rpi

[fergusgorman]

was looking at the rpi web site and thought that the v8 upgrades looked very intresting! do you think a standard 350i would handle the power output of a 5.2 litre v8 they advertise? wonder if the standard sd1 gearbox would cope? I know there is the question of cost and why not just buy a 420 but if the 350 is in good condition and remember the engine will be out the packet. Comments

Cheers

[shpub]

Go to www.t-v-r-services.co.uk and look at engine upgrades. The 520 story will give you some idea of the development Tower View and myself have gone through putting a 5.2 lump in a 390.

[19560]

In short, no. The brakes are the biggest problem, then UJs and half shafts. The 390 is a better starting point but shpub is not really a good example of he's done it so I will - have you seen what else he has modified? Mind you if you can put in that sort of effort and time...

[350matt]

I've tweaked my 350 up to a genuine 270Bhp and yes the brakes need upgrading even with the std power, also unless you get uprated UJ's (available from Dave Mac props in coventy) you'll go through them every 6 months also I've added extra chassis buttressing after finding cracks here and there and fitted better shocks , rebushed suspension etc. so its not all that striaghtfoward but these cars are a hobby anyway so up to you how much time / money / effort you want to spend.

Matt

[19560]

350matt said:

unless you get uprated UJ's (available from Dave Mac props in coventy) you'll go through them every 6 months also

What do you mean by that? I presume that this is an alternative to the XJ12 ones on the 400. I don't go through mine quite that fast (nor do I have the same power) but they are the weakest point of the power delivery train.

[shpub]

The problem with the rear UJs is the suspension movement as the UJs tend to die when th car is in droop or bounce. By controlling/restricting the movement - the 520 has about 3 inches in total - the UJs tend to survive better.

The other weak point are the hub carrier bushes.

All depends on your viewpoint as Matt says but it is not a cheaper way to getting a 420...

[350matt]

Dave Mac Props in Fosehill Coventry do a hardy spicer with a larger diameter yoke, a grease nipple and steel guards over the seals. I've found them to last considerably longer than the 'sealed for life' type.

Matt