whats a "serp"?
Discussion
a "serp" is a serpentine rover V8 engine.
it was an upgrade to the accessories at the front of the engine to improve oil/water delivery. little change to the block, but i believe that was when they went cross bolted (additional strengthening to the big-end). infact it was a mainly a redesign of the front end to place water pump, access to cam shaft etc suitable for the new Range Rover design. so it became a general redesign, tho slightly less torquey i beleive.
generally thought to be superior, though on rolling roads there is little difference, but worth going for. as important, is the T5 gearbox and the GKN diff. if you buy post 94 all this was standard fitting on griff/chim. T5 can be seen by reverse gear bottom right (under 5th) instead of top left (next to 1st), and the GKN diff has cooling fins on it.
hence "Serp" and "pre-serp"
my 94 griff, was a pre-serp with T5 box and GKN diff. a cross-over car, when systems were changing. Go for a serp if poss as it should be stronger, but condition/history is everything
have fun!
andy
>> Edited by Guillotine on Tuesday 27th December 12:45
it was an upgrade to the accessories at the front of the engine to improve oil/water delivery. little change to the block, but i believe that was when they went cross bolted (additional strengthening to the big-end). infact it was a mainly a redesign of the front end to place water pump, access to cam shaft etc suitable for the new Range Rover design. so it became a general redesign, tho slightly less torquey i beleive.
generally thought to be superior, though on rolling roads there is little difference, but worth going for. as important, is the T5 gearbox and the GKN diff. if you buy post 94 all this was standard fitting on griff/chim. T5 can be seen by reverse gear bottom right (under 5th) instead of top left (next to 1st), and the GKN diff has cooling fins on it.
hence "Serp" and "pre-serp"
my 94 griff, was a pre-serp with T5 box and GKN diff. a cross-over car, when systems were changing. Go for a serp if poss as it should be stronger, but condition/history is everything
have fun!
andy
>> Edited by Guillotine on Tuesday 27th December 12:45
Just to clarify on Guillotine's post, the 'Serp' bit is an abbreviation of 'serpentine' drive belt. Older (pre-serp) V8's use traditional, thin 'V' section fan belts, whereas the 'serp' engine uses a wide, flat drive belt which winds a convoluted path round all the pulleys and tensioners, hen the name.
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