sepentine conversion

[markh]

Any one know how or if it possible to convert a pre serp engine to a serpentine engine.

Thanks Mark

[GreenV8S]

Do you mean an intermediate like the 'serpentine' TVRs (i.e. keeping the distributor), or full serpentine i.e. distributorless? I think V8D sell a kit of parts to convert preserpentine to intermediate, so I assume this can be done without changing the cam or crank.

[markh]

Hello Pete
yes I was thinking of keeping the distributor, thought the 'sepentine' set up would be good for my future supercharger conversion, one belt running the whole set up.

mark

[GreenV8S]

Did you buy that kit from Ebay in the end then?

[markh]

Pete
no not in the end, have been talking to Rotrex in Denmark, so it looks like I'm heading in that direction.

Have you had any more thoughts on the blower conversion?, have also been speaking to Richard at peninsula they are also working on an installation.

mark

[jsr]

It's the pre-serpentine that has the one belt.

Would be very interest in hearing your plans for a supercharger!!

[greenv8s]

Centrefugal, eh? Well it is probably a winner if you're going for high boost levels because of the improved efficiency, although personally I still prefer positive displacement because it gives a much flatter torque curve.

[Incorrigible]

Prepared to be flamed.... but isn't the main advantage of a serp engine the improved oilways and the cross bolted crank.

If you're going to super charge somthing wouldn't it be better to start with a real serp engine ??

[greenv8s]

You're talking about the 4.6 block and this is definitely the one to go for, but it can be built with a serpentine front end or (as mine is) a pre-serpentine one.

[jamesuk28]

SUPERCHARGER eh? I like the sound of that, please keep us informed.

[Incorrigible]

greenv8s said:

You're talking about the 4.6 block and this is definitely the one to go for, but it can be built with a serpentine front end or (as mine is) a pre-serpentine one.

So is the 4.6 serp block different to the 4.0 serp block then

And if so, is there any advantage of the 4.0 serp over the 4.0 pre-serp (forgetting that they're mated to different boxes of course)

[Graham]

Incorrigible said:

greenv8s said: You're talking about the 4.6 block and this is definitely the one to go for, but it can be built with a serpentine front end or (as mine is) a pre-serpentine one. So is the 4.6 serp block different to the 4.0 serp block then And if so, is there any advantage of the 4.0 serp over the 4.0 pre-serp (forgetting that they're mated to different boxes of course)

isnt the 4.6 block cross bolted? and i believe its stiffer ohherr as well

[greenv8s]

From what I've picked up from the experts here, Rover introduced the serpentine front end and the 4.6 block at the same time, but they're separate changes. The 4.6 block is mechnically stronger and has the cross-bolted main bearing caps. It can be built with serpentine, intermediate or pre-serpentine front covers. The intermediate and serpentine front covers have bigger and better water and oil pumps and a more powerful poly-v belt to drive them. This drive belt is what gives the serpentine engine its name but it is a characteristic of the front cover not of the engine block.

[markh]

Right I think I've got it now, I have the cross bolted 4.6 block so this should be okay. so all I need to do this conversion is

1 x front cover (I think this has a built in oil pump?)
1 x alternator

1 x mounting bracket for the above

1 x water pump

1 x belt

anything I've missed?

Mark

[greenv8s]

Plus the tensioner. I assume you don't have any other ancilliaries then - PAS, air con etc? Apart from that the list is complete for a preserpentine to intermediate conversion as far as I can tell. If you're talking about a conversion to full serpentine (i.e. distributorless) then there may be issues with the cam.

If I was doing this I'd talk to the experts at V8D to confirm the details; I think they also sell a kit with all the parts you need for an intermediate conversion.

[greenv8s]

Oh, PS, don't forget you will need to re-plumb the cooling system since the pump inlet is in a different place and doesn't (as far as I can remember) have any provision for the bypass return.

[greenv8s]

Crank or cam? I have an idea the cam is different on the full serpentine (dizzy-less) front end, but I don't know for sure.