how hard is it to rebuild the engine?

[Paul V]

The Griff went in today the for what sounded like a cam, turns out engine pretty knackered, big end bearings have fallen apart. Needs crank grind, rods resized and lots of other bits!

I have built a series engines before but never toyed with a V8, due to lack of funds I’m not sure I afford to let the garage do it. How hard would it be to build if I had all the machining done?

[apache]

jesus! was your oil pressure low? as far as I know the engine is big and simple (typical yank) and doesn't hide any nasty surprises

[paul v]

The oil pressure wasn’t bad but I did have gauge problems recently as it was reading high but that was due to a dodgy sensor.

I need to get it fixed, even if its only to sell on, don’t want to and its great when its going and I really enjoyed it at Snetterton, but it is proving a rather expensive toy

Any ideas what a second hand engine would cost?

[Big Al.]

I saw one the other on clssified can't remember the price it may still be there.

Ed to add

Try www.pistonheads.com/ads/detail.asp?i=9872&sc=3WA9&s=7

>> Edited by Big Al. on Wednesday 7th May 23:07

[2 sheds]

A S/H 5.0L engine with guarantee will cost around £3,000,
i would recommend a V8 engine specialist to do the engine work if you go that route.

[Paul V]

I think it will probably be best to get my engine rebuilt as a second hand might not last and I’d have little comeback.

My engine is a pre-serpentine engine though so thought a later engine may make the car easier to sell at a later date.

[B16 RFF]

Paul V said: I think it will probably be best to get my engine rebuilt as a second hand might not last and I’d have little comeback.

My engine is a pre-serpentine engine though so thought a later engine may make the car easier to sell at a later date.

God, that's bad luck, Paul

One thought though, why were they looking at the bearings if it went in for a camshaft change. Does this mean the camshaft is OK and they were investigating further?
Paul.
PS what day(s) are you going to Pistonfest?
>> Edited by B16 RFF on Thursday 8th May 11:29

>> Edited by B16 RFF on Thursday 8th May 11:30

[Paul V]

They had a listen and said they didn’t think it was camshaft so looked more into it.

Waiting for a final quote before I can say yes or no, spoke to TVR power who quoted a reasonable figure for the rebuild but that would leave me to fit it, wouldn’t actually mind getting to know more about the engine but not sure that’s the way I want to go about it

Very annoying as I was just getting used to driving it, hopefully it won’t be off the road for to long.

[B16 RFF]

Paul V said: They had a listen and said they didn’t think it was camshaft so looked more into it.

Waiting for a final quote before I can say yes or no, spoke to TVR power who quoted a reasonable figure for the rebuild but that would leave me to fit it, wouldn’t actually mind getting to know more about the engine but not sure that’s the way I want to go about it

Very annoying as I was just getting used to driving it, hopefully it won’t be off the road for to long.

A bottom end rebuild is quite easy if the pistons don't have to come out. I did the V6 in my 3000M back in '86. Just a fair amount of labour. As long as the crank is machined by someone reputable, it should be OK. Do TVR Power offer a service exchange on the crank?

Paul (Thinking about booking for Pistonfest)

[Paul V]

I think the rods need to be oversized as well due to the amount of wear, waiting to hear for sure.

I’ve booked for Pistonfest, we’ll be camping.

[B16 RFF]

Paul V said: I think the rods need to be oversized as well due to the amount of wear, waiting to hear for sure.

I’ve booked for Pistonfest, we’ll be camping.

Sorry, don't follow you. Do you mean the con-rods have to be over-bored to take shells with a bigger outer diameter? That would only be necessary if the shells had spun in the rods. Might be better to go for a new set of rods.

Paul.

[Paul V]

Yes, the rods needs machining, I am waiting to see what progress say about the work that needs to be done, I’ve also had a quick call round some of the V8 people to see how prices vary.

Paul

[johno]

Speaking with Paul G last night who had been chatting to them over the phone yesterday they said to him that it was only 2 rods that needed doing.

If they have 'ovalled' then they will need remaching to take new bearings.

But what about a set od forged rods and pistons, lightened and balanced

[Paul V]

I’d love to be able to go down the lightened and balance route but I don’t think funds will allow, unless anyone out there has some race spec rods they don’t want

Don’t suppose they mentioned if they found anything else? I tried to call them today but got told they will call me back.

[soddy]

You can get a 5.1 short motor with steel rods and cross drilled crank for £3,350 (96mm bore & top hat liners) brand new! without wanting to be accused of direct advertising ... give V8Developments a ring!

[2 sheds]

soddy said: You can get a 5.1 short motor with steel rods and cross drilled crank for £3,350 (96mm bore & top hat liners) brand new! without wanting to be accused of direct advertising ... give V8Developments a ring!

IMO 96mm bore is the way to go, not only is the engine more durable but also relieves 25-30 bhp, the TVR500 heads with huge valves work better with this configuration.
Tim