The V8 Owners Forum -

Hi,

Just registered to the site, I currently own a 2wd Sierra Cosworth in need of a new engine, and would like to go V8.

I'm looking at using a Rover V8 as this is a popular engine. Can anyone point me in the right direction for information on how to fit it in a Sierra?

Many Thanks, Ed

Hi Mate,
and welcome to the mad house,
a few of the guys have done this conversion and hope they will be along to assist you very soon,

Hi and welcome.

what's your budget? I guess another good question is what is your experience and abilities? You used to be able to buy a complete conversion kit from a company called magnum engineering but I have no idea if they still do it. It consisted of headers, sump, engine mounts and brackets to reposition the anti role bar.

Budget wise, i have about £1100 to spend at the moment. I`ve done engine swaps before, 24v v6 cosworth for example so willing to get my hands dirty, tho i`m not good with welding.

Is £1100 enough, or does it involve more than that?

If your engine is a good runner you could probably just about do it for the money. RV8's are a good budget option if you get a good running 3.5 and leave it stock. Once you start tuning the engine and moving up to the larger capacity units it can soon get out of hand..

just a quick question, why not a 302 ford? just ford used to do this shell and engine combo, might be a parts bin raid job.
Mike

kiwicar wrote:just a quick question, why not a 302 ford? just ford used to do this shell and engine combo, might be a parts bin raid job.
Mike

I did look into the 302 and the 351 but was under the impression that the parts were not as much available than the rover V8.

It depends what you are after, 302 ford stuff is pretty easy to get (real steel, e-bay, british american engines, summet racing in the states and a dozen others who will do business with you on the internet). 351 windsor is not as common over here but no problem from the states, 351 cleavland is a bit trickier, but I wouldn't try and put one in a sierra, they are a bit wide
If you want more than 220bhp the ford route is alot cheeper and more reliable.
Best regards
Mike

kiwicar wrote:It depends what you are after, 302 ford stuff is pretty easy to get (real steel, e-bay, british american engines, summet racing in the states and a dozen others who will do business with you on the internet). 351 windsor is not as common over here but no problem from the states, 351 cleavland is a bit trickier, but I wouldn't try and put one in a sierra, they are a bit wide
If you want more than 220bhp the ford route is alot cheeper and more reliable.
Best regards
Mike

A cheap running Rover V8 can be had for chump change off Ebay. Like mine, fully taxed and tested drivable SD1 for £310, but that was five years ago.

A base Ford 302 will cost you well over a grand new, plus all the peripherals. A 'rebuilder' could well cost over a grand by the time you add in a possible rebore, crank grind, whatever. Nice if you have the money to spare, as tune up parts are cheaper and more plentiful than for the Rover.

Ebay is worth keeping an eye on, as occasionally you do see yank iron going for not a lot of cabbage.