Rover V8 tune up

[V8MG]

Hi
I have a MGB with a stock rover V8 and 5 speed Rover gearbox and Holly 390 carb with block hugger manifold. I was wondering what performance parts I could use to get more out of this engine I was thinking of camshaft, heads, etc. Will the block hugger manifold hold it back, which is the best cam for a lightish car any advice would be appreciated. I am new to this game but thoroughly loving this car.

Mick

[joospeed]

Hi
I have a MGB with a stock rover V8 and 5 speed Rover gearbox and Holly 390 carb with block hugger manifold. I was wondering what performance parts I could use to get more out of this engine I was thinking of camshaft, heads, etc. Will the block hugger manifold hold it back, which is the best cam for a lightish car any advice would be appreciated. I am new to this game but thoroughly loving this car.

Mick

Give Peter Burgess in Alfreton Derbyshire a call .. he runs a MGB with Rover V8 that trounces all-comers at drag meetings. He's a top bloke, rated as one of the foremost head modifiers in the country .. don't be put off by his workshop though 'cos his work is top-class.

[filmidget]

I will second that Pete Burgess suggestion.

Went to him having 'blown' my Midget engine - excellent advise, and *then* service. Didn't try to sell me anything I didn't need - even though I thought I wanted it

Some time later clutch failed (std engine=65bhp, Pete's version=105bhp!) and chewed up my flywheel. I went back asking him to lighten it - he said it wouldn't be worth it, and just to get it faced. How many places would have done it, or tried to sell me a megabucks steel item?

Also agree about the workshop!

Cheers, Phil

[V8MG]

Thanks for that I will try Peter. Anyone got any experiences with the different cams available for this engine
Mick

[TR MIKE]

Good fuss free hydraulic cams are 214,218 & 224. The Real Steal stump puller is also reputed to be a good grind if you like that sort of thing. I like a 224. PB may give you some advice especially if it's MG related.

[soddy]

Cam choice is always tricky. Things to consider;
How important is smooth idle?
How much power do you want?
What are you likely to rev it too?
What is the configuration of the top end of the engine?

If the idle is really important to you then stay 'mild' with the cam ... certainly no greater than a Kent 218.
If you are not intending to rev higher than say 4500 rpm then go milder still.
If you want to achieve rediculous horespower at 7000rpm and above then go mechanical and wild! (but be ready to rebuild the bottom end when it lets go!
If you have standard heads and induction then there really is no point in going wild with the cam ... most of the benefits will be lost in the inlet and heads.

Hope this helps!

[V8MG]

Thanks for the reply
I would like to keep the idle smooth but get a little more ou of the engine. The engine is stock with Holly carb an block hugger exhaust maifold will a wilder cam and rhoads lifters be good combination?
V8MG

[2 Sheds]

Worth pointing out that Engine capacity tames cams.
somebody may recommend cam X which may idle well with a 5.0L but in a 3.5 could be "lumpy".
I agree that kent 218 or V8 developments MC1 ( a 218 with better idle characteristics)IMO is probably about as hot as you need to go with a 3.5 .
Tim

[V8MG]

Thanks for that. Is there any advantage of the modern 4.0/4.6 heads.do they flow better. or am I better off with a stage 1 or 2 heads.
V8MG

[soddy]

There are a couple of distinct differences between late SD1 and Range Rover Classic heads as opposed to the new 4.0 / 4.6 heads. The older heads normally have a combustion chamber of abbout 35-36cc wheras the new 4.6 heads (unmodified) have 29cc, this obviously affects Compression ratio in the engine. Secondly the later heads also come with different springs and far superior valve stem seals. The real advantage of staged heads is that they come with shortened and bulleted guides, ported inlet and exhaust ports and larger valves ... if you want to get the best advice as to which to fit and how much benefit you will get from all of the options, call an expert for advice ... V8 developments have their heads ported by Paul Goodenough who is probably the best bloke in the country.

[2 Sheds]

soddy said: V8 developments have their heads ported by Paul Goodenough who is probably the best bloke in the country.

I'll second that....
Tim

[boosted ls1]

Pauls good and well respected but I'd use Peter Burgess, he goes for increased flow at all valve lifts ie low lift and high lift plus everywhere in between. Very useable in a street based car.

[MGv8]

You have got the Holly so have you got a good spark going to the pluges (not much power gain but cheep).
The manifold will not give you much problem unless you need over 250bhp.
Cam chage will make you a lot of power but it is best with head mods.
Three anlge valves and SDI thin stem valves are cheep and give you good power.
Out of a old 3.5L with a cam and modded head I am seeing 222bhp 223lb with 190lb at 2000 rpm.
The MG is quite lite so go for bhp. A good site is www.mgbv8.co.uk
The max you can go with a MGB is about 300bhp and then you need to do hevy mods.

[v8mg]

OOps see I nearly nicked your nickname thanks for the advice
V8MG

[MGBV8]

With a 3.5 Heads from PB or John Eales, I have used Hurrican cam from Real Steel no probs for road use(use Stump puller with 4.6) but would not bother with Rhodes, block huggers are not a problem but if you wish to go RV8 route then try Clive Wheatley for Manifolds.

Paul