Where to buy American v8

[drcox99]

Hi all, I’ve recently been considering doing an engine swap on my reliant scimitar and have always been into American V8s so I’m looking at a probably a 350 small block or 305, depending on price and availability. The thing is I have no clue where to start looking as I’m looking for something cheap ish that I could rebuild as this is mostly a learning experience.
Where should I be looking for this type of ‘junkyard’ motor and trans and how much am I looking at paying? I’ve seen a few dresses ones for around £3k and can’t fork out that much in one large sum.
Thanks all

[paintman]

Whilst I can't help with the 'where do I get' I would advise making a decision as to which engine you want to use & then checking the availability & price of parts for it.
You should also sound out which insurers will be prepared to take it on, what it will cost & what they may require on the lines of engineer's reports.
Have you run this past the RSSOC who may be in a better position to advise.

[GreenV8S]

You planning to do anything about the transmission, brakes or suspension? It sounds like you're looking for quite a substantial power increase and I think you'll find the engine itself is just the tip of the iceberg.

[stevieturbo]

plenty of car related forums for american stuff, hot rod stuff, custom stuff and also facebook things where people are buying, running and selling such things.

[Mike335i]

Have a look online and there is a wealth of information. I would look at the rover V8 first as that is light you can these cheaply from all sorts, like Land Rovers for instance.

Next option would be the Chevy V8, big power is possible, but more expensive to buy and heavier.

Could also look at a Ford V8, some of them online for sale.

I got all that from 5 minutes Googleing, including a website called V8 Church that talks about V8 swapping a Scimitar...

[Steve_D]

I would favour the Rover V8. Has a much nicer sound than the Chevy (I have both).
One salvaged from a Range Rover or Disco along with its ECU and engine loom would work nicely. You may also find one ex TVR or Morgan (these 2 would also offer a suitable manual gearbox).

Steve

[drcox99]

Sorry I didn’t mention, the idea of the car is to be mainly drag car, so won’t be driven often other than to the strip. I did look at river v8s cuz they are cheaper but there’s just no room to grow with them, I can’t make much more power with it without spending a lot which is why I favoured the 350 sbc, so I would plan on getting a new transmission and depending on how much power it makes upgrade the rear end if needed. Just don’t know what is a good price for a 350 Chevy engine and trans

[normalbloke]

drcox99 said:

Sorry I didn’t mention, the idea of the car is to be mainly drag car, so won’t be driven often other than to the strip. I did look at river v8s cuz they are cheaper but there’s just no room to grow with them, I can’t make much more power with it without spending a lot which is why I favoured the 350 sbc, so I would plan on getting a new transmission and depending on how much power it makes upgrade the rear end if needed. Just don’t know what is a good price for a 350 Chevy engine and trans

If you’re drag racing, you’re right to dismiss the Rover/Buick V8, they’re pretty impotent even when ‘developed’.

[GreenV8S]

drcox99 said:

around £3k and can’t fork out that much in one large sum

Sounds like you're on quite a tight budget. In that case I'd be keeping an eye out on ebay.

[drcox99]

Yeah eBay and hot rodding forum, guess they’re just not as common in this country

[stevieturbo]

Often people selling stuff here

https://www.facebook.com/groups/159600820823066/?r...

[CAPP0]

Steve_D said:

I would favour the Rover V8. Has a much nicer sound than the Chevy (I have both).
One salvaged from a Range Rover or Disco along with its ECU and engine loom would work nicely. You may also find one ex TVR or Morgan (these 2 would also offer a suitable manual gearbox).

Steve

I have just this evening completed all the prep ready to hook a crane onto exactly what's described above and lift it out of a very rusty Disco, ready for my next project! It's sitting out there on the engine rubbers and a jack under the back of the 'box.

[GreenV8S]

drcox99 said:

I can’t make much more power with it without spending a lot

What sort of power and torque numbers are you aiming for?

[drcox99]

I’m not so concerned about making big numbers right away but I’d like to be able add nitrus or a turbo kit and be in the 500s

[Steve_D]

Looks like a good place to start.
He says he has other engines.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Chevrolet-v8-Racing-eng...

Steve

[drcox99]

Is that the sort of price I should be looking at, £2500 without trans?

[InitialDave]

What about a Rolls/Bentley 6-3/4 V8? All alloy, solidly built, and they did turbo versions anyway.
I've always fancied putting one in something.

[drcox99]

If I could afford that I’d be looking at big blocks haha, are nice tho

[irocfan]

you are probably aware that the 305/350 are the same size, that being the case it is worth getting the 350 (I' imagine it's more plentiful due to the number of Corvettes over here)

[drcox99]

Yeah I’d imagine the 305 would be cheaper but in the long run Itd probably cost more to get the same amount of power. I’m sure they are plentiful I’m probably just not looking in the right place or the right price bracket haha.