AJP8 in an M series?

[jarred]

Just wanted some feedback on this. the AJP 8's come up on ebay UK evrey now and then. I am in the states and looking for an intereting power plant for my '73 2500M. I like everything about the AJP8, but how realistic would it be to live with one? Are they reliable? Any big issues? Parts sourcing problems? I've done swaps and built FI system from the ground up, so not to worried about the project, more the engine. But it would be very very cool to have one of these running around the states.

[gruffalo]

Mechanically very strong and a true drivers engine, not sure how you would manage with emissions though.

[jarred]

In my state cars over 25 years old don't need emissions testing. Any thoughts on size? Is there a possibility the stock headers could be made to fit? I know TVR frames gradually got wider and wider as the years went on.

[scotty_d]

Whats the width of your frame work on the M? i have good access to my AJP so could measure up for you in the morning, It is a fairly narrow set up on the AJP.

[jarred]

That would be great. I believe the top frame rails are 24" apart. I keep my car in a garage about 6 miles from my home so I'll measure it out when I head up there tomorrow or the day after. From the AJP I'd also like to know how tall, from the bottom of the pan to the top of the air cleaner assembly.

The Ford 5.0 barely fits with either sending headers up and forward or using pretty inefficient and semi-custom block huggers (built for MGB conversions). I can certainly go that route, but the Ford V8 is hardly a technological wonder or even much to look at, imho.

[jamieduff1981]

Sounds interesting

The AJP8 is a raging menace of an engine. I love it. It's also very light and compact for what it is. Best of luck to you

[Flatinfourth]

I remember the guys in the know at RG were of the opinion that the AJP8 was rather better at staying in one piece than a speed 6!

And then theres that sound it produces, like an old lotus 900 engine at idle,because of its crank configuration, yet under power, OH YES!!!

I think thats a fun idea if you can fit it in the space. Inlet and exhausts must be the issue?

[ukkid35]

jarred said:

Are they reliable? Any big issues? Parts sourcing problems?

There is an issue with early 4.2 cranks, there is also an issue with auxiliary drive shafts on both variants; both issues were fixed by '99. The maximum mileage achievable before a top end rebuild appears to be about 100k, this is due to intake valve stems or valve seats or both.

Shimmuing the valves regularly is a PITA, suggested frequency is 12k, I suspect 6k is more realistic.

I've been trying to buy a crank bolt washer for the last 12 months, I've not succeeded so far.

Highest point is probably the intake tubes and airboxes (so some room for manoeuvre there), the 4.5 airbox build quality is so poor you could probably do much better yourself.

Do it - AJP8s are epic!

[DavidY]

It isn't just an engine install job though, the brakes will be woefully inadequate, the rear suspension will struggle with the increased torque, you are likely to crack the standard wishbones, the TR6 diff is not man enough, so that will have to be replaced, the triumph driveshafts will turn to cheese and need to be replaced, etc, etc You are really looking at a very significant cost upgrade, and essentially a new car with an M-series body!!

[Loach1]

Nice idea, but be careful - it is illegal to import a non-EPA approved engine. It would suck to go to a lot of trouble only to have it refused at the port.

[scotty_d]

Hi just put the tape measure over the engine so all approx sizes with exhaust manifolds in place

width manifold-manifold 650mm
Length 640mm with ac fitted
Depth 650mm with 4.2 inlet manifolds

Hope this helps you.

[scotty_d]

This might be of interest to you as well if you have not came across it, not a M but a new griff Clives F stunning ajp Griff.

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[K4TRV]

Loach1 said:

Nice idea, but be careful - it is illegal to import a non-EPA approved engine. It would suck to go to a lot of trouble only to have it refused at the port.

That would pretty much rule out the V8 AJP variants and the Speed 6 as well....

[jarred]

Importing engines alone are not normally a problem. Yes, the epa document says you can't, but they also say you ARE allowed to import a race car (Tuscan challenge track day car anyone?). Arguably, this is a race car engine. I've imported heads that clearly were not epa legal, so the most conservative approach would be to ship it in parts. But I don't think I'd bother. Basically the shipper/importer codes the shipment and you pay duty on it. Only customs is involved in that type of shipment, whole cars are an entirely different story.

My car currently has the Nissan R200 LSD rear end in it. I'm switching to the Salisbury Jag differential with inboard brakes. A fellow up in Victoria BC has done several conversions and sold me the parts as a "kit." Rear axles are coming from Good Parts who puts together modern CV axles for TR6's and has done the M series with the jag rear end. From what I understand the lower wishbones need one tube welded in to triangulate; this is what is done with the American V8 conversions, some of which produce as much power as the AJP. And brakes I'm not sure. I currently have the front calipers out of Toyota 4x4 truck with vented Cressida rotors. The calipers are iron and nothing special so I'll probably need to go a different route.

But, this all may be moot. Sounds like there's too much width in the AJP package, but I'll check on it tonight or tomorrow evening.

[jarred]

The top frame rails of the M series are 24" apart. ~610 mm. Doesn't seem like it would fit. But thanks for all the information anyway.

[Mr Cerbera]

One of the final factors in helping me decide to buy one was the related statement...

"These cars are illegal in the USA !"

Best of

(Do you live anywhere near Route 66 ?)