The V8 Owners Forum -

Hi All, have read somewhere that a RV8 should be installed at an angle any ideas what this should be an whether it should be lower at the front or back?

Lower at back and circa 3 degrees is fine. Too much angle and you will encounter driveshaft problems. There are books that cover the setting up of engine/trans/driveshaft/pinion angles etc that would be worth a read for you. Also, you can get a spacer that is machined at an angle for 4bbl carbs to correct their position if you run such a carb.

The original angle for the rover was 5 deg in the cars. This is what some inlet manifolds are set to and you can buy off the shelf spacers if the manifold isn't angled. Rover only did this originally really so it would fit in the engine bay. If you don't have this problem then install it level.

thanks....

katanaman, what would be the 'level' datum would this be the base of the rocker covers?

forgot to mention running standard SU's at present...if this makes any difference...will be moving to Weber 500 later when finances allow...

yes the rocker cover/head gasket face would be ok. I dont think the angle matters on the SU's because of the way they are mounted/designed.

thanks...want to get it as close as correct for the 500's to save any major mods later.....out with the welder tonight then...

I never knew there was an 'angle' to set them at! I just sort of put mine in, bolted it to the gearbox made sure it missed the bonnet and welded it in

The Original Tom wrote:I never knew there was an 'angle' to set them at! I just sort of put mine in, bolted it to the gearbox made sure it missed the bonnet and welded it in

You want the carb base as horizontal as possible, (when applicable) hence the angle built into most manifolds so the engine can sit a bit lower at the rear and still keep the carb straight.

Remember your oil level too, as you don't want the engine so far inclined you have the dinosaur juice sluicing around the cylinder bores at one end and shallow at the other.

You also need to make sure your rear axle pinion flange is parallel to the gearbox flange. If it is not you can get vibration and rapid propshaft joint wear.

Well it's a Land Rover so the Propshaft angles aren't parallel as the diff noses point up ever so slightly. No vibration problems so far.
I can't see the engine being too far off horizintal any way, just didn't really take it into consideration when fitting - I'll have a look later on with a spirit level.

guys, appreciate you comments, thanks....chris

A slight slant towards the rear assists the oil to drain back to the sump.

cimoss wrote:thanks...want to get it as close as correct for the 500's to save any major mods later.....out with the welder tonight then...

I run my RV8 level, and use an edelbrock 500 without a leveling plate (no space under the bonnet). Runs just fine! This means the carb is tilted forwards about 5 degrees.

To be honest, I can't see why 5deg of tilt on the carb would make much difference, especially when you consider how much effect accelerating, braking, corning, and hills make!

Consider the SU carb - on RV8's they are tilted something like 45degrees, but on a-series engines the tilt is much less. MGB's etc seem to mount them level. As long as the float level is OK, they just seem to work.

Jeff

Really depends on the carb and the use as to how bad the effect will be. I believe a Holley would have a lot more problems than a Webber because the bowls are front back instead of side. If your do off road I would think it would be a bigger problem too as your already at an angle say going downhill. At the end of the day, whatever works for you.