4.5RV8 Griffiths?

[culminator]

Aha, well apologies to V8 Racing if that is the case..

[JR]

davep said:

I believe PW also built a 5 litre pre-cat BV one-off special. When I last spoke to shpub he knew the whereabouts of this car, whether it still exists in its original form or not is unknown.

Yes and the owner posts on here from time to time.

[Precat]

I have seen TVR build spec sheet for the 4.2 and 4.5 BV engine built for the Wedges & Precat GriffithS and agree with v8 racing. They also had Cosworth Forged high compression piston on HRC standard type rods.

Here is my 4.5BV Precat Griffith (was a 400 250bhp)
I have built and installed a 4.5 engine using the parts listed.
Rover Vitesse Group A Twin plenum
Tuscan challenge big valve heads.
Group-A rocker gear
94mm Omega high compression pistons
HRC rods
80mm Iceberg crank
Small journal cross bolted block
All lighten and balanced.

Some of you might have notice I have also fitted a power steering rack. I have also installed an electric pas pump as per the late TVR's.

[900T-R]

Luvverly.

What's the feel and feedback like on the Griffith with the electric PAS?

[spend]

Precat said:

Here is my 4.5BV Precat Griffith (was a 400 250bhp)
I have built and installed a 4.5 engine using the parts listed.
Rover Vitesse Group A Twin plenum
Tuscan challenge big valve heads.
Group-A rocker gear
94mm Omega high compression pistons
HRC rods
80mm Iceberg crank
Small journal cross bolted block

Thats quite a 'homage' to using period parts how did you resist using 'newer' alternatives like roller rockers, carillos...?

[Precat]

Hi

Thanks for the positive comments

The steering will be as per the normal Griff/Chim pas system, as I have used the normal Griff/Chim pas rack. Only the pump is electric, instead of the mechanical engine driven pump.

I did not think of it in that way ‘Homage to using period parts’ but I do like classic Rover V8 stuff.
In the ninties I had a test drive in Steve Bignall of John Eales Moters, Coventry, 4.5Ltr Rover V8 Vitesse and it was fffffu_king quick. I have owned 3.5 Rover Vitesse’s in the past but they are big and rot. The Griffith is perfect being small, light and GRP, no body rot. I have always wanted my own car with a 4.5ltr Rover V8 in it.
I have fitted a Hydraulic camshaft in this engine therefore roller rockers are not necessary in my view. Likewise re. Carillo rods.

But my next Rover V8 engine??? Even I don’t know the final spec of that engine.

[LordGrover]

culminator said:

I have one of the factory built cars and it is one of the best cars I've ever had (and I've had quite a few). It sounds absolutely glorious and has real character. I'm not aware of any others that exist but would like to get in touch with anyone that has one.

Sounds and looks spectacular. One of my favourites from this years Growl.

[pwd95]

v8 racing said:

There was certainly a few 450 griffs built, i have replaced a few of these engines over the years now, the engines where in fact the same as used in the 450 wedges as built by nck, 500 spec heads 234 cams etc...

I can vouch for the quality of the 450 Wedge engines. My 450 Wedge has a large sleeved plenum with NCK stamped on it & it feels very strong in comparison to the 500 Griff & the 430 Chim I had recently. Feels quite flat below 3.5k rpm then just explodes. It just 'feels' very well built, can't explain it, you just know.

[culminator]

Thanks LG! You've been a bit quiet lately?!

I have to admit I was rather jealous of that fantastic looking manifold on yours.