Armoured Car engine in Wedge

[suffolkfox]

I have acquired a P6 engine (10.5:1 CR) to replace the blown engine in the 'project'. It's ex War Department Armoured car engine (see if suffolkfoxy can bust this one) that has done, as far as I can tell, a couple of miles in its life.

Questions if you are sitting comfortably

• If I am fitting the EFI system on it, should I add SD1 heads or will the originals do?

• Do I need to swap any ancillaries or will the stuff on the engine do?

• Are there any major structural differences that will make this exercise a pain (read somewhere about sump differences, but could nick the SD1 one from the dead lump)?

• Is it worth fitting a higher spec cam (looking for reasonable performance for the odd blat but not race car stuff)?

• Any point in multiple springs (one breaking is what killed the last engine)?

• Any other suggestions while I'm playing with the engine out?

Thanks


>>> Edited by suffolkfox on Wednesday 11th August 22:27

[shpub]

Tis an old old engine... I would do a Google on the engine as I am pretty sure there are some major differences between it and the later engines.

Doesn't mean it is not a suitable replacement as those engines often had thousands thrown at them.

>> Edited by shpub on Thursday 12th August 10:20

[350matt]

Its unlikely the P6 heads will be suitable for unleaded whereas the SD1 heads are, so that might be a consideration, If you fit a decent cam you'll have to fit new springs anyway to cope with the increased cam loads and most kits are double spring.
The P6 water pump was different shape so that may cause problems, other than that should be OK

Matt

[suffolkfox]

Thanks Guys
Right, for anyones info should they be searching in the future, I got some answers to my questions from RPI Engineering (excellent bunch by the way).
P6 vs SD1 differences
The early block does not have stiffening ridges as per the later block. Not neccessarily a problem.
The timing cover needs swapping for the later to accomodate the later dizzy for EFI, etc.
The rear seal is a rope one up until about 1974ish. Ok if used regularly but can dry out if not. No rubber replacement known of but normally seals OK.
Pistons usually 10.5:1 CR. Ok with good fuel, but better to use composite gasket on heads to reduce CR to 10:1 and hence accomodate lower octane fuel without pinking. Pistons are more solid than later ones and have thicker rings so less blow-pass hence CR better maintained.
Early double valve heads do not have hardened seats, later single valve do. Heads should be changed to SD1 versions anyway, as these have larger valves and a notch for the injectors, or carb setup used.
Crankshaft tends to move about more due to smaller bearing surfaces and tapered bolts, overcome by fitting main bearing stud kit that stops any movement.
Must preload the valves with shims after headwork. If not this can cause valve spring breaking or other problems (Ah, that's why I started with this exercise)
BUT
Would still welcome comments re suitable mild cam, if I'm accomodating this lot, I might as well.

[suffolkfoxy]

Hi Suffolk fox

Was that a challenge - do you really want me to try and break this one too!!!!!

Also I have a question - does anyone know anything about running in the engine - as I assume it will need it - being a little older. I certainly do not want any more problems that I could avoid.

And ps Suffolk fox - you are supposed to be working! Someones got to pay for all these little extras!!

[david.h]

The V8 was used in military landrovers and by the polis in LDV paddywagons.If yours is out of a P6 it is unlikely to be from an armoured one I think. The P5B "limo" as used by Mrs T and other ministers up to mid 70's (?) was lightly protected (by modern standards). A propos of nothing, the Scorpion range of light tracked armoured vehicles used a detuned Jag XK 4.2 !!