Recessed valves

[mrzigazaga]

Hi Peeps..Went and had the valves checked this morning and they had all recessed the same amount which is not a bad sign but then i noticed an exhaust valve on cylinder 2 looking a bit weird almost like it was bent and when it was checked there was a hell of a lot of play..We removed the push rod to see if that had got bent but it was ok so it looks like the cam might have a worn lobe..There was just enough thread to tighten it up..There is probably about 1/2 a turn of adjustment left so not much room for any more recession....I did change the additive prior to going to BNG which is not always a good idea and probably not the total cause..I normally use wynns which is overall better than some..Still i now have had a quote for a rebuilt engine to race spec as the one john toovey had has gone..Its coming in at 1900 squidly's which is bloody reasonable..So hopefully next year an SX280i will be born...Cheers..Ziga

[RCK974X]

If you decide to do an engine rebuild, then you can fit hard valve seat inserts - there used to be horror stories about them falling out, but I think the newer ones don't have that problem.
(Or make sure your new engine has them fitted)

Cam Info -

2.8i cams are the same as the early carb 2.8 (in case you have a problem sourcing one), later carbys used a softer cam (the early 2.3) 2.8 Scorpio/Efi cam was the same as 2.8i but timed 5 degrees earlier (which probably won't make a noticeable difference overall, especially with a blower).

Is the rocker shaft OK ? they can wear too....

But hey, at 1900 squids, it's probably as cheap to buy a whole new engine.

[Jonny weggie]

Mark, i know you love the old girl, there's a cracking grey 390 on e-bay at the 3 grand bracket. That's approx another grand on top of what your spending at the moment, so if you were thinking of spending approx 2 thou on an engine rebuild then have a word with the chap selling the car and put 2 thou down as deposit and sell your beloved as a project at a reasonable price then you'll have your V8.
Dont take this the wrong way Mark just thinking out the box.

V8's.
jonny.

[Rockettvr]

Jonny weggie said:

Mark, i know you love the old girl, there's a cracking grey 390 on e-bay at the 3 grand bracket. That's approx another grand on top of what your spending at the moment, so if you were thinking of spending approx 2 thou on an engine rebuild then have a word with the chap selling the car and put 2 thou down as deposit and sell your beloved as a project at a reasonable price then you'll have your V8.
Dont take this the wrong way Mark just thinking out the box.

V8's.
jonny.

Totally agree. In fact this is the course I'll be taking to " upgrade " my 280 wedge next year. Wether this "390" is a 390se or a 350i 3 grand is still cheap. Given the choice of keeping my wedge and spending 2k uprating the engine or selling up and adding the 2k to buy a V8 I know what I'd be doing. Still it's down to personal choice at the end if the day. whatever you choose zig good luck with it

[mrzigazaga]

Cheers for the advice chaps..The only thing i worry about is having to start all over again..And i could end up with another basket case...I could sell the supercharger and give the guy that offered me 2K for the car a little while ago but im unsure at the moment...cheers..Ziga

[Rockettvr]

2k is that all! I'm pretty sure that Delilah is worth more than that Mark! Its probably the wrong time of year to be selling though - but there again its probably the best time to buy. I'm thinking of spending the winter of tidying up my 280 trying to get it sold early next year and then hopefully picking up a V8 at a reasonable price- finances permitting. I really dont want to be Wedgeless next summer though. Plans are one thing reality is another !!