RV8 Engine Weight

[The Black Flash]

Hi to the PH engine gurus...I have a question regarding the venerable Rover v8.

I see the engine quoted as weighing 320lbs...is that an accurate figure? I am looking into engine options at the mo and am stuggling to engines of a similar capacity which are that light, even much more modern ones. Even v6s seem to be heavier (Duratec 30 for example is 450lb(!), mitsibishi's 6G72 is 350lb, cossie 24v is only a few pounds lighter, etc).
Anyone know for sure?

[The Black Flash]

Thought it sounded a bit light.

It's for a Dax Rush, I'm just looking at all options before deciding on anything in particular. I was thinking that I could maybe find something slightly smaller in capacity which was lighter, and perhaps supercharge it. (I don't want to use a turbo though) However, as I said all of the v6s seem to be of a similar weight, so there doesn't seem to be much benefit in doing that. The cossie is the lightest candidate I've yet found, but I'm open to any other ideas

[The Black Flash]

LS7427ci said:

If your going to run a V8 I'd opt for an LS over a Rover or chevy do build a 3.2 V6 with a charger on it stanard, it punches good ish power.
How many HP's are you looking for????

People keep saying about LS motors, and they do look good if you're after big power, but they are considerably heavier than the Rover as far as I can see, and you're looking at what, 6-7 grand for an LS1 with all ancilliaries?
A v8 is never going to be a lightweight build but I don't want it heavier than it has to be.

I'm after say an easy 250hp to start with, but I'd like the potential to go bigger later. If it's a v8 I'd have thought that 300-320 would be quite enough, though I'm guessing here.

[The Black Flash]

Exactly my thinking. Power to weight isn't my worry, it's how the weight affects the handling.

[The Black Flash]

350Matt said:

How about the audi 1.8T unit used in a lot of elise conversions?
Its pretty small for a modern engine and make 250 ponies without any bother.
And with a better turbo, pisotns etc 300+ is on the cards

Matt

Don't really want a turbo engine. Supercharger maybe, turbo no with me.

[The Black Flash]

rev-erend said:

400bhp .. weight 200lbs
http://www.h1v8.com/page/page/1562068.htm

...cost, £15000.

That really is right up my street though. Apart from the whole £££ thing.

[The Black Flash]

900T-R said:

Ford Duratec V6... could fit the bill nicely: lighter and more compact than even the RV8,

I've got a ford document here which quotes a weight of 205Kg for the duratec 30 - that's 450lb! Light it aint...otherwise it was looking like just the thing.

Rev-erend - Why not a Hyabusa? Well I don't want a bike engine as I want to be able to do longish trips in the thing. I know, awkward aren't I?

detees - hadn't considered an Rv6, cheers I'll look into it.

Been doing some more research today, and am currently wondering about an alfa v6...

[The Black Flash]

Heh. A quick google reveals this: http://www.race-cars.com/engsales/other/1114952060/1114952060ss.htm 

race-cars.com said:

Cosworth DFV 3000cc

Serial Number: N/A
Condition: Excellent
Price: £40,000 United Kingdom Pounds

I think we have a reason!

[The Black Flash]

gofasterrosssco said:

Toyota / Lexus 1UZ-FE. 4L, 32v, quad-cam

Relatively light - circa 180kg (whats that, about 400lbs..?) Maybe scope for improvement by removing A/C and power steering units.

Standard 250hp, but easily tunable with reasonable aftermarket support (but nothing to RV8 or LSx levels)

Cheap as chips, but very durable

Sounds good even in standard form

Edited by gofasterrosssco on Sunday 15th June 02:54

I've looked long and oh so hard at the uzfe. They are perfect in virtually every way, except for the size of the damn thing. I've had discussions with Dax about fitting one, and although technically probably possible, it sounds as if bits of the heads would end up sticking out of the bonnet, which I don't really want.
Bloody shame though, I thought I was on to something there.

[The Black Flash]

LS7427ci said:

I do know to a custome build light weight LS2 engine, 450+ hp that weights in at 370lbs 170kg ish??? with a price tag of under £7K complete hearders as well

That is good on a bhp/pound basis, but I was thinking more of £3-4K, rather than 7. That is pretty lightweight though.

[The Black Flash]

Still thinking of one of these:


24V 3.2L v6, 250hp, about 375lb but I think that includes AC and PAS. Well oversquare so should be nice and revvy, redline at nearly 7000.
Looks and sounds amazing as stock. Aftermarket not great but there is some stuff, 300hp is doable without straining things.

Somebody put me off, there must be something wrong with 'em.

[The Black Flash]

Thanks for all the info, one and all. That's put paid to the idea of an rv8 as an option for me; and if it is indeed over 200kg then a lot of other things start looking more appealing. I want something a bit more revvy anyway, so the v6 is looking the favourite at the mo.

[The Black Flash]

Tony - I've read a lot of your old posts on the uzfe, and they do look like fantastic engines. Had my heart quite set on one for a bit. But it's not just a case of modifying the bonnet, I mean I'm all for a bit of protruding plenum (Oooer), it means major chassis modifications and I don't really want to change the look of the car that much.