MattMe Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 So next year I'm looking at getting a project car (hopefully a 240z) and it WILL have a V8 of some description. I've got a little bit of Rover V8 experience but recently I've been thinking about other engine possibilties. The main benfit of the Rover engine is how common and cheap they are here in the UK which makes it the most likely engine I'd have chosen, but the power output isn't that impressive (around 200hp and 200lbft torque from a 3.5) and is really hard and expensive to acheive a whole lot more, hence checking out LS1s (350hp/tourque). The newer Jag/Range Rover 4.4 put out about 300hp but they don't come cheap either. So really I'm asking if anyone has any knowledege about the two engines in comparrison of weight (newer LS1 is aluminium), size, and power output vs. cost of the engines. I do like the Rover engines but ideally I'm after around (and over) the 300hp mark which is when you'd be looking at high capacity and highly tuned, where LS engines would give me the power I'm after completely standard, I believe. I'm going to start looking on the net, but I know this forum hosts a lot of knowledge so if anyone can tell me anything I should consider or any figures/weights/costs and anything I've overlooked (such as other V8s) it could save me some time. I'm lazy, what can I say? Me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dblock Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 So next year I'm looking at getting a project car (hopefully a 240z) and it WILL have a V8 of some description. I've got a little bit of Rover V8 experience but recently I've been thinking about other engine possibilties. The main benfit of the Rover engine is how common and cheap they are here in the UK which makes it the most likely engine I'd have chosen, but the power output isn't that impressive (around 200hp and 200lbft torque from a 3.5) and is really hard and expensive to acheive a whole lot more, hence checking out LS1s (350hp/tourque). The newer Jag/Range Rover 4.4 put out about 300hp but they don't come cheap either. So really I'm asking if anyone has any knowledege about the two engines in comparrison of weight (newer LS1 is aluminium), size, and power output vs. cost of the engines. I do like the Rover engines but ideally I'm after around (and over) the 300hp mark which is when you'd be looking at high capacity and highly tuned, where LS engines would give me the power I'm after completely standard, I believe. I'm going to start looking on the net, but I know this forum hosts a lot of knowledge so if anyone can tell me anything I should consider or any figures/weights/costs and anything I've overlooked (such as other V8s) it could save me some time. I'm lazy, what can I say? Me. Not sure if this helps but what about a bmw V8? the 4.4 v8 used in the 740 and 540. I think they are near 300bhp already. Can be tweaked pretty easily to make more and its the basis of the new FI M engines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 there was an old jag V12 on ebay the other day for only 300 quid if i recall, gearbox, alternator the lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattMe Posted July 25, 2010 Author Share Posted July 25, 2010 The V12s are huge heavy things though. I'm after small and light to fit in an old, small light car BMWs a possibility though... The crate LS1 350hp with ECU, loom , anciliries etc comes in at over £6k + VAT Yikes! May just stick to 3.5 Rover for £500! It's not enough power though. I'm thinking if I'm going to do it I should do it properly and give it the engine it/I deserve! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Husky Posted July 25, 2010 Share Posted July 25, 2010 http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-E31-E32-M70-5 ... 105wt_1137 you know you want the V12 go on, it wont bite Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lincolnbaggie Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 There were turbo kits available for the Rover V8 To be honest, if you're putting it into a 240, the Rover will be plenty powerful enough if you get a later one - they worked pretty well in the older TVRs. My old SD1 Vitesse was pretty quick enough and that weighed a lot more than a 240 I would imagine. There are plenty of tuning options on them (though not that cheap I must admit), but as you say they are cheap to buy and dead easy to rebuild as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ekona Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 The crate LS1 350hp with ECU, loom , anciliries etc comes in at over £6k + VAT You'll get an LS3 for that, and it's still an absolute bargain for that sort of power on a lovely new ally block. I have no idea how much a VQ35DE lump from Nissan is brand new, but I bet it's at least the same price. If budget is that much of an issue then a Rover lump will probably do, but I'd be looking at nothing less than an LS-series motor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M13KYF Posted July 26, 2010 Share Posted July 26, 2010 moved Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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