Dan Masters wrote:
> While I won't argue with you that the Rover is a good choice, I will
argue
> that it's not the only choice, nor the only logical choice, nor even
the best
> choice.
I'll have to agree with Dan here. The choice to insert a V8 into a Triumph
has got to be for one goal only; hp and torque. While there may be case
for the Rover motor (heritage), and the Chevy motor (cheap "bolt-on" hp),
peering through my Ford myopia I see the 302 Ford Windsor as being the best
for this application. Obtaining a lot of reliable and low idling ponies
out of the Windsor motor is a lot easier and cheaper than in the Rover
mount. Indeed, stroker 383's will plant 400+ hp at the rear wheels
and still idle smoothly at 750rpm. And pass California smog laws.
For road work, the Rover mount will not even come close.
If I were allowed to dream a little, and thought of building a nice
autoX mount (and if I had Dan's engineering skills), I would think
the BMW straight-6 M-motors could be interesting. A little long, perhaps,
but super-light, high-hp and still a 6.
Engine swapping is such a personal thing. Every time I see Barry Schwartz
hop out of his V6-Spitfire, I could swear I am speaking with the Cheshire Cat
his grin is so big. If the engine transplant is chosen carefully with respect
to the final task of the creation, and if the conversion is done very carefully
(and expensively!), the joys for the owner will be unbridled. Just ask any
Tiger or Cobra owner.
I'm not biased. Its gotta be a Ford V8 ;)
Shane Ingate in San Diego
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