Time to go LS?
Discussion
You have answered your own question, trying to use the wildcats and using untried and tested intake manifolds is going to cost !, the way I see it the cheapest option is just stick with rover heads assuming you have a strong bottom .However I must admit the ls route will give more power and proven bolt on bits and a engine that can take ooodles more power. You pays yer money and takes your choice pros and cons in all directions , k am sure Alex and Neal can offer advice
Edited by Hoofa on Tuesday 3rd November 08:15
What's gone over-complicated?
If it's the inlet side of things, why not stick with your Rover heads paired with the new block and keep the original plenum? That will still work a treat with the turbo you have provided the big housing and flange will package in the space (been there, done that)
If it's the inlet side of things, why not stick with your Rover heads paired with the new block and keep the original plenum? That will still work a treat with the turbo you have provided the big housing and flange will package in the space (been there, done that)
ok here is my take -
Its purely on what power your going to be happy with and how dirty you like to get your hands..under 600 as proven with Macs car you can get a rover engine there with FI. As charlie pointed out the heads are starting to become a restriction at that point. So your only option is going to be some moster heads which again is ££££.
The LS for me was a no brainer - Once you have made the jump across you can have any power you wish standard heads will flow 1000+bhp. They dont change anything at all on these engine for up to about 700hp. But the real beauty is the avilabilty and cheapness of parts in comparison. Fully forged Crank, rods and pistons for £2k all in. - 6 speed gearbox will bolt straight up, better clutch etc etc.
Its difficult knowing you have bought stuff already, remember LS start at 5.3 so would that work with your turbo you have just bought?? And also the fact that mounts are available for the LS makes it BOLT IN!!! obv lots of fabrication after its in but if you like getting your hands dirty you will have no issues.
Probably no help at all lol...as your proper in the middle!!
Its purely on what power your going to be happy with and how dirty you like to get your hands..under 600 as proven with Macs car you can get a rover engine there with FI. As charlie pointed out the heads are starting to become a restriction at that point. So your only option is going to be some moster heads which again is ££££.
The LS for me was a no brainer - Once you have made the jump across you can have any power you wish standard heads will flow 1000+bhp. They dont change anything at all on these engine for up to about 700hp. But the real beauty is the avilabilty and cheapness of parts in comparison. Fully forged Crank, rods and pistons for £2k all in. - 6 speed gearbox will bolt straight up, better clutch etc etc.
Its difficult knowing you have bought stuff already, remember LS start at 5.3 so would that work with your turbo you have just bought?? And also the fact that mounts are available for the LS makes it BOLT IN!!! obv lots of fabrication after its in but if you like getting your hands dirty you will have no issues.
Probably no help at all lol...as your proper in the middle!!
The main reason I decided on wildcats was because my heads needed significant work to make perfect and they have been skimmed numerous times already. An offer was made to use my engine as a test mule to develop the brand new wildcat castings that Roland has. The main problem here is that this will take a lot more time than I realised on Roland's part. Also I still have major concerns regarding the machined Chevy rods that I believe are to blame for all 4 pistons that are leaning front to back on the left bank. I also don't think the pistons are suitable for a lot of boost.
So in a nutshell I am not happy with the lack of progress. I am assured the new remanufactured ACR block is spot on and the toughened offset crank is fine.
To put this engine right I would want better rods and pistons and a new pair of Rover ported heads that are built properly.
I am seeing Eann Whalley tonight for a chat then will speak to Roland tomorrow about my concerns. If it can be sorted in a reasonable manner then I will build the rover. If any doubt I will walk away and have a rethink.
So in a nutshell I am not happy with the lack of progress. I am assured the new remanufactured ACR block is spot on and the toughened offset crank is fine.
To put this engine right I would want better rods and pistons and a new pair of Rover ported heads that are built properly.
I am seeing Eann Whalley tonight for a chat then will speak to Roland tomorrow about my concerns. If it can be sorted in a reasonable manner then I will build the rover. If any doubt I will walk away and have a rethink.
neal1980 said:
ok here is my take -
Its purely on what power your going to be happy with and how dirty you like to get your hands..under 600 as proven with Macs car you can get a rover engine there with FI. As charlie pointed out the heads are starting to become a restriction at that point. So your only option is going to be some moster heads which again is ££££.
The LS for me was a no brainer - Once you have made the jump across you can have any power you wish standard heads will flow 1000+bhp. They dont change anything at all on these engine for up to about 700hp. But the real beauty is the avilabilty and cheapness of parts in comparison. Fully forged Crank, rods and pistons for £2k all in. - 6 speed gearbox will bolt straight up, better clutch etc etc.
Its difficult knowing you have bought stuff already, remember LS start at 5.3 so would that work with your turbo you have just bought?? And also the fact that mounts are available for the LS makes it BOLT IN!!! obv lots of fabrication after its in but if you like getting your hands dirty you will have no issues.
Probably no help at all lol...as your proper in the middle!!
Neal YHM. Where do I look to buy a 5.3? Could this be sorted and running in a couple of months do you think? Get in touch please.Its purely on what power your going to be happy with and how dirty you like to get your hands..under 600 as proven with Macs car you can get a rover engine there with FI. As charlie pointed out the heads are starting to become a restriction at that point. So your only option is going to be some moster heads which again is ££££.
The LS for me was a no brainer - Once you have made the jump across you can have any power you wish standard heads will flow 1000+bhp. They dont change anything at all on these engine for up to about 700hp. But the real beauty is the avilabilty and cheapness of parts in comparison. Fully forged Crank, rods and pistons for £2k all in. - 6 speed gearbox will bolt straight up, better clutch etc etc.
Its difficult knowing you have bought stuff already, remember LS start at 5.3 so would that work with your turbo you have just bought?? And also the fact that mounts are available for the LS makes it BOLT IN!!! obv lots of fabrication after its in but if you like getting your hands dirty you will have no issues.
Probably no help at all lol...as your proper in the middle!!
Rib said:
if your after crazy power that will still be useable and reliable I dont think you can argue against the LS, its basically the modern day rover V8. My LS3 Tam is vicious enough with 500-550bhp, cant imagine what it would be like with a blower on too!!
Since when have you had an LS Tam?DangerousDerek said:
Also I still have major concerns regarding the machined Chevy rods that I believe are to blame for all 4 pistons that are leaning front to back on the left bank. I also don't think the pistons are suitable for a lot of boost.
4 pistons that look to be leaning is probably an illusion. It's more likely the decks not square/true. The big end or the rod will always sit true to the crank journal no matter how much you shaved off the sides imo. When narrowing chevy rods, it's best to shave both sides and use a proper rod jig to support both ends accurately. Why don't you check the rods and decks before binning the project?As for engine choice the chevy has more potential and some engines look attractive. The installation, ecu and gearbox will be a moneypit. For a start the t56 isn't very good in drag racing trim and 2 of it's gears will be pretty defunct. You'll need a 5 speed or an auto. Personally I'd use an auto. I bought an ancient TH400 but I doubt it'll ever break.
I'd be tempted to use more boost if you need to and stick with your rover. It's a known entity and the heads aren't really a restriction. The turbo will always get air through them, they're good at that. Stick with the rover heads and plenum and you'll still be able to make power. Haven't there been turbo monster powered rovers albeit 40 years ago. Nick Mann's minor springs to mind. Virtually a bog standard carbed engine with ultra low c/r and big tubbies. Well before any LS came along.
lol
DangerousDerek said:
My current build is not going as planned and is getting over complicated.
I think if I pull out now I could maybe avoid an expensive mistake.
So come on LS boys talk to me, I need details.
I want a strong base to go turbo and a 6 speed.
Firstly, talk to Neal. He's the man as he's done it all himself, so no hidden stuff. In fact why not pop down some time, you can stay at mine.I think if I pull out now I could maybe avoid an expensive mistake.
So come on LS boys talk to me, I need details.
I want a strong base to go turbo and a 6 speed.
Secondly, as Neal says my power is tailing off at 573 and the restriction is now the heads [BV ported and flowed] so I'm well and truely at the limit. Getting Wildcats is a way to go, but it's not just buying the buggers as you now know. Mating a TKO 660 to a RV8 is going to cost, in addition to the cost of mating 'wildcat' heads. My TKO 600 conversion cost £3k doing the work myself and that's without the addition of a slave housing which you will have on a 660. Pistons? I had mine machined again at deck height [varying for each piston then rebalanced running very tight squish, then another dry build to asses valve clearance 'again' ] A lot of work of which many don't appreciate. Then there's a steel crank?
So. If you want over 600, LS is the way to go IMHO, you will want more, and more. Sit back, take time, talk to others and think. Make the right choice.
Random but well informed 15 year old on bank at the Pod or Shakey, or wherever to his Dad: 'Hey, that LS engined TVR just did a 9... What's up next?'
Alternatively: 'WOW!!!! Dad, Dad , that TVR just did a 9.... how did it go THAT fast with an old Rover engine??? When's it coming 'round again???? Sounds soooo COOL!!!'
Alternatively: 'WOW!!!! Dad, Dad , that TVR just did a 9.... how did it go THAT fast with an old Rover engine??? When's it coming 'round again???? Sounds soooo COOL!!!'
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