240 General: 240 with rover V8?

[LankyTim]

Has anyone done or seen a 240 with a Rover V8 conversion? Im thinking of tracking down an SD1 V8 with a 5 speed manual box and fitting it to my 240 estate and binning the 2 litre engine. Looks fairly straightforward. Any thoughts?

[Clan]

seen one with a small block chevvy V8 but why do you want to fit a rover unit? They are not that powerful in standard form certainly less than a 2300 volvo turbo unit which would be an easy swap ...

[Rich 264]

Seen a few over the years, imagine it's quite straight forward with the rover engine being so compact (for a V8 anyway!). The ones I've seen the engine sits very snug low down and to the rear of the engine bay, just where you want it.
I'd like to do it myself "one day", it's a light weight engine so should improve the handling, easy to get parts and tune up, and easy to work on. Ideal replacement for a PRV in fact! (which should have been a 3.5 V8 originally, why didn't they save their development budgets and fit the rover???!) I think it's worth nearly 200bhp out of the box and can easily increase that with some heads and a cam, you can choose twin carbs, or Lucas rip offs of either the k-jet or hotwire injection systems, or an aftermarket system. Theres plenty of websites and specialists for the Rover V8 if you want to research it. Heres a few:
v8tuner.co.uk
v-8.org.uk
v8register.net
v8engines.com
Lund engines used to have a good website but now i can't find it!

[JIM C]

I remember reading an article about fitting american big V8`s into Volvo`s in the states. I would try a search looking in the states. There was a GLT estate for sale on ebay with a V8 a while back. I think a V8 in a 240 would make an ace car.

[LankyTim]

Ive considered a yank V8 but they are too big and heavy and would upset the handling, theyre also much more expensive to buy. A Rover V8 would be easier to track down in manual form, will be lighter than the existing B200 lump and is physically smaller than a yank V8.

Ive got a spare B230 turbo engine in the garage and would bolt straight onto the gearbox but it just wouldnt be the same as a V8. I had a Rover P5 a few years ago and it just sounded awesome! A carbed V8 would be easier to install I image as it would be mostly fabrication work as opposed to ECUs and wiring- which I hate to mess with!

[JIM C]

They fit Rover V8`s into Volvo Amazons in Sweden. I had a V8 MG a long time ago and still miss the burble of a V8. Would be a great project.
All the best.

[Mike_Brace]

Originally Posted by LankyTim

Ive considered a yank V8 but they are too big and heavy and would upset the handling, theyre also much more expensive to buy. A Rover V8 would be easier to track down in manual form, will be lighter than the existing B200 lump and is physically smaller than a yank V8.

Ive got a spare B230 turbo engine in the garage and would bolt straight onto the gearbox but it just wouldnt be the same as a V8. I had a Rover P5 a few years ago and it just sounded awesome! A carbed V8 would be easier to install I image as it would be mostly fabrication work as opposed to ECUs and wiring- which I hate to mess with!

I've got the book on converting the 240 to small block chevy and it doesn't work out signifigantly heavier - they recommend the diesasel springs. This book give all the info on how to fit and get it working properly. I have a small block (carb) sitting around and have seriously considered the swap but cannot see myself getting time to do it. The book certainly gave a very good insight as to what was involved and gave sources for all parts sthat would be needed.

I think you will find that the rover weighs more than the redblock. Anyway it certainly sounds an interesting idea. Do rememeber it will cost twice what you think and take four times as long!!

Mike