Tugchaser
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| posted on 20/8/15 at 09:09 AM |
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Yes the autobox is a question. I might have to find my biggest hammer!!!
[Edited on 20/8/15 by Tugchaser]
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Irony
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| posted on 20/8/15 at 10:02 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Tugchaser
I do know what you mean but I see things slightly differently.
My basic instinct is to go with something I understand & which is repairable. I am sure that Toyota parts are available & that the motor is
really good but I would hate to be in a position in 5 years time of having to repair one as I suspect that it would cost a fortune. Before someone
tells me that replacement motors will be available just look how suddenly all the Sierra donors disappeared, where have all the Capris & Granadas
gone, and just which Toyota Lexus V8's will simply bolt into where the old one came from, fit all the bits (I am thinking electronics as well as
mechanical bits) & actually work properly?
I know that Rover parts are getting trickier which leads to me an inescapable conclusion. If I had to pick something which I fancied, for which the
knowledge base is vast and for which spares will always be available and are cheap I would choose a traditional Chevrolet V8. I really do not care
much about a few gallons a year. I have spoken to Luego and they don't think that I am mad, in fact quite the opposite, so I am investigating
this idea.
The only part for the Rover V8 that is getting difficult to source is the 2wd bell housing from the the SD1. All the 4wd variants are to long. Well
I say difficult to source, they are difficult to source cheaply. They go for £200+ on eBay.
I must admit I don't know much about Chevy V8's but a simple search for Chevrolet V8 on ebay brings up 1 running engine and a 5 or six for
'spares or repair'. The same search for 1UZ-FE or Rover V8 brings up 10-15 engines that would be a viable donor. In fact simply type V8
engine into ebay and limit the search to the 'complete engines' and you get a sample of whats common and not that common here in the UK.
American V8's (not including the RV8 as an american Buick engine) fall quite far down the list of common V8's. I certainly don't
think your mad by choosing an Chevy V8, far from it but I don't buy the argument that its a good choice because spares will be available for a
longer period than other makes of engine. If you were in the states I think it would be vastly different.
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Irony
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| posted on 20/8/15 at 10:08 AM |
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As a side note, working on the Viento is a dream. The engine bay is so large most things are easy peasy to access. My hat goes off to people who fit
large engines into small cars.
My advice is take a good look around one and a test drive before buying. Put your location and someone near might be able to help.
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Tugchaser
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| posted on 20/8/15 at 10:43 AM |
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quote:
Originally posted by Irony
The only part for the Rover V8 that is getting difficult to source is the 2wd bell housing from the the SD1. All the 4wd variants are to long. Well
I say difficult to source, they are difficult to source cheaply. They go for £200+ on eBay.
I must admit I don't know much about Chevy V8's but a simple search for Chevrolet V8 on ebay brings up 1 running engine and a 5 or six for
'spares or repair'. The same search for 1UZ-FE or Rover V8 brings up 10-15 engines that would be a viable donor. In fact simply type V8
engine into ebay and limit the search to the 'complete engines' and you get a sample of whats common and not that common here in the UK.
American V8's (not including the RV8 as an american Buick engine) fall quite far down the list of common V8's. I certainly don't
think your mad by choosing an Chevy V8, far from it but I don't buy the argument that its a good choice because spares will be available for a
longer period than other makes of engine. If you were in the states I think it would be vastly different.
I guess that it depends on your background. Mine is an interest in Street Rods & drag racing where Chevrolet V8's are basic fodder and where
spares for them are cheap and available. There are specialists who bring containers of motors and parts on a regular basis. Shipping is not regarded
as a problem. I do however hear what you are saying about the Rover and importantly they are relatively light.
I am trying to remember which auto box was fitted to the Rover 2wd. I have a feeling the originals were BW35 and the later ones BW65 but I will need
to check. I am guessing that the box will need to come from an SD1 as I can't imagine that you can use a 4WD box and just remove the 4wd
bits.
If I open the door to UK engines I don't think that I should ignore the Jaguar either. I know nothing about them at all.
My instinct is still the proven Ford, Mopar or Chevrolet V8.
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Mike Wood
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| posted on 6/9/15 at 08:22 AM |
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Autotune Gemini?
http://www.autotuneuk.com/gemini.html
Good luck with your search
Cheers
Mike
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