5 liter Ford in Wedge

[302wedge]

I've seen several questions on this subject posted here and from this side of the pond it makes a lot of sense. We haven't seen a good alloy V8 in 40 years (we sold it to some unsuspecting people in your area). The best subst2d is the small block Ford 255ci thru 351ci. with the 302 the best of the group. It is plentiful ( mine was free ) and there are lots of aftermarket parts and with a factory roller cam it runs real good. I just happen to be a Ford person too.The problem with the old 2.8 was that it was hopped-up with a cam and head work (not by me) but still had the 2 port heads. This moved the power into an area that was way to high for the engine. To the point.... I am VERY pleased with the fit of the 302/5.0. The oil pan from the Fox body cars ( Mustang,T-Bird...) was made for the TVR compartment. It is very close to the front x-member and the crank pulley (fan belt)will have to be replaced with a smaller dia. underdrive pulley to miss the steering rack. I've actully set the engine back closer to the firewall then the 2.8 originally sat. This causes clearance problems with the exhust manifolds as the frame rails narrow, but I am going to fabricate headers anyway. This position actully allows the radiator to be mounted on the front of the original up-rights instead of the back of these up-rights (2-3"forward of 2.8 position).

[302wedge]

Part 2
The largest problem has been the 5 speed transmission. It has a sump that is lower and longer then the original 4 spd. I had to removed the forward transmission mount x-member ( there are two X-members about 5" apart )so that the 5 spd would sit down on the aft x-member. I will fabricate a new X-member that will replace the old one and clear the new trans. Weight ? This is where I expected to have the greatest problems. Suprize !
Ford 2.8 V6 408 lbs. FI to clutch
115 lbs 4spd & bellhousing
45 lbs Aircond
568 lbs Total
Ford 302 468 lbs w/Alum.Intake & bellh
90 lbs T5 5spd trans
558 lbs Total
This is a simplicated total but it is accurate !!
I will dump the a/c and lower the top and not use cat/converters. The ONLY item missing from the total wt. of the 302 is the exhust headers and fluids were drained from both engines. Allan

>> Edited by 302wedge on Wednesday 30th June 03:10

[302wedge]

Part 3
I have photos of everything including the weighing of the engines on an old calibrated grain scale. If anyone is interested, I don't have a web site but would be glad to share them by e-mail. Oh the 5 spd shifter lines up perfectly with the old position.
Hope this help someone out there. I can't spell quart either.
Allan

>> Edited by 302wedge on Wednesday 30th June 03:24

[firefox1712]

Really interesting Allan - may be back to you shortly.

[grahamw48]

Hmm, hope the chassis can take it !

Food for thought though, as we can get hold of 302s
this side of the pond too.
God only knows what it would do to the insurance!

For those in UK, (who don't like fuel injection) I'm sure the Essex V6 could also be fitted without major difficulty. It could easily be tuned to produce a comfortable 200+ horses, with lots of torque and reliability. Not sure about emissions situation.

[19560]

grahamw48 said:

For those in UK, (who don't like fuel injection) I'm sure the Essex V6 could also be fitted without major difficulty. It could easily be tuned to produce a comfortable 200+ horses, with lots of torque and reliability. Not sure about emissions situation.

Yes, but why bother? The standard Vitesse engine is lighter and gives 200bhp; if you don't like fuel injection see Cirks - he has down draft Webbers tuned to 350bhp IIRC.

[19560]

Looking at this table: http://britishv8.org/swaps/motors.htm the Ford V8 does look like a very interesting alternative.

[grahamw48]

I take your point, but I was thinking of engine alternatives that don't need chassis mods.

I love V8s, of course.

[302wedge]

I am going to try and post a pucture of the engine swap in my profile.
Allan

[montegogt]

I have had 2 American cars with Ford V8's. Both were trouble free and very torquey. Fill the boot [trunk] with sand and the balance will be fine, though sitting closer to the ground... Has anyone tried a Chevy small block in a Wedge? More of those in the UK and tuning parts too. You can get these up to 7.2 litre? from Caddys.

[taimar78]

Keep in mind that the Ford smallblock V8 is light enough and small enough in dimensions that it fits nicely in the wedge engine bay. The Chevy engines are larger in dimension and heavier and would probably present a whole new set of problems overall.
The Ford V8 with aluminum heads and manifold is probably your best bet, other than the Rover V8 for overall fit, handling, etc.

[P Oxley]

I have been contemplating this engine swap for several years but was put of by the thought of all that extra weight sitting up high and forward. Now that you have proven that to be a fallacy, I may attempt this swap also. Let us know how the frabricated exhaust manifold works out. What was the engine and tranney taken from and do you have any concerns with clearance to the hood?

[grahamw48]

P Oxley said:

I have been contemplating this engine swap for several years but was put of by the thought of all that extra weight sitting up high and forward. Now that you have proven that to be a fallacy, I may attempt this swap also. Let us know how the frabricated exhaust manifold works out. What was the engine and tranney taken from and do you have any concerns with clearance to the hood?

This series of engines have been fitted into a variety of British 'custom' cars' in the past,
perhaps the most relevent being the Ford Capri.
You may be familiar with the 289 and 351 engine sizes too.

The best known car in which these engines were original equipment in the States, is the Ford Mustang.
They are highly tuneable, light, and reliable.

[jim meehan]

I first heard a V8 go by around 30 yrs ago.
I asked an older person , what is that sound?

Rover had discovered that alloy v8 engines were available from USA which were more torquey and lighter than the old iron 4's and 6's here. They were durable and reliable and flexible and strong. The rest is history.

I have had a few Rover V8s but never a tuned engine. I only got to ride in, then drive , a tvr for the first time in february. Bought Shadowfax in March, which is now for sale. I am looking to pick up a larger engined v8 next. Idea of a massive larger V8 in a wedge is spot on!!

What is curious is that tvr are moving away from V8s in their new cars. Shame. Shame!

Blues

Decency



...V8 Engines

AC Cobra

World Peace....



Common themes!

( anyone put a V12 in a wedge?? )