Hello,
I am new to the list and would like to introduce myself. My name is
Pat Ford and I have a 1971 Range Rover with a low compression 3.5 ltr
V8. The vehicle is used only for leisure Off Roading and is fixed as I
break it (which is every time I use it). As yet I haven't touched the
engine although it does have a hard life. A testament to the strength of
the unit is when I last went green laning down the Fosse Way (an ancient
roman road) the ignition was soaked during a river crossing and the
motor stopped sucking in water from the exhaust. We assume this as the
air intake was well above the water level. When we extracted it from the
river we pulled out the dipstick and water squirted out. A block full of
water, surely the day is over. No we drained the sump removed the plugs
turned her over to clear the cylinders, some fresh oil and plugs back
in and she fired up and off we went, she has been running as normal ever
since.
I hope that someone will be able to help me with a couple of
queries:
1. The engine has always seemed very under powered and has difficulty
pulling Overdrive (even before its soaking) if i was to get the heads
skimmed to say 9.35:1 would this help and can I do this or will the
valves and pistons meet?
2. I also wish to make up a double branch exhaust with some new
manifolds from RPI I have been told that a balance pipe is needed. What
size ratio should the balance pipe be to the main exhaust to get the
correct effect?
3. What is the reason for a balance pipe?
Thanks,
Pat.
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