Little end problems... options from here?

[pupp]

98 Chimaera 400 (serp, 47ishk miles). Knocking noises now diagnosed by those that know as worn little ends and apparently 3 lobes are on the way on the cam. :(

Options seem to be rebuild that lump back to standard spec (maybe with an H404 cam), or spend a wee bit extra and fit something like a 4.6 x-bolted short engine from a specialist with my heads and ancillaries (again with an H404). Don't mind spending the dosh but need a reliable and fun result. Anyone been there? :ears:

[pupp]

Just boinging this to the top for the day-crew. Thanks.

[Boosted LS1]

Rebuilding to the same spec means new rods which might not weigh the same as the old items. That would need an engine balance to ensure no proplems. I'd go straight for an 'off the shelf' 4.6 lump with warranty on the bottom end. Much better spec internals then earlier rovers.

Boosted.

[z_chromozone]

Boosted LS1 said:

Rebuilding to the same spec means new rods which might not weigh the same as the old items. That would need an engine balance to ensure no proplems. I'd go straight for an 'off the shelf' 4.6 lump with warranty on the bottom end. Much better spec internals then earlier rovers. Boosted.

Agree with boosted, you should be able to get some sort of exchange price for the old lump too. Have a look at RPI for example;

Brand New 4.0 & 4.6 V8 2003 built, cross-bolted short engines include block, crank, rods, pistons, rings, timing gear & camshaft (fully assembled). Only £ 1,950.00. All are hand built and balanced, including dynamic balancing.

Or, V8 developments

Short Motor: £1,895.00

Comprising: Cross Bolted Block, crank, rods and pistons.

Long Motor: £2,350.00

Comprising: Short Motor above but with the addition of Standard Heads, camshaft and timing chain set. The engine comes fully assembled.

You can probably get rebuilt for less.

Z



>> Edited by z_chromozone on Thursday 7th July 10:09

[pupp]

Thanks for that... have bitten the bullet and gone for the 4.6 cross-bolt option. Just hoping this one lasts a bit more than 47k

[tahiti450]

pupp said:

diagnosed by those that know as worn little ends

Thats pretty weird, never heard of little end problems on the RV8, at best its a rare failure on any engine! I'm assuming this wasnt a drag engine or something! Is anyone ("those that know"offering suggestions as to why in this case or is this just conjecture? I would be very surprised if this in fact turns out to be the case....

[pupp]

tahiti450 said:

pupp said: diagnosed by those that know as worn little ends Thats pretty weird, never heard of little end problems on the RV8, at best its a rare failure on any engine! I'm assuming this wasnt a drag engine or something! Is anyone ("those that know"offering suggestions as to why in this case or is this just conjecture? I would be very surprised if this in fact turns out to be the case....

Well, all I can say is there was a 'top-endy' clattering that appeared quickly and got worse with increasing temperature. I'm not going to nane names but the car went to an indie with a good rep on here after I exhausted my knowledge/capabilities (ie after examining the valve gear etc). They investigated the cam and pulled the sump but were unable to be conclusive so the motor was dropped out and despatched to an engine builder, again with a good rep. The diagnosis is theirs and I've detected nothing to make me wary in what I've been told although I admit to being concerned that little ends can fail at that mileage. I was asked whether the car had over-heated as apparently the bores are pretty glazed up... I've never cooked it but that's not to say someone else hasn't. Mobil One 0-40 before anyone asks.