Guest Anonymous Posted August 9, 2001 Share Posted August 9, 2001 I've only done an afternoon's worth of research so far, but reading about these engines makes me think they may be prime contenders for a Z-car swap. The motors bolt up to T5 5-speeds out of the '80s ponycars. D&D Fabrication, a specialist in these engines, claims that a complete 215 (air cleaner to oil pan) witha T5 weighs in at a total 440lbs. I don't know how this compares with the inline-6 & 4-speed from a 240z, maybe someone here knows. Anyhow, I am figuring 250 - 270hp would make me happy. I don't think I'll need much more, when the car is done or later (I tend to go with two wheels when I want a real road rocket). I just wanted to get the groups general input and advice about this idea. Since I'm still in planning stages, this is just that - an idea. (BTW Scottie - I haven't forgotten your offer, I just know that when I come to look at your car, I will get all sorts of "bad" ideas and burn through money I don't have -- lol). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted August 9, 2001 Share Posted August 9, 2001 If you go to Pete's site, there is a link to a Rover V8 conversion. Yes, it is extremely light--the major advantage. But, parts and labor would be more expensive IMO and aftermarket speed parts suffer in availability here in the States. The overall advantage gained in saving weight from a Rover V8 is more than offset by a horsepower advantage from a Chevy V8. This is totally my opinion and I'm not trying to discourage you--I think the Buick 215/Rover V8 is really trick, but I'm looking at it from a practicality standpoint, which may not be your viewpoint at all. Good luck! Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted August 9, 2001 Share Posted August 9, 2001 DavyZ speaks the truth. The biggest downside of the BOP/Rover V8 is speed parts are limited (unless your a machinist and don't mind mixing volvo valve gear and mixing and matching extinct buick 300 cast heads). Its pretty light, relatively available (the Rover specific dismantlers will kill you price wise though, find the Buick-Olds-Pontiac version if you can) and fits nicely. A few speed parts are made by Edelbrock (manifold), most of the Cam makers have cams for them, headers I'd look to Britain for headers used in a MGB V8 conversion that they tend to do alot of. The bellhousings are getting a bit tough to find but are out there. 2 companies offer adapters to use a Supra 5 sp tranny behind it. Also a few of them are running around with the T50 5spd like was discussed recently in another topic. Not sure on the ignition, but you won't find as many aftermarket distributors for it thats for sure. 250 - 270 hp would require a bit of work on these Naturally aspirated. If you want my honest opinion, If weight were my total concern (Or I could get it cheap), I'd put in a Ford 302. Parts are so plentiful its hard not to stub your foot on them and they're weight is within 50 lbs or so of that Buick and its still lighter than the engine that came out and has better weight distribution. Not to discourage you, but the Ford will put out the 270 HP without even breathing hard and will have LOTS in reserve should you want more (and you will. ). If weight isn't as much a concern then dollar per dollar its hard to beat the Chevy swap into one. Its documented to death, parts are obviously super plentiful and the performance speaks for itself. *Shug* Good luck, Lone [ August 09, 2001: Message edited by: lonehdrider ] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lone Star 1 Posted August 9, 2001 Share Posted August 9, 2001 Yes you will want more. HP that is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted August 10, 2001 Share Posted August 10, 2001 Ashe, That swap is pretty much the one I've done in my car. The engine I've used is a local variant on the motor. See my link at the bottom of this post for details. I agree with most of what's been said, especially in the US context. You guys have HUGE access to cheap(er) Ford/GM stuff. It's not quite the same here, but I probably could have built a Detroit-origin iron motor for a bit less, and would have had more hp per $ spent. However, the weight reduction is great. When we dropped the motor/box in first time, the body clearly sat up on the springs. Can't tell you in lbs/kg but it's of value. For example, you can carry a bare Rover block around by hand... And of course you get most (95%) of what weight there is behind the front x-member. Just my $0.02 (or $AU 0.04) from a biased point of view.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest John Adkins Posted August 10, 2001 Share Posted August 10, 2001 How about a Buick/Rover V8 with a turbo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted August 10, 2001 Share Posted August 10, 2001 Turbo: YES!! Has been done (not nec. in a Z)But now you're spending $.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drax240z Posted August 10, 2001 Share Posted August 10, 2001 I'd be looking at the Q45 swap a bit more closely. I think there is more portential there, (more displacement anyway) with light weight as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest jens Posted August 10, 2001 Share Posted August 10, 2001 The only rover alu engine you should consider is the rover leyland 4.4 sold in australia or the 225 hp 4.6 from the 90s the 3.5i 215 is not faster than the nonturbo 300 zx engine. The head flow in all 215 or 3.9/4.4/4.6 is very bad. The rover vitesse 3500i has 190hp and a t5 trans. Tvr get 300 hp out of the 3.9/4.6 with a buick 300 crank and ported heads/injection intake and a cam headders and 280 hp out of the 4.6. These engines are rare and expensive. The chevy vortec 4.3 v6 weighs 60-70 pounds more and is cheaper to hotrod. I would also consider a 80s mercedes 500 16 valve sohc v8 with k-jetronic injection. These 440 pound alu engines is enough for high 13s 1/4 mile times in a ac cobra replica that weighs around 2500-2600 pounds. But since youre living in us a 80s aluheaded ford/chevy engine would be much easier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted August 10, 2001 Share Posted August 10, 2001 Check out this built Rover V8, now displacing 5.0 litres and using the buick 300 heads. 300ci Rover V8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
900ss Posted August 22, 2005 Share Posted August 22, 2005 TVR 4.0ltr is what i'm trying to fit into mine atm Looks odd as it is there, but thats only cos of those exhaust manifolds. Will try my best to keep them aswell, just to be different lol Few days later Yes I know things are tight but as soon as me alloy rad turns up from the states i'll have a better idea of what's going to fit where lol Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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