V8 itch to scratch, potentially tricky criteria...

[vx220]

Hi All,

I've always wanted a V8 (I blame American car chases) and I guess time is running out.

I'm not after a hugely fast car (it's our daily/only car, current Golf does 0-60 sub 8, so around that) but I don't really want a big car or an auto.

How does this sound for a checklist?

£10k to spend (possibly stretch to 15, absolute max)
Not too big (although if I was higher up? Like in a truck/suv?)
Prefer manual (I think I might be able to compromise)
Involving (V8 burble might be enough on it's own?)
Has to be fairly reliable, and reasonable to service
LHD would probably be OK.

Previous cars include various hot hatches, RX8, VX220, a couple of MR2s. Currently drive a dull mkiv Golf GTi that's quick enough but is not involving in any way.

Thanks in advance!

Edit: don't "need" four seats, but do need two+Westie seating, so no strict two seaters.

Edited by vx220 on Wednesday 3rd February 11:56

[MorganP104]

If you want a V8 car that's not too big, how about a Rover 75 V8, or the MG version, the ZT 260?

Plenty of V8 SUVs available, such as Range Rovers, Merc MLs, BMW X5s, Volvo XC90s, etc., though they are all pretty big.

The Jaguar XK8 might be a good shout for you, and the back seats are perfect for a Westie (not so much for humans).

The E39 BMW 540i might also be a good option for you. Mercedes also have a variety of V8-engined E-Class models.

[PrinceRupert]

Sounds like you want a Monaro or a Chimaera, or potentially a Corvette C5 (though manuals are few and far between and command a premium). I suspect 10k might be a bit light but 15k should get you into all 3.

[some bloke]

C4 Corvette?

[PrinceRupert]

Just saw you need 2+2. At 10k you'll be looking at barges or a monaro I suspect.

[vx220]

some bloke said:

C4 Corvette?

A rough one goes past two or three times a day, fuelling my need...

[vx220]

MorganP104 said:

If you want a V8 car that's not too big, how about a Rover 75 V8, or the MG version, the ZT 260?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006250517255

I've been watching this, just up the road from me.

[LordGrover]

Any of these suit?

click

ETA: Masser! What could possibly go wrong?

Edited by LordGrover on Wednesday 3rd February 12:45

[tomsugden]

Here you go

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/10913254?c...

[andrewcliffe]

Pistonheads search, V8, manual, £ 8 - 14k

MG ZT 4.6 V8

Audi S5

Audi RS4

2003 Mustang

1990 Pontiac Firebird - KITT.

Couple of TVR Chimaeras, inlcluding my own, and a couple of Maseratis too.

[some bloke]

vx220 said:

some bloke said:

C4 Corvette?

A rough one goes past two or three times a day, fuelling my need...

Yeah, I was looking at one a couple of years ago but got a boxster instead. Gives me everything but the burble. sadface.gif. I think you'd get a nice one for 10k.

What about a camaro? 1999 and up have the LS engine which has so much potential for power it's not funny. Has 2+2 as well.

[Searider]

andrewcliffe said:

Pistonheads search, V8, manual, £ 8 - 14k

MG ZT 4.6 V8

Audi S5

Audi RS4

2003 Mustang

1990 Pontiac Firebird - KITT.

Couple of TVR Chimaeras, inlcluding my own, and a couple of Maseratis too.

Audi S4 as well.
Very few manual V8s around these days.

[MorganP104]

vx220 said:

MorganP104 said:

If you want a V8 car that's not too big, how about a Rover 75 V8, or the MG version, the ZT 260?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202006250517255

I've been watching this, just up the road from me.

Oof! That's a lot of car for the money, with sensible miles too. I'd be interested to find out what these "mods" are, mind you. Appears to have kept the car OEM+ looking, so I'm guessing the mods will be things like exhaust, brakes, suspension, engine, etc. As long as he's not gone daft with mega lumpy cams, nitrous, mental ECU remap, and the like, it should be OK.

It's essentially a gentleman's Mustang. Yes please!

I reckon values for these will firm up in the next 5-10 years, as the number left on the road drops. Potential future investment, says my dodgy man-maths.

[stevemiller]

MGZT

Here mine, owned since March 2008.

https://youtu.be/L2YXplOk20Q

[Scootersp]

There is one BMW 650 manual for sale

[300bhp/ton]

vx220 said:

Hi All,

I've always wanted a V8 (I blame American car chases) and I guess time is running out.

I'm not after a hugely fast car (it's our daily/only car, current Golf does 0-60 sub 8, so around that) but I don't really want a big car or an auto.

How does this sound for a checklist?

£10k to spend (possibly stretch to 15, absolute max)
Not too big (although if I was higher up? Like in a truck/suv?)
Prefer manual (I think I might be able to compromise)
Involving (V8 burble might be enough on it's own?)
Has to be fairly reliable, and reasonable to service
LHD would probably be OK.

Previous cars include various hot hatches, RX8, VX220, a couple of MR2s. Currently drive a dull mkiv Golf GTi that's quick enough but is not involving in any way.

Thanks in advance!

Edit: don't "need" four seats, but do need two+Westie seating, so no strict two seaters.

Edited by vx220 on Wednesday 3rd February 11:56

What sort of V8 sound are you after?

A modern DOHC unit will sound very very different to an OHV one. And flatplane crank V8's hugely different again.

I'm guessing if it is American car chases, then a rumbly OHV would be the answer.


In the UK your options will be limited for this type of engine. And mostly limited to a Rover V8. Which you'll find in:

-TR7s
-MG B's
-Range Rovers
-Discoverys
-Series Land Rover
-Land Rover 90/110
-TVR
-some kit cars or converted cars

Quite a few will be available with manual gearboxes.


Other vehicles with OHV engines in the UK are Jeeps. Such as different versions of the Grand Cherokee, although these will be autos.


All of these can be fun, but some are biggish and some not very quick. You'll likely need an exhaust on many to unleash the V8 rumble.


Other UK market cars would be the Chrysler 300, Monaro or VXR8. However you might struggle for your budget. Monaro should be manual, the others more likely auto at a guess.


There are American imports. You'll find a few pick up trucks in budget. Maybe a C4 Corvette of an Fbody (Camaro/Firebird). There used to be fox body Mustangs and Thunderbirds about, but all of these have vanished from the UK pretty much. An older Mustang might be doable as a project.

More modern Mustangs (1996'sih) all use an OHC V8 which sounds quite different. But might still be an option. Sadly most are autos again.


Someone has mentioned the MG ZT260. These are quite a hoot and use the same OHV V8 engine as the new age Mustangs. But the MG is quite a bit heavier and slower than the Mustangs.


There are Jags with V8's. But all autos. But the XK8/XKR would probably be well worth a shout.


Then there the German saloons with V8 engines. I'm sure these are all good cars. But a bit like the Jag, the engine will be completely muted. I'm not sure where the "V8" experience is with most of them. Even if they are fast. Personally I think the Chrysler 300C SRT-8 would be a heck of a lot more interesting.



Probably the best VFM would be a 3rd or 4th Gen Camaro. Although these also seem to be vanishing from our shores (I think they get sold to Europe somewhere like the other American vehicles of this era).

So they are getting rarer. The 3rd Gens have the looks and ok stock performance (easy to tune). The 4th Gens are genuinely quite rapid. The 93-97 models use the same engines as a C4 Corvette. The 98-02 models the same LS1 as the C5 Corvette. They are quite big 2+2 coupes. Similar size class to a Jag XK8, but they weigh less. An LS1 Camaro z28 weighs about the same as an e46 BMW M3 with very similar performance. Lots of fun in the corners too.


But you'll have to search to find one.






There will be some American imports for this money.

[dhutch]

stevemiller said:

MGZT 400

Here mine, owned since March 2008.

https://youtu.be/L2YXplOk20Q

Epic work! Do many 400's come up for sale?

[LunarOne]

There's a guy on PH building a V8 2CV. Not sure it's within your budget though!

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[LunarOne]

E92 M3 with 4.0 V8? You won't get an American style V8 burble though...

[nikaiyo2]

If you want V8 from car cahses then you need something old and yank, IMHO.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1988-Dodge-Diplomat-830...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chevrolet-El-Camino-197...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1973-Buick-Riviera-GS-7...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Ford-Gran-Torino-Elite-...