Differences between 3.5/3.9/4.0/4.2/4.5?

[JumboBeef]

In real life, what are the differences in pulling power between the 3.5, 3.9, 4.0, 4.2 and 4.5 on "standard" Wedges?

I know what it says on paper but is there much difference between, for example, the 4.0 and the 4.2 or 4.5? Or the 4.0 compared to the 3.9?

Thanks.

[JumboBeef]

PS: I mean "real life" and "can you tell what engine it is without looking at the badge" differences between these engines.

[ElvisWedgely]

I have owned, in the past a 3.9, 4.0, and a 4.5 and in reality it rather depends on the state of the particular car and it's state of tune. I can confidently say that a 4.0 I used to own felt more powerful than the 4.5 because the 4.0 was in better mechanical shape and tune, though standard. I have never owned a 3.5 but I have driven one, and I suppose the same applies there, except that I would say the power difference is more noticable between the 3.5 and the 4.0 as opposed to the 4.0 and the 4.5. I hope that makes sense.

PS. I have also driven a 4.2 SEAC but that is a different animal as is anything prapared and tuned by V8 developments similar to a previous 3.9 Wedge I used to own.

Tony.TCB

[pwd95]

As above, all down to the condition of the individual engine. But.... a healthy big valve 4.5 will make you laugh out loud.

[KelWedge]

I found out that a new 4.6 pulls better than a 4.0 running on 7 cylinders, if that helps

[Englishman]

I owned a 350, 390 (S2) and 450. Each was a significant step in performance over the previous one when new. But after 20+ years it will all depend on what is still original, or if rebult to orginal spec. BTW, the 450 engine was exactly the same spec as fitted to standard 450 SEAC's too - I saw mine being built and checked with Peter Wheeler at the time.

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

As for styling 390/420SE was closer to a 350 with bits added, where as the 400-430-450 SE had a new body with all the bits as part of the body.
As for engines, 350 all used a standard SD1 vitesse engine.
most 390/420SE and early 400SE's was a tuned 3.5 to 4.0 with ported heads, fast camshaft and various other tuning mods. i.e. cosworth pistons, bigger valves, larger throttle boddy. some very early 390SE was alleged to be tuned by any rouse. but as a rule most of the NCK engines had more tuning that the later hotwire engines.
The later 400SE used the 3.9 from rover made for the landrover, but with fast road camshaft.

Very few are completely standard anymore, if there ever was a standard, also with wear and tear, there is going to be a big difference depending on condition.

The most standard cars though would be the 350 and the 400 hotwire, most of the others will be slightly custom.

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

Also a lot more info here
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[dixiebabes]

I think we need to get a standard example of every model, line em up in order side by side on an airfueld drop a flag and video it over a quarter mile. Now wouldn't that be a sight and noise to behold.

Dix.

[JVaughan]

When my 400 was running well, it could easily keep pace with a certain white 420SEAC until we hit 3 digits on the speedo. That was before the engine ate itself !!

[maston]

My current 390 is a lot faster than my previous 350i if that helps

[wedgeinald]

dixiebabes said:

I think we need to get a standard example of every model, line em up in order side by side on an airfueld drop a flag and video it over a quarter mile. Now wouldn't that be a sight and noise to behold.

Dix.

If this happens can we try my 280i (going to be well slow by comparision? but should beat a few in the dB stakes) might give me an indication of how well my 280i is running.

[c pryor]

Have owned two 350i, a 390SE and 400SE. If you want best useable performance go for the 350i. Flat torque curve makes for lazy driving or good power in any gear. 390SE (very early model that I had) went like stink but only at the top end of the rev range (4 grand upwards). Late model 400 I owned was possibly no more than a bog standard Range Rover engine of the time so felt less potent than either of my 350s. Hope this waffle helps :-)

[Sireatalot]

dixiebabes said:

I think we need to get a standard example of every model, line em up in order side by side on an airfueld drop a flag and video it over a quarter mile. Now wouldn't that be a sight and noise to behold.

Dix.

That sounds like an idea for the Raceway visit planned for the BBWF Sunday...