350 in 280?

[tvr280i]

Top question for an experienced Wedge expert.

Will a 350 engine and box fir straight into my 280?

I have one of the last 280s, Someone told me this is a 400 series chassie and a 350 will go straight in.

Is there any truth in it?

[wedge girl]

No, chassis is wider on the 350 to allow the V8 to fit.

[wedg1e]

I did hear a tale that some late chassis had mountings for both engines, but whether that stemmed from a re-engined car I don't know.

[shpub]

If it is a genuine 400 chassis the answer is yes. If it is 280i the answer is not really. It will fit but the bay is so tight that manifolds start fouling the chassis.

To be honest, if you had an early car I would say no. With yours it might be possible. Time to get a measuring and comparing.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[chassis 33]

I'm told, by my dad who's looking at the posibility of putting one in an SD1, the Chevy LS1 & 6 V8's are slightly smaller than an R-V8...might be worth a look, power output starts at 350bhp...........

Regards
Iain

[grahamw48]

...or look at 302wedge's profile for more ideas.

[Nacnud]

I was speaking to a 200i (or 280i, not sure) owner who had a 16v 2.0i Vauhall lump installed.

Won't have the V8 rumble, but I bet it flies!!!

[rev-erend]

For all the effort & insurance issues involved : maybe it's just easier to upgrade (sell & buy) a larger engined model

Maybe another way you could go - is to install a Cosworth V6 !

See : www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk/
project cars !


>> Edited by rev-erend on Tuesday 8th February 12:37

[SEvans]

Tony, one of the members of the West Lancs TVRCC has a Rover V8 in a 280, don't think it's a late car. I think he bought the car like this so not sure how much he knows about actually doing the swap.

[tvr280i]

Thanks for the comments.

The 2.9 cossi engine sounds good, apart from the fuel injection system wire graft. (doesent look to straight forward) and likewise with the manifolds that have to be put in.

The fact that my car is a late 280i. It looks better than the usual 350s (seamless) It also has the wrap around dash which i prefer.

If a 350 fell in it would be an easyier installation.

Is there an easy test to confirm its a 400 chassie? I have never seen the chassie number but i have seen in the bible were it is suposed to be? does a 350 go into the 400 chassie?

Looks like I may need a tape at the BBWF, to check it out.

[tallbloke]

tvr280i said:

Thanks for the comments. The fact that my car is a late 280i. It looks better than the usual 350s