Stage 1 Heads for a 350i

[dellyend1]

Hi All, wanting to pick the brains of the collective knowledge if I may.

I'm contemplating buying a pair of second hand Stage 1 Heads to put on the 3.5 TVR engine. They look in good condition, fully working and have been skimmed etc

First Question is ' am I wasting my money and did TVR do some magic wizardry on the heads that I have so no power gain will be obtained ?'

Second question on the basis that it would be an enhancement is 'will any stage 1 heads off of a 3.5 work ? The ones I am looking at were used on a 3.5 l SD1 engine fitted with composite gaskets ? I've read somewhere that composite gaskets lower compression and thus power so would i be negating my existing horses for less by fitting composite gaskets ?

He is claiming that his 3.5 heads produced 220 bhp for him, I have no reason to disbelieve him but is this realistic. It all comes down to horses for pound notes for me I'm afraid. Happy to spend a few hundred quid for some second hand heads in good condition for 30 horse power, but not if I a) don't get any improvement on the standard output I have now and b) worse if I reduce the power !!!!

Any conmments / pointers really appreciated as always

Cheers All

Jeremy

[dellyend1]

Wow ! Thanks for the very detailed and comprehensive answers

So had a google search on what cam would be best for a 350i and as you can imagine there is a wealth of info and lots of past PH threads with very complex discussion.

This has made me realise pretty quickly that messing around with the engine to gain more power is beyond my skill set so if I want some more horses I must leave it to an expert.

This then makes my tiny mind ponder - what is the most cost effective solution to more bhp ?

1. Pay an expert to recommend, source and install a new cam and heads and sort timing etc

2. Source a bigger V8 and get it fitted professionally ?

Does anyone have knowledge of indicative costs for each option. I've seen a TVR 400 engine on ebay for £1800 ! Can a standard 3.9 be fitted from a range rover ? Would the standard ecu work ?

I know a lot will be reading this and thinking, just sell your existing wedge and upgrade accordingly. My answer is a) My Wedge has a good history file that shows it has been well maintained and is sorted. b) I'd have to sell my wedge and then wait until a suitable wedge came up if at all. C)Most importantly I like the colour, interior and condition of my wedge and want to stick with what I have got.

I'd just be greatful for any info on peoples experiences of engine output upgrades or transplants, what was the all in costs and who did the work and overall experience etc Would you do it again the same, with that wonderful thing hindsight ?

Cheers All.

Jeremy

[dellyend1]

AAARRRGGGHHH, My head hurts but in a good way

Thanks for all the great advice. I need to sit in a dark room with a towel on my head and really think about what I want.

I think I would like to keep originality so am leaning towards new heads and cam and ported inlet manifold or the Super Charger which does seem the rather exciting option

Cheers All