my RV8 conversion

[layalog]

Hello members ,
The time has come to start my RV8 to mk5 conversion.
Its the first time ive ever done this only ever uped the size of engine cc with the same block type on motors before.
we are rebuilding the engine at the moment.
im intending on using the existing transit gearbox, alternator, and power steering pump.
so anyone with any thoughts or ideas or douts please feel free to post.
also HAPPPY NEW YEAR TO YA ALL

[conrod]

If I could offer just one suggestion, it would be to use a later 3.9 or 4.2 engine with EFI. They are much more economical to run than a 3.5 carburettor engine, and the EFI is not difficult at all to connect, 4 or 5 wires from memory. I have an LDV 400 with factory 3.5 V8 (carb'd) and although it goes quite well is a really thirsty mother-trucker:) I am converting it to 4.6 EFI soon.

The RV8 power steering pump should work fine too, rather than having to make new mounting brackets for the Tranny one.

Conrad

[layalog]

thanks for your reply conrad
my reason for going in with carbs is ide like to run it on a simple lpg system later on
as for the power steering thought ide use the tranny one to make my life a bit easyier im not to sure whats invold in connecting the transit pipe work to the range rover pump do you know what they did on the your ldv
thanks again for your interest

[conrod]

HI again,

LPG is probably a very good idea given what you guys pay for petrol!

The power steering pump is a fairly easy thing to sort. There is a "feed" pipe which runs from the reservoir to the pump (probably the larger of the two pipes) and a pressure pipe from the pump to the steering rack. These are the only two connections you will have to make if you decide to use the RV8 pump. You may need to buy some pipe fittings or get a hose or two made to suit. All vehicles are plumbed this way, including my LDV.

Does the Transit alternator have a vacuum pump on the back of it? If it does, there will be two black rubber hoses connected to it.

Conrad

[layalog]

hello conrad
ah have to do a bit of thinking on the s pump then its not as complicated as first thought i do have a machine driver friend who probably knows someone who can sort hydrolic pipes out

and yes the alternator does have a pump on the back one pipe to feed the servo and one to the lump which i guess lubes it that pipe would be a pain to the rv8 so maybe i will have to use a standard alternator was hoping not to have to as il have to cut or splice into the engine loom as trying to find a petrol engine loom for an earlier model is getting a little tricky
i can get an air feed from the rv8 manifold to sort the servo out.

we now have the mains and big end shells, so me mate should have the bottem end sorted over the next week or so.
im finding grinding me valves in a pain with my monkey type hands wish they made a broom handle size handle.

[conrod]

might be easier to use the RV8 alternator? Again I think it is easier to change wiring a bit than to make brackets for the Transit alt. And as you said, run the servo hose direct to the inlet manifold. Alternator wiring should be 1 large wire to B+ on RV8 alternator, and the warning light wire, which is probably blue, goes to the small terminal on the alternator. I really am guessing what alternator is on your RV8,(as there were quite a few different ones fitted) but if you need help with this take some pics and I should be able to direct you, it will not be a difficult thing to sort.

I am up to about the same stage on my 4.6 RV8, just got mains and big ends too Although mine needs a crank grind, as it is not in very good shape. Post some pics up if you can, these conversions are always interesting

Conrad

[layalog]

hello conrad
i probably will ask for help with alternator
good to hear your getting the 4.6 together loverly lump i got a spare short one of those maybe one day into the van lol


well ive ground all the valves in tonight very nice cut if i dont say so myself need to sorce a couple of front p5 -p6 front cover to inlet mani water pipes not much more needed then well maybe a couple su carb kits lol
also i willl take some picks of the lump before we lay the heads on
its getting real close but time is a night mare for me
just one thing ally is a f b to clean aint it

[conrod]

hello conrad
i probably will ask for help with alternator
good to hear your getting the 4.6 together loverly lump i got a spare short one of those maybe one day into the van lol


well ive ground all the valves in tonight very nice cut if i dont say so myself need to sorce a couple of front p5 -p6 front cover to inlet mani water pipes not much more needed then well maybe a couple su carb kits lol
also i willl take some picks of the lump before we lay the heads on
its getting real close but time is a night mare for me
just one thing ally is a f b to clean aint it

couple of ways to clean ali. You can put it in the dishwasher (after degreasing it) which does a pretty good job, but don't let the wife catch you! Another way for dirty greasy ali is Mr Muscle oven cleaner (the caustic one) Give it a good dose of that,leave for 30 mins then water blast it off, comes up like new! The other way I use is to take it to a friendly engine reconditioners, and get them to put it on the hot tank.

HTH Conrad

[layalog]

lol dishwasher only problem it seems to go powdery afterwards but ive not tried the mr muscle oven cleaner maybe the rocker covers and inlet will get that.
just got a couple of pics up of the rv8 here
http://s1274.beta.photobucket.com/user/ ... 0637801071

[layalog]

got the heads on the engine just a pic update for anyone interested lol
its on the same link

[layalog]

hello
could some one let me know if i could use the power from the di's pump switch wire to feed my coil and distributor or would it draw to much power thanks hope someone can help

[MinorMatt]

What age is it? You should be ok but there may have to be a "fudge" if you want to keep the immobiliser working

[layalog]

hello minor good to hear from you,
a fudge as in finger of fudge lol its an R plate 98

[MinorMatt]

Thats changeover point...

If you need some one off help give me a shout... I still go to Haywards Heath most weekends

[layalog]

thankyou matt
will do
its all getting close now all the bits are coming together