either the Rover or yankee doodle V8) I would have though you would get better handling from the lighter engine because of physics or am I over-simplifying here?

[V8 Rumbler]

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grahamb wrote:

Providing you get the suspension adjusted correctly (for either the Rover or yankee doodle V8) I would have though you would get better handling from the lighter engine because of physics or am I over-simplifying here?

Graham I think the suspension is the most important thing but also the steering needs to be adressed- The one I drove many years ago was far far too light

Darren

[V Mad]

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The Rover engine is about 100 lbs lighter. This makes the front higher by approx 1/2 inch, and the steering feels lighter. Easy to correct the ride height with special springs but changing the steeringis difficult. When I had by RV8 Stag I was even going to try a manual rack from a 2000/2500 saloon cos I hated the lack of steering feel.

The Ford V8 is about the same as a Stag V8, the Chevy 350 is heavier.

[stoutgoose]

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The answer is simple; use the Rover power steering pump.

I converted mine two years ago. I properly 'Finnissed/Monarched' it with BMW rear end, rear discsand LSD, BMW servo, four pot ali front callipers, vented discs, battery moved into the hood-well to move more weight rearwards. Tuned 3.9 Rover V8 putting out 255bhp and 5 speed box, plus lots of other tweaks including re-rated front and rear variable rate springs.

I used the SD1 PAS pump with modified hoses and can honestly say that the Rover pump gives more feel and slightly heavier steering than the Stag unit. It feeds back nicely even when driving like a moron. I took the car up Prescott earlier this year and it went fabulously! Also took it to LeMans this year with no mishaps (LeMans to Calais in 3 1/4 hours averaging 25mpg).

[V Mad]

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stoutgoose wrote:

The answer is simple; use the Rover power steering pump.

I converted mine two years ago. I properly 'Finnissed/Monarched' it with BMW rear end, rear discsand LSD, BMW servo, four pot ali front callipers, vented discs, battery moved into the hood-well to move more weight rearwards. Tuned 3.9 Rover V8 putting out 255bhp and 5 speed box, plus lots of other tweaks including re-rated front and rear variable rate springs.

I used the SD1 PAS pump with modified hoses and can honestly say that the Rover pump gives more feel and slightly heavier steering than the Stag unit. It feeds back nicely even when driving like a moron. I took the car up Prescott earlier this year and it went fabulously! Also took it to LeMans this year with no mishaps (LeMans to Calais in 3 1/4 hours averaging 25mpg).

I have seen your car, and it is a credit to you, andfor me it represents how the Stag should have developed in it's lifetime. Did you fit the Monarch front adjustable suspension (eg to increase castor angle)as this can improve the weighting on the steering?

[stoutgoose]

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I thought about it but decided to see how the existing steering and suspension worked before trying them and I'm happy how it works at the moment. Front ride height has been adjusted down by an inch or so using shorter springs. I fitted spacers between the front cross member and the chassis (half inch I think), to allow the engine to sit lower. This has had the effect of increasing the front wheel negative camber slightly and assists the handling; no signs of bump-steer.

I'm still using the standard Stag front dampers. I wanted to retain some of the Stag's softness. One of the criticisms of Jonathan's car I heard mentioned was that it felt rock hard when you drove it, and I didn't want an out and out track car. I'll probably use adjustables on a medium setting the next time I have them apart.

I haven't uprated the front roll bar and the variable rate springs give the car a feel not too different from the normal Stag ride, although it is a little harder with the poly-bushes fitted andthe rear springs are slightly harder than theoriginals, however it's not so hard as to make the journey uncomfortable.

The LeMans trip was a great test for the car. The French payage was empty and we were constantly resisting the urge to go balls out; there was a significant gendarmerie presence to help dissuade us! The run back was the best. We left early to avoid the rush and averaged 90mph with the car sitting at around 3500 revs.and just ate up the miles;I'm really pleased with the way it's turned out, being happy looning around lanes orlong distance cruising.

[grahamb]

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sounds like a good car - what sort of value do you get agreed with the insurance company for spec like this?

[stoutgoose]

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Its agreed value is £20k, but the price peoplewould beprepared to pay if I were ever to sell would be quite a lot lower I'd imagine!