Rover V8 and other engine options?

[RedEspritS2]

I've heard of a few early Esprit's having Rover V8 engines put in them. I'm gonna keep my S2 to original spec, but these old Esprit's (and some newer ones by the sounds of it) can be a bit fragile. So I'm thinking of doing a project as an "everyday" car and keep the S2 for classic events and shows.

The project will hopefully be on an S3 or later, up to late 80's SE. I'm not too bothered about performance, I'm not aiming to make the car faster, I just want it to be more reliable.

So, I've got a couple of questions:

Q1. Are there any other engine transplant options?
Q2. Where can I get conversion kits (clutch, bellhousing, wiring loom etc) from?

All suggestions and ideas most welcome!

Bill

[Boosted Ls1]

I had an esprit driver here at the weekend looking to see if an LS1 engine will fit. It looks like it will if it uses my water pump replacement casting Not a cheap engine option but certainly an option with potential.

I'd also think the rover could fit to.

Boosted

Edited to say it looks as if the lsx will fit and mate to the existing gearbox Now there's a thought.

>> Edited by Boosted Ls1 on Monday 31st October 13:30

[rlearp]

Search and you'll find some info. A SB Ford will fit and with newer SB blocks from Dart and World products can give over 460 inches. Over on www.gt40s.com, a site I run, lots of folks have Renault transaxles in their GT40s so the hard work is done.

Ron

[lawrence5]

www.rpiv8.com/

These guys have done it for a Swedish Customer - cost a fair bit but they have plenty of photo's and would be happy to advise I'm sure. Norfolk based.

Best option in my opinion would be a late model engine. S4 engine which is well serviced will not let you down....

[wedg1e]

There was a black S3 sold on Ebay recently from a place called Saltburn (near me) that had an RV8 in it; it ran carbs and a custom stainless exhaust (loud, apparently). IIRC it made over £4000, which surprised me.
When my S3 broke I considered putting in a spare RV8 that I have here but realistically there's less work and probably less cost in fixing the twincam.
I have yet to see an injected RV8 in an Esprit but I bet it's been done... I would

[victormeldrew]

Ah, Saltburn - The Ship Inn, Philmores, the Pier. That takes me back! Some nice little twisties on the run between there and Skelton.

Sorry, gratiotous nostalgia post from a North East refugee.

[wedg1e]

victormeldrew said:

Ah, Saltburn - The Ship Inn, Philmores, the Pier. That takes me back! Some nice little twisties on the run between there and Skelton. <br/> <br/>Sorry, gratiotous nostalgia post from a North East refugee. <br/> <br/>

Ship and Pier still there, dunno about Philmores?
Twisties now liberally adorned with 'speed kills' graffiti and extortion equipment.
Driving no fun, may as well close the f***ing roads...