Chev/Ford V8 - Land Rovers Only

Dragunov · 02-23-2007, 05:14 PM

I was wondering if a 283 chev or a 289 ford would be too much weight in a DI, I don't think the HP would be too much (283= about 200hp) (289= about190hp).

What do Y'all think?

I may have found a DI w/a blown motor for a couple of hundred bucks ('97).
if he'll turn loose of it, I may give it a shot.

gordo · 02-23-2007, 08:39 PM

Ive never heard of such a kit but anything can be done! It should be easier though to find a used rover motor and install it yourself. gordo

Funrover · 02-23-2007, 09:00 PM

I have seen a lot of RRC's done.....

If I recall the frame set up is the same....... Personally I wouldn't do it..... but I understand the $$$ aspect..... Y not go for a 305 instead of 289....same block!

Disco · 02-24-2007, 05:22 AM

If it was me making the choice, I'd fit an LS1 and all that the conversion entails, but then I'm just a rev head.

Dragunov · 02-24-2007, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Funrover

I have seen a lot of RRC's done.....

If I recall the frame set up is the same....... Personally I wouldn't do it..... but I understand the $$$ aspect..... Y not go for a 305 instead of 289....same block!

You mean a 283 (chev) is the same block as a 305 (also chev). 283 is a better engine, Besides, a 305 is only 110 to 160hp stock (At best, If I'm remembering right). The 283 is either 200hp or 235, not sure yet. I had considered a 327 (350hp) but I think it would be too much for the diffs. The options I have are:

350 chev. (O.k., but 327 is a better motor. I've built both).

327 chev. (My first choice, but maybe too much for diffs at 350hp, This particular motor is probably closer to 400+hp, out of an old corvette).

283 chev. (I don't like it as well as 327, but won't over-power the diffs).

312 ford. ( My favorite ford, but too old and hard to find parts for. It's currently in a boat).

302(5.0) ford. (My second choice, but it's out of a 96 mustang GT and might be too much).

289 ford. out of a 69 mustang. (Might be worth the trouble).

None of the engines, except the 312 are more than $500 and have similar miles and condition. Used rover engines are considerably more expensive unfortunately.

Dragunov · 02-24-2007, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco

If it was me making the choice, I'd fit an LS1 and all that the conversion entails, but then I'm just a rev head.

I'm afraid of breaking my diffs all the time, otherwise I wouldn't hesitate using
the 327 which is about the same as an LS1, (327 maybe has a little more power).

Nice thought though!

Dragunov · 02-24-2007, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gordo

Ive never heard of such a kit but anything can be done! It should be easier though to find a used rover motor and install it yourself. gordo

Easier? Yes, But used rover motors are very $$$. (around $2000, I think)

I'd rather spend $300-$500 on a smallblock chev/ford and put the rest of the $ in the suspension and/or the diffs to beef them up.

I'm thinking I may like the challenge, too.

Besides, The OOOO!, AHHHH! factor is better with a 283 or327 powered D1.

GSxTC · 03-21-2007, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Disco

If it was me making the choice, I'd fit an LS1 and all that the conversion entails, but then I'm just a rev head.

I hate Chevy but the LSx engines are AMAZING!!

300bhp/ton · 03-22-2007, 06:11 AM

Unless you are fitting a motor with substantially more power I can't see the point moving away from the Rover.

Sure other engines will fit but they will all require fab work and modifications which could easily cost more than simplyy getting a Rover V8. Is it not possible to rebuild the motor that's in it?

SBC have been used in several Raqnge Rovers as conversions here in the UK so should fit a Discovery as well. As for the diffs, well unless you are drag racing it I can't see too much of an issue, besides you can always beef them up as well if they do break.

Personally I wouldn't use any Ford motor I can't see any reason too. Sure the 302ci is fairly compact but it weighs more than a Rover and can't really produce much more power ultimatley.

A LT1 or Ls1 would be my chioce, plenty of parts available and responds well to mods.

GSxTC · 03-24-2007, 12:26 AM

Its extremly easy to pull power out of the Ford EFI 302. I'd use one of those long before the LT1 wrist pin throwing boat anchor.

LS1 engines are a bit pricey right now, but the 5.3 from the trucks is easy to get.

xd97disco · 04-17-2008, 09:52 AM

350 LS1, I'm thinking of one for '97 D1. But would the gearbox need to be swaped for a manual.

msggunny · 04-17-2008, 11:58 AM

Go for it and let us know how it goes.

There is a company in Austraila that makes, or made, conversion kits for maunal rovers. Someone was selling a conversion flywheel on Ebay a while ago.

Its been a dream of mine too. I have a problem with how underpowered and overly thirsty the rover, or should i say buick, v8 is.

Once i win the lotto i will stuff an aluminum block chevy v8 in mine. Of course i will have the money to upgrade everything else at that time too...

xd97disco · 04-17-2008, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragunov

I was wondering if a 283 chev or a 289 ford would be too much weight in a DI, I don't think the HP would be too much (283= about 200hp) (289= about190hp).

What do Y'all think?

I may have found a DI w/a blown motor for a couple of hundred bucks ('97).
if he'll turn loose of it, I may give it a shot.

Want my blown motor. Its just gone, hence the the 350 LS1

funk49 · 04-18-2008, 12:00 AM

So here's my first post and I thought I would jump right in...

I have a NAS D110 (#169) in the Conejo Valley area of LA (North Malibu, Westlake Village area) and I'm considering replacing the whole drivetrain. The LT77 is starting to get notchy and the engine is lethargic. I'm looking at RPI Engineering 4.6 Cosworth recast motors (you know...the ones ECR WON'T SELL YOU) but at the same time, I have a buddy that is willing to give me (for FREE!):

1) A 5.7 shortblock LS-1 with 30K on it.
2) Accompanying 4L60-E tranny.

This is a hard call. For one, I'm sure it will be a major job but parts would MUCH cheaper moving forward. I have a mechanic that I know could do it but I'm concerned about a possible decrease in value to the 110. I'm looking at mark4wd.com, GM Auto Trans and everything seems there but I have reservations. Can someone provide some advice? I'm torn between the free drivetrain and some costs on installation vs. expensive, new 4.6 short block with my ancillaries.

Some of my worries are:

Electronics & gauges?
Differentials? Can they handle the added HP?
Fit? If I have to modify anything on the car besides the drivetrain, this option is out. I'm not butchering my ride....

Thanks in advance for any comments or advice!

jimfoo · 04-18-2008, 08:57 AM

If you use the power, they will snap. You would probably have no end of headaches unless you upgraded front and rear axles as well. Although I have wondered about a nice high compression motor for decent torque and mileage, and limiting power by using an undersized carb or only allowing so much pedal travel. Then you can't have a moment of stupidity and floor it.