Wedge Engine 2.8i or 2.9?
Discussion
Hi All. Talking to some garage mates
The consensus of opinion was,that the 2.8i engine was a pile of poo compared with the 2.9. Is there that much difference between the two in terms of performance etc? I appreciate that the 2.8i with its siamese exhaust ports and mechanical fuel system is not going to set the world alight but in a light car it can't be that bad, can it?
I would be interested in the forums comments as I'm in the process of re-building the original 2.8i engine. Thanks J C.
The consensus of opinion was,that the 2.8i engine was a pile of poo compared with the 2.9. Is there that much difference between the two in terms of performance etc? I appreciate that the 2.8i with its siamese exhaust ports and mechanical fuel system is not going to set the world alight but in a light car it can't be that bad, can it? I would be interested in the forums comments as I'm in the process of re-building the original 2.8i engine. Thanks J C.If the 2.8i is already in place, they arent that bad.
But, if you can get the 2.9i lump with the necessary wiring then I'd be inclined to go that route.
Also with the right cam, a touch of head work and making sure the ecu runs it properly, I've heard rumours of 200bhp being fairly easily achievable with the 2.9
But, if you can get the 2.9i lump with the necessary wiring then I'd be inclined to go that route.
Also with the right cam, a touch of head work and making sure the ecu runs it properly, I've heard rumours of 200bhp being fairly easily achievable with the 2.9
I see you are in Devon...There might be a 2.9 Cosworth lump available in Bristol..Wiring loom the lot.....The 2.8 isn't all THAT bad....but true, it's [mostly] leaded, and does have the weakness of the fibre cam gear, although I've had a few, both 2.3 and 2.8, and only shredded one gearwheel. The 'K' injection is reliable, as long as it's not left standing too long, as they have small apertures which can gum up.
2.9 will do a bit better on mpg, and is unleaded and is Efi, all plus points, but is more complex to wire up. At least it fits on the mounts and up to the gearbox..
NB. If you have an earlier wedge, pre V8 builds, then they are narrower at the rear, and on mine for example, I'm not convinced the 2.9 will easily fit, as the extra exhaust port comes out at almost the narrowest point. Yes, I know owners have fitted the Cossie lump, but those ports come out in a different place, I think they are higher. Later chassis were wider as they were made for V8. (Not totally sure about this - but I think so. ADVICE - Do some careful measurements !!).
The 302 is apparently the smallest and narrowest V8 in common use...but it's probably now outclassed by more modern engines, as is the 2.8 and 2.9, I also wondered about a Duratec V6 for mine, or a Jap one, as they are very common here in NZ. That 2.8 BMW build looks wonderful also !!
2.9 will do a bit better on mpg, and is unleaded and is Efi, all plus points, but is more complex to wire up. At least it fits on the mounts and up to the gearbox..
NB. If you have an earlier wedge, pre V8 builds, then they are narrower at the rear, and on mine for example, I'm not convinced the 2.9 will easily fit, as the extra exhaust port comes out at almost the narrowest point. Yes, I know owners have fitted the Cossie lump, but those ports come out in a different place, I think they are higher. Later chassis were wider as they were made for V8. (Not totally sure about this - but I think so. ADVICE - Do some careful measurements !!).
The 302 is apparently the smallest and narrowest V8 in common use...but it's probably now outclassed by more modern engines, as is the 2.8 and 2.9, I also wondered about a Duratec V6 for mine, or a Jap one, as they are very common here in NZ. That 2.8 BMW build looks wonderful also !!
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Jaguar-X-Type-Performanc...
240 bhp as standard, should easily fit in, and all the bits you need!!
Then sell the rest as parts!!
Stu
240 bhp as standard, should easily fit in, and all the bits you need!!
Then sell the rest as parts!!
Stu
Thanks for all the replies. My purchase came with a 2.8i lump that has been removed 10 years ago whilst the interior was re-upholstered. The engine is in "kit" form, block/heads chemically cleaned, bores honed, crank polished,new main/big end shells supplied together with new piston rings. A new fast road cam shaft and steel timing wheel has also been supplied. So I guess initially I will re-build the original engine and go from there. In amongst the parts I also found two more cylinder heads, a fuel rail and electronic injectors. Perhaps the previous owner was considering converting to electronic fuel management? It's now a matter of sorting out what's missing etc. I'd like to keep it original but who knows what the future or Santa might buy me.
Cheers all. J C.
Cheers all. J C. DamienS3 has got the Jag V6 fitted to their S. They needed to use the Mondeo ST220 throttle body which holds back power. There has been some issues with the mapping so not sure if it's finished yet.
There's also a Taimar in Scandinavia somewhere with the Jag V6, customer made inlet trumpet / manifold with 'correct' sized throttle bodies.
There's also a Taimar in Scandinavia somewhere with the Jag V6, customer made inlet trumpet / manifold with 'correct' sized throttle bodies.
If the engine is out and in bits I'd be tempted to fit a different engine.
Some purists may not like it but (having spoken to a well respected TVR Guru) I'd be tempted with a Zeetec or Duratec 4-cylinder.
The Zeetec would bolt directly on to the gearbox. You can get adaptor plates to mate the Duratec. Duratec is considerably lighter than the Cologne V6 (the Zeetec is also lighter than the Cologne but not the Duratec) so there's a performance gain there. A solid 180hp should be acheivable from the Zeetec for not alot of dosh. 240hp can be got from the Duratec with a bit of money.
Yes I know they won't sound the same but a Ford 4-cylinder is in keeping with TVR 'history' (and the stillborn S racer). Just need to get the exhaust right for a 'nice' sound.
Some purists may not like it but (having spoken to a well respected TVR Guru) I'd be tempted with a Zeetec or Duratec 4-cylinder.
The Zeetec would bolt directly on to the gearbox. You can get adaptor plates to mate the Duratec. Duratec is considerably lighter than the Cologne V6 (the Zeetec is also lighter than the Cologne but not the Duratec) so there's a performance gain there. A solid 180hp should be acheivable from the Zeetec for not alot of dosh. 240hp can be got from the Duratec with a bit of money.
Yes I know they won't sound the same but a Ford 4-cylinder is in keeping with TVR 'history' (and the stillborn S racer). Just need to get the exhaust right for a 'nice' sound.
EtcEtc said:
24v BOA.
Heavy and spares are a nightmare to come by and expencive.. I got an s type donner for £600
Engine in and now properly mapped gives 218 Bhp at the wheels and 30+ mpg maybe?
The s type gearbox has a 1:1 5th so use the jag diff too. Also should swap out dual mass flywheel for a light one at some point.. Don't bother with st220 TB it was all wrong..
Thanks
Damian S3 Duratech
Hello nah wallet wouldn't streach to jenvey ITBs so got modified jag s type plenum and jenvey 70mm single TB.
We have not mapped the jag variable inlet yet so it's stuck in high torque mode. There may be a little more power to come yet.
I guess you could just keep the jag FBW if you had the jag pedal and a smart ECU.
Thanks
Damian S3
We have not mapped the jag variable inlet yet so it's stuck in high torque mode. There may be a little more power to come yet.
I guess you could just keep the jag FBW if you had the jag pedal and a smart ECU.
Thanks
Damian S3
if you want a 2.9 I've got a mass 2.9 race motor knocking about that I'd swap for a few beer tokens. currently running carb rather than efi, and needs a dissy as its got an mbe unit but the ecu for it was lost in a fire at the unit:-(
this motor should be good for a smidge over 200 even running the single twinchoke carb
the only issue you'll have putting it in the wedge is that you'll need to make up some exhaust manifolds as they are 3 port not 2 port like the 2.8.
this motor should be good for a smidge over 200 even running the single twinchoke carb
the only issue you'll have putting it in the wedge is that you'll need to make up some exhaust manifolds as they are 3 port not 2 port like the 2.8.
I've always fancied the Nissan 3.7 litre engine as fitted to many of their vehicles. It would probably need the gearbox too. I have never taken measurements, or checked gear ratios. I just thought that it does well in the 370Z, so should be spectacular in a Wedge.
But I know I will never get around to doing it!!!
Wilf.
But I know I will never get around to doing it!!!
Wilf.
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