Turbocharging or V8 swap into 280i Tasmin(1982)

[dkinahan]

Can anyone give me any information on this?

Any sites I should go to?

Please reply to [e-mail]

Thanks,

Danny

[mikek]

there has been some talk about doing this swap do a search i think it was started by tvr500i a few months ago. i am thinking about doing the v8 swap as well. i have been in contact w/ someone in NC who did a 5.0 mustang motor in his 86 and he is in the process of putting together a web page ofhow he did it. so ill be sure to follow up to you w/ that. as regarding the turbo i thought about it but thats a lot of work and would require some deal of motor mods, low compression and much more. i though supercharging would be alot easior i was thinking about taking one off a supercharged thunderbird and putting that on, i think it would work well but the amount of boost would be limited do to the compression that the motor already has. it really should be lowered as well. i am thinking about doing the v8 as soon as i get some more feed back on the subject. keep in touch email me at [e-mail]
goodluck
mike

[tvr500i]

I've looked into turbo and superchargers as well and came to the same conclusion as mikek. It also ends up being a very expensive upgrade due to the extensive modifications needed to the engine to prevent it from self-destructing. If you are looking for the cheapest bang for the buck, your best bet is to go with a Ford 4.0 V-6 engine. They are cheap, plentiful, and availability of performance parts for those engines is reasonable. If you want to go all out, well, the only real solution is the Ford 5.0 engine with a T-5 transmission. Not cheap, but when compared to a turbo/supercharger, it's in the ballpark. Don't forget that you also need to upgrade brakes and suspension when doing this upgrade. That's going to run you as much money as the engine upgrade itself! The trailing arm suspension is the weak link in the 280i and the stock setup will not be able to handle the torque and power of a V-8. You'll most likely also want to re-inforce the frame by adding a rollbar, such as offered by Tower View and weld in gussets to key areas in the frame. All in all, not for the faint of heart but the results could be a real adrenalin rush! :-)

[Bobsaf]

I am also a 280I owner (1986) and could use all the help I can get regarding an engine swap. Any info and parts supplier (to upgrade rear suspension, motor mounts, trans mounts, interior pieces, springs etc.) would be appreciated.

[sevans]

Have you thought about dropping in a Cosworth V6?
They seem very cheap and I would have thought may drop straight in without to much modification.
Having said that I thought a 4cyl cosworth would drop into my Tasmin 200 without to much trouble!!!
Cheers Steve Evans

[mikeb]

Hi Guys,

I have an article on dropping in a Cosworth engine into a 280i that will be online in the next few days. Please feel free to check it out.

Cheers

Mike

www.tvrwedgepages.co.uk

[in111oct]

The Tasmins had 2litre version with pinto engine in it.
I see by your emai address your in canada.
SVO mustang had 2.3 turbo engine version
175/205 HP and can go to 300Hp easily.
Have measured and it will fit and you can use world class T5 tranny also.
I have 2 Tasmins and 2 SVOs and spare SVO engine.
just dont have time to do deed.

[in111oct]

The Tasmins had 2litre version with pinto engine in it.
I see by your emai address your in canada.
SVO mustang had 2.3 turbo engine version
175/205 HP and can go to 300Hp easily.
Have measured and it will fit and you can use world class T5 tranny also.
I have 2 Tasmins and 2 SVOs and spare SVO engine.
just dont have time to do deed.

[sevans]

Yes, the 2 litre Cosworth will fit into the Tasmin 200 and so will the T5 box. Some mods are needed like the rear gearbox mount is in a different place, the sump needs modifying, as does the air intake (it fouls the chassis).
The 4WD engine is good for 220BHP in standard form, maybe more without the Cats.
With a new chip, injectors and actuator you can get 300BHP with no mods to the engine. It is possible to get 500BHP from these engines with some mods.
Thats the easy bit, it's uprating the brakes and suspension to take the power, modifying all the cooling, wiring etc etc that takes the time.