What am I missing
Discussion
After reading a few posts on engine transplants, AJP Griff, Clivef and now AJP Chim. Why do people want to fit an AJP engine into the RV8 powered cars? Obviously Mike did it for historical reasons, but surely the LS option would be the better way to go for other people?
I'm not s
gging the AJP as I have no knowledge of it, I know nothing about the LS engines either, apart from the perceived reliability, I'm just puzzled.
Cost wise is it much difference?
I'm not s
gging the AJP as I have no knowledge of it, I know nothing about the LS engines either, apart from the perceived reliability, I'm just puzzled.Cost wise is it much difference?
Having been in a rather purple LS Chim, whilst undoubtedly fast, with a great soundtrack, it didnt, IMO, have as much 'character' as an AJP. Maybe I have rose tinted specs?
Im no expert, but having heard the cost of some of the LS installs, Id think that an AJP transplant would be cheaper? By how much Im not sure.
Im no expert, but having heard the cost of some of the LS installs, Id think that an AJP transplant would be cheaper? By how much Im not sure.
What got me thinking was the 'expensive first year' thread on the Cerb forum they guy spent something like £12k on engine rebuild and some other bits, I realise this may not be the norm, but add a second hand engine at say £3kish. So you could be looking at £15k would that not be enough to have a new LS fitted.
Even a second hand engine at 3k is not far away from a crate engine, well maybe 3k away but you are getting a new engine.
I know there are other costs ECU, exhaust, suspension, brakes but some of these apply to both transplants so don't really come into it. Or like the title "Am I missing something?"
Even a second hand engine at 3k is not far away from a crate engine, well maybe 3k away but you are getting a new engine.
I know there are other costs ECU, exhaust, suspension, brakes but some of these apply to both transplants so don't really come into it. Or like the title "Am I missing something?"
The AJP engine is undoubtedly a great engine and has done TVR proud in the Cerbera. I would love a lazy lump like the LS engine in a car, but my feeling and opinion is to keep it TVR. The AJP is proven good for a relatively easy (cf RV8) 400+ bhp and as said by so many people, it has great character. TVR character.
The AJP V8 was also originally supposed to be offered in the Griff - so following that train of thought it could be argued that it's a more approriate transplant.
You could argue that the LS option could be done for less and possibly offer better reliability.
TVRs are personal things, most of the owners (certainly those on PH) love their cars and cost is not always the most important factor.
Personally I prefer the thought of an AJP V8 in a Griff rather than the LS but I've no experience of either so it's just my perception notheing else.
You could argue that the LS option could be done for less and possibly offer better reliability.
TVRs are personal things, most of the owners (certainly those on PH) love their cars and cost is not always the most important factor.
Personally I prefer the thought of an AJP V8 in a Griff rather than the LS but I've no experience of either so it's just my perception notheing else.
ray_von said:
How many people who suggest the AJP have had to shell out on an engine rebuild, of any sort? It certainly focuses the mind. I can see why keeping the TVR theme going would appeal to some but it must get to a point where the head does rule the heart
Head: LSxHeart: AJP
...I'd go for the S6 myself
like most others have said, its a case of keeping it Tvr, the engine is lighter, more powerful, and says TVR on the front, nuff said.
costs wise, for me I will look to end up in pocket after selling my rv8 and kms ecu ect,tuned manifolds ect, plus the front brakes and wheels are being replaced, so when you add up all the bits to sell, and weigh it all up I should be doing fine, however I should point out that I will be doing 99% of the work myself, so by the time I`ve finished rebuilding the ajp complete with new clutch and lightened flywheel I estimate the engine to have cost me in the region of £3.5K, then the exhaust manifolds and system will be made by myself, plus coolant bits an bobs, and few extras here and there.
engine wise the prices of spares are not a great deal dearer than the rv8, for instance the main shells are from a griff/chim anyway. the only real noticable difference that I have found is that the clutch is around £800 for a really good one, whereas my old 5lt griff one was around £320, but performance comes at a price, so you`ve got to expect to pay more for some items
If I wasn`t capable of rebuilding the ajp engine and instaling it myself, and then looking for someone to make an exhaust system for it then I wouldn`t even consider entertaining the project, as the costs would be horrendous, if I wanted the engine that badly I`d have just gone and bought a cerb instead, but as I`m a clever git then its well worth the hours spent on it IMHO.
plus the fact that it will end up being the car that TVR should have built in the first place, but I`m sure Mike will be along to clarify the historical bits soon
costs wise, for me I will look to end up in pocket after selling my rv8 and kms ecu ect,tuned manifolds ect, plus the front brakes and wheels are being replaced, so when you add up all the bits to sell, and weigh it all up I should be doing fine, however I should point out that I will be doing 99% of the work myself, so by the time I`ve finished rebuilding the ajp complete with new clutch and lightened flywheel I estimate the engine to have cost me in the region of £3.5K, then the exhaust manifolds and system will be made by myself, plus coolant bits an bobs, and few extras here and there.
engine wise the prices of spares are not a great deal dearer than the rv8, for instance the main shells are from a griff/chim anyway. the only real noticable difference that I have found is that the clutch is around £800 for a really good one, whereas my old 5lt griff one was around £320, but performance comes at a price, so you`ve got to expect to pay more for some items
If I wasn`t capable of rebuilding the ajp engine and instaling it myself, and then looking for someone to make an exhaust system for it then I wouldn`t even consider entertaining the project, as the costs would be horrendous, if I wanted the engine that badly I`d have just gone and bought a cerb instead, but as I`m a clever git
then its well worth the hours spent on it IMHO.plus the fact that it will end up being the car that TVR should have built in the first place, but I`m sure Mike will be along to clarify the historical bits soon
Just as a side note, the development cars had different engines, JR's blue Griff L110 not only had the RV8 and AJP but also a Sp6 engine.
I looked a few years back at putting the 4.5AJP in Daisy but it would be too much money due to having to upgrade the rest of the car.
I think I would just supercharge her instead. When it comes to Candy - then I will go for the 4.3
Claire
I looked a few years back at putting the 4.5AJP in Daisy but it would be too much money due to having to upgrade the rest of the car.
I think I would just supercharge her instead. When it comes to Candy - then I will go for the 4.3
Claire
ray_von said:
...... Why do people want to fit an AJP engine into the RV8 powered cars?......
I think that the others have just about summed it all up,really.I was going to put an AJPV8 into the griff i sold you,but just as i had decided to do it,along came L110.The AJP is a brilliant engine,it weighs less,you can have a very realistic 400-450bhp,better fuel economy and better driveability.It's just bonkers to drive,the power never seems to end and the throttle response is brilliant,yet at the same time you can drive it at 1k revs in fourth and without any hint of shunting!.It's a very different beast to the RV8 Griff,and to me,none of that difference is in a negative way.We'll have to meet up again,Darren 
Edited by The AJP Griff on Saturday 22 November 10:20
clive f said:
like most others have said, its a case of keeping it Tvr, the engine is lighter, more powerful, and says TVR on the front, nuff said.e:
True, it certainly is lighter and defo has a tvr heart so I agree with your reasons for keeping it on those grounds. It's not more powerfull though especially once you look at the LS options and tuning potential. Stock Ls engine nowadays are typically rated at over 400 hp (conservative)to over 500 hp and tuning can see them past 650 hp n/a with a torque curve to die for.e:What I do like about the ajp is it's lightweight and it's a simple engine to build, refurbish etc whereas an lsx whilst being a pushrod motor still has an awful lot of complex torque settings to do properly. Head and mains bolts are torqued 3 times to get to the correct tension and that's an awful lot of bolts!
I think the lsx conversion with a new engine will be more expensive simply because of all the 'other' things which have to be sorted. I'm not saying it's better though as that's dependent on the owners objectives.
ray_von said:
Boosted LS1 said:
What I do like about the ajp is it's lightweight and it's a simple engine to build, refurbish etc
This is one of the things I can't get my head round. If it's so easy to build etc, why does it cost so much to repair?
it is pretty amazing what some people have been charged for rebuilds etc
Theres no 'black art' to the AJP and all the info is easily available for doing your own re-build,should you want to.Edited by The AJP Griff on Sunday 23 November 11:36
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