AJP Engine Choice

[bsc01]

I have to purchase an engine for my Tuscan rebuild project (haven't thought of a name for it yet)
I beleive the car was born with an AJP8 in it and so I would like to put one back in it. I realise a RV8 or LSx would be cheaper but I have my mind set on an AJP8 for it...

So the question is down to the source of the engine...
I could buy a reconditioned engine from TVRPower for around £6500 but then I have to find and buy gearbox, ecu, loom etc sepparately, I have no idea of the cost of these items individually.

Alternatively I could buy a salvage cerbera for ~£5k which would have everything on it but obviously the engine would be pretty much unknown.

Is there any other route I should be considering for the engine?

I understand that the chassis will need modifying to accespt a wet sump AJP. Does anyone have a picture of the offending chassis cross brace so I can see if the chassis has already been modified or would still need it doing?

I have read that there is an "AJP8 Rebuild Manual". Where can I purchase a copy or is it out of print and does anybody have a copy I could beg/borrow/buy from them?

Thanks
Simon

[NTEL]

Hi Simon,

I've just bought an RV8 engined Tuscan with which I ended up with a few AJP bits and pieces as part of the spares package (it had an AJP in a former life). These are no good to me so are up for grabs. I have a set of exhaust headers, both down pipes with silencers, AJP air box (one of the ali stubs is missing but its no big job to put another one in), engine looms and a prop shaft. The exhausts have had some cracks welded up but this isn't unusual. Its all in serviceable condition so if its of interest, give me a shout.

Dave

[bsc01]

Dave,

You have mail!

Thanks
Simon

[450Nick]

Mine had no engine mounts, the engine was f**ked as was the wiring loom when I bought mine so I weighed up various options on which route to go. Like you I really only wanted an AJP, so am in the process of dropping one in (currently waiting for it to be built after rather a long time of waiting!) but if you have any questions feel free to drop me a mail. My car used to run a road engine, but the new one going in is a road block with a modified dry sump plate on the bottom, then the water and oil pumping will be done by external pumps (belt driven off the crank for the oil pump and electric dual pumps for the water). This means you then don't have to cut out that bottom chassis member which you want to avoid if possible. You should also look at improving the engine mounts while you're working. The standard AJP mounts are pretty terrible and will allow the engine to move forward or back by a scarily long way under braking/acceleration.

[bsc01]

Nick,

Thanks, I'm interested in the route you took and any info you have on the AJP mounts. To be honest, I have been told that the AJP mounts are in the chassis but am not 100% sure until it arrives. Any pics you have would be good. Also I don't know if the cross member has already been removed as I don't know which one clashes.

Silly question really, but was the rebuild with dry sump really expensive?

Thanks
Simon