Wildcat heads v others

[DonkeyApple]

I'm still pontificating over the build of a Rover engine.

I'd like to use a Rover but feel that 300 bhp from 5L just isn't where it is at and am finding myself still staying with using an AJ-V8 from a modern Jag ( this isn't for a Tiv by the way but I felt the question best asked here).

Now, a supercharger on the RV8 solves the problem and gets the output up to where I want it, the 400 mark but is was wondering whether the use of a Wildcat head would actually allow an engine to get to that level without the complexity of a SC?

Are these heads that much of an increase over something JE, Power or V8D would be using? And if so why isn't everyone putting them on their cars?

[V8 GRF]

I've wondered that as on the face of it they seem to be an ideal solution. Maybe it's a combination of lack of information, cost and the fact that as they seem to be primarily intended for racing that they need a wilder cam to get the best out of them that would make them peaky and so unsuitable for road applications?

ETA Found this link which although outdated makes interesting reading

http://julianreynolds.forumup.co.uk/ntopic40-julia...

Edited by V8 GRF on Wednesday 8th June 09:11

[SteveGRF]

The main prohibitory factor IMHO is the cost of puchasing the heads & throttle bodies, a second hand set can be more than £3K. The other factors are that you have to fit pistons to suit the application & use modified exhaust headers due to the different port face angles.

If you do go down the Wildcat build road, I have a sound set of Ross Forged pistons to suit the Wild Cat heads if your interested (see pic - Conrods not included as already fitted to my lump).

Steve

[DonkeyApple]

http://www.automotivecomp.com/v8engines.htm

£10k for a built engine from these chaps. It has the required output levels, although it clearly has big cams in it and looks to be aimed more at racing than cruising.

A comfortable 350-400 with similar torque figs for cruising via an auto box is my main aim but all the info on the web appears to aim the Wildcat head at race applications.

[900T-R]

DonkeyApple said:

A comfortable 350-400 with similar torque figs for cruising via an auto box

Given the above, TBH I'd settle for a small/intermediate valve RV8 with an S/C. Can't imagine big valved/big cammed stuff being very nice with a slusher...

[450Nick]

The Wildcat heads are FAR bigger than anything V8D/Power etc has to offer. This is because they are a clean sheet design (custom casting) rather than ported Rover heads. Combined with a Wildcat block, they are capable of serious bhp (LS levels as they are designed to use many LS parts), the only problem is - as has been mentioned - cost. I'd reckon that a decent Wildcat engine will cost as much or possibly more than a supercharged tuned Rover engine. That said, Carl Hansen runs one in his NZ Tuscan Challenge car, and I hear that it runs north of 600bhp N/A.

[DonkeyApple]

900T-R said:

Given the above, TBH I'd settle for a small/intermediate valve RV8 with an S/C. Can't imagine big valved/big cammed stuff being very nice with a slusher...

I think you are spot on. Having made a few calls this morning it's pretty clear the head is designed to run at the top end and not casually through a ZF.

[carob]

Drop rev-rend a line. he is rebuilding his wedge with wildcat heads,sure he will help you out with some info.

Rob

[450Nick]

carob said:

Drop rev-rend a line. he is rebuilding his wedge with wildcat heads,sure he will help you out with some info.

Rob

Has he not finished that fookin thing yet???

[Graham]

There is another company in australia that were doing rv8 heads.

400bhp out of a n/a 5ltr rv8 is getting difficult and expensive but 360-380

is possible