V-8 project

[kram350kram]

Thought some might be interested in my V-8 project. Any comments welcome.

[Kendo]

Details please! Is the V8 from a Lotus, as that valve cover implies? How does the weight compare to whatever that car had before?

[BDA]

Very interesting... Which V8 are you using? Are  you planning to strengthen the frame? I have heard that the V8 Esprit suffers from a frame can can twist under the torque of its engine.

Pretty clever way of fitting an alternator. I think it might be really difficult to change the belt. That brings me to where and how big are your fuel tank(s) going to be?

[TurboFource]

289 - 302?     What transaxle are using?   Is the frame slotted for the alternator belt?

Very Interesting.....

[cwtech]

Any comments welcome.

(1)  Needs more head bolts!

(2)  Needs more power!

(3)  Say your prayers!

[kram350kram]

289 Ford with Porsche 5 speed. Made the valve covers. Frame will need some reinforcement and some triangulation. Have done some frame upgrades but just got the body off so now can concentrate on other locations. Can get to the alternator belt from under the car, really pretty easy. Belt runs thru a frame slot and is mounted to a solid frame bracket and pivots with a belt tensioner. On fuel tanks, one original behind the driver and one custom tank in the forward "boot" which feeds the original. Just at 18 gallons. Only 20 head bolts total, about 350 BHP when done, I'm an atheist. 

[BDA]

Aluminum block? How much does the motor weigh?

[jbcollier]

Aluminum heads and manifold, cast iron block.

[BDA]

Aluminum blocks are available but they are really expensive. I would think a CI block would be pretty heavy for a Europa.

[TurboFource]

If I remember correctly, when Perana in Australia added the 302 to the Capri it only added like 40lbs to the car..

A 289-302 with aluminum heads, intake and headers is lighter than you think. I think the MGB guys
don't have much issue with the minimal weight increase either.

Now the chassis may be another issue with all that power

[Bainford]

Very nice. Tidy installation of the SBF. That's going to be a wild ride.

[Richard48Y]

Just have to say, the frame notch looks a bit extreme to me so hope there is a plan for serious reinforcement.
Since I have read post here of stub-axle failure with stock engines I do not see them working at these power levels.
Not intending to rain on the parade, but wheels falling off would lead to a lot of damage even if the car were not in motion.

[Dan C 2624R]

Along the lines of what Richard was stating, the frame notch would require some stiffening.  I saw something on Project Binky that might help.

You Tube search for "Project Binky"  and go to Episode 20.  Around 19:30 n, they have a flex shaft for the alternator that might do the trick here.

If you have not viewed the series, some impressive fabrication skills for the Mini.

Dan
TC 2624R

[jbcollier]

Being 40 lbs lighter than a MGB engine is not particularly praiseworthy!!

 ;-)

The Rover/Buick engine is actually lighter than the B engine until you add in the ancillaries.

[TurboFource]

Lighter than the Capri's original engine JB....