Morris minor v8 project good idea?

[crofty1984]

Recent PPC article suggested that if you want much more than 200bhp for a reasonable outlay, the Rover V8 isn't your best bet.

[jeremyc]

These guys do all kinds of interesting upgrade kits, including coilover and five link suspension conversions.

[stifler]

XJSJohn said:

I seem to recall that the Fiat Twin Cam engines / boxes were a very easy swap too, even down to engine mounts being the same!!!

Yes, but the bell housing fouls the steering rack. The only realistic way to get around this is to get hold of some Riley uprights (the steering arms are higher) and raise the steering rack.

The likelyhood of you finding some Riley uprights that are not shagged is slim to none. Otherwise you have to get a tapered hole turned into the Morris uprights further up.

Then you have to fit an extra UJ into the steering column otherwise you will end up with the steering wheel in your thighs.

Doable, but not the easiest.

MX5 has a much smaller Bellhousing.

[EDLT]

stifler said:

XJR40 said:

I've heard of folks putting the 1.4 K-series in before, probably more sensible but less fun than the V8...

Yeah, hadn't even thought about them. That or the zetec route. Reliable, cheap and plentiful.

There are so many easier options than the RV8.

Saab 2.3 turbo with an omega manual 'box. Would fit too. Reliable 450hp with the right mods.

I second this idea, its not a popular route so you may have different fitting issues but that is offset by everything being cheaper.