Calling TVR RULES
Discussion
tasmin 200, what do you want to know. Small block Ford v-8 blocks are plentifil here in the states. I chose the Ford small block because the block is not a true 90 degree v-8,more like 75 degrees. This allows the installation without and modifications to the frames side rails. My frame does not bow out .like what TVR did to modify the frame for the 350i and so on Rover 90 degree-GM blocks. Anyway, search flebay in the states for a proper block. The 302 Ford block is thin walled and fairly lightweight,especially if you use aluminum componants for everything else,as I did;especially the cylinder heads,waterpump,timing cover,pullys.oil pan, intake,cab and aluminum transmission,driveshaft and flywheel-remember, weight kills performance! and carb. When I dropped the v8 in,the front suspension never moved. The engine sits far back in the frame. The front of the crank sits even to the front stabalzer bar. I chost to have the trans line up for proper gear shifts without any obstructions and let the engine sit where it was going to sit naturally. I just got lucky. You do have to fabricate new engime mount brackets from 6-7mm thick solid steel plate though. I hope this helps. 
Thanks, it's good to know it fits in an early chassis without modification. I've been mulling over the possibility of putting a V8 in my car and really fancied a 302. If you have any further photograph of when you were doing the conversion I'm sure everyone would be interested to see them. Your car really is fantastic, top job.
I decided to use a mechanical fuel pump and carb. The fuel pump pulls and feeds the carb at a rate of 6.5-7.0 p.s.i. to keep it happy. So, with that, i did not need either the electric fuel pump and adjacent relay nor the Bosch k-jetronic ECU. There are other options but I decided on the way I wanted it to be. No regrets so far.
Bob,
There is a great one for sale now at Dusty Old Cars in New Hampshire that has a very well done conversion for probably less than you could do it yourself. It is running a mid 80s Mustang engine with the mustang computer and fuel injection. Only real change is I think it has some aluminum heads on it for weight savings (with the t-5 it is not much more weight then the 2.8 with an iron case tranny. I have a 5.0 from a 95 mustang sitting waiting for a rebuild for my car. I went with the 95 as it has a lower intake (ford used the engine in the 94 and 95s before going the the modular engine) so it was made for the lower hood in that body style). From my understanding and from looking at the one that is for sale a few years back you need to cut one cross member and then re-support it with a removable bar and you will need custom made block hugging exhaust but that conversion has everything working on it. It is a series 2 so with a 1 you may have some radiator clearance issues to deal with but as I said it is worth looking at that car as it is a pretty tidy conversion.
Cheers,
Ben
There is a great one for sale now at Dusty Old Cars in New Hampshire that has a very well done conversion for probably less than you could do it yourself. It is running a mid 80s Mustang engine with the mustang computer and fuel injection. Only real change is I think it has some aluminum heads on it for weight savings (with the t-5 it is not much more weight then the 2.8 with an iron case tranny. I have a 5.0 from a 95 mustang sitting waiting for a rebuild for my car. I went with the 95 as it has a lower intake (ford used the engine in the 94 and 95s before going the the modular engine) so it was made for the lower hood in that body style). From my understanding and from looking at the one that is for sale a few years back you need to cut one cross member and then re-support it with a removable bar and you will need custom made block hugging exhaust but that conversion has everything working on it. It is a series 2 so with a 1 you may have some radiator clearance issues to deal with but as I said it is worth looking at that car as it is a pretty tidy conversion.
Cheers,
Ben
Drool.......
More photos pretty please - I reckon I can find 302 Windsors here in NZ (or get them from Aus), so interested in photos which show engine and frame and exhaust (like more overhead angles....). I know 302 Windsor was the smallest/narrowest of the V8 lumps.
I've done a lot more measuring on mine, and made a little jig to mimic the side rails, I reckon a Holden 3800 (= Buick 231 V6) will go in, even though it's a 90 degree V6, but with custom exhaust manifolds and a rear sump.
More photos pretty please - I reckon I can find 302 Windsors here in NZ (or get them from Aus), so interested in photos which show engine and frame and exhaust (like more overhead angles....). I know 302 Windsor was the smallest/narrowest of the V8 lumps.
I've done a lot more measuring on mine, and made a little jig to mimic the side rails, I reckon a Holden 3800 (= Buick 231 V6) will go in, even though it's a 90 degree V6, but with custom exhaust manifolds and a rear sump.
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