Section : Engine

Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

Posted By : Per R Olsen, 13-Dec-2002, 09:00am

A mild (120HP)Rover V8 seems to be an attractive engine swap for the Vitesse. The engine is lighter, approx 140 kg vs. 180 kg for the straight six, the torque is far better and not to speak about the sound... Anyone with experiences on this? I do not want to do mods on either chassis nor bulkhead, hence the original Vit bellhousing and g/box will have to be used. This means a customized backplate and a machined flywheel to take the Vit clutch are needed. I guess someone in UK must have done this conversion?

• Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

  Posted By : Malcolm Coulson, 13-Dec-2002, 10:16am

  Hi,
  
  My mate has put a rover v8 in his Spitfire, a bit leathal I think, will foreward on his e-mail when I can find it, had probs; with computer and lost all addresses.
  
  Mal

  • Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

    Posted By : John Davies, 19-Dec-2002, 11:16pm

    Per,
    I haven't done this, so perhaps I shouldn't comment, but others have said that the Triumph transmission just can't take the V8 torque. See this site for starters:
    
    http://www.rover-v8.co.uk/forum.htm
    
    Good luck!
    John
    

    • Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

      Posted By : Laurence Cochrane, 06-Jan-2003, 11:19pm

      The Rover engine & 5 speed box fit in the chassis very nicely indeed though the prop section of the floor needs to be cut back to accept the long gearbox, You will need to use early(short)water pump. On RHD cars steering rack needs holes sloted to move rack to right to allow starter motor clearance, and by the way the starter sits close behind RH turret so make sure this is item is fully reconditioned as removal requires the turret taken off.
      The RH exhaust is a MAJOR PROBLEM , I have seen these run below chassis level (Not suitable for my driving style!!)
      
      Best of luck (it has been done)
      
      Laurence

      • Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

        Posted By : Per R Olsen, 08-Jan-2003, 01:45pm

        That's very interresting information indeed! I understand it the way, that you are referring to the standard RV8 5-speed box? Would also be nice to know where you have located the engine compared to the straight six, is the balance point further back? Regarding the exhaust, I saw a photo of an RV8 converted Spitfire somewhere, showing the pipe going under the chassis. I guess it must be possible to gain ground clearance by using an oval section just in this area. Do you by any chance have any photos of your conversion?

        • Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

          Posted By : Laurence Cochrane, 08-Jan-2003, 11:27pm

          Actually the project in question has long since been moved to the back of a quite long projects list. The RH exhaust being a major influence. I did manage to route it through bulkhead then between the box and chassis eventually. But concerns about cooking of the left foot (RHD car) halted it. if car had been LHD things could have been a lot simpler. Let the passenger suffer!
          As for engine position the front of the engine is similar to Gt6/Vitesse that is why the early (short)water pump is required.
          There is only the one posible position for this set up as the starter dictates how far foward and the casting on the gearbox for the clutch mechanism dictates how far back. The foward position should not cause any problem as the Rover is a light engine.
          Sorry I dont have any photos, the car is buried at the back of a shed complete with about 6ins of dust.
          
          Regards Laurence

          • Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

            Posted By : Per R Olsen, 09-Jan-2003, 07:59pm

            Hmmm.interesting. Would you maybe consider parting with your project? In case, could you maybe describe it a little further?
            Rgds
            Per

            • Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

              Posted By : Laurence Cochrane, 09-Jan-2003, 10:24pm

              Sorry Per I don't think I am prepared to part with v8. Am sort of ultimate horder. Car was being built from spares stock's and therefore still emotionally falls into that bracket. I hold the view that as soon as you part with some thing or throw it out, that is when you will need it (School of hard knocks). Apart from that the vehicle is an untitled GT6 rolling shell with components of various origins. A cert candidate for a Q plate. And is in Northern Ireland.
              
              If you need (or want) further info just ask.
              
              Regards Laurence

              • Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

                Posted By : Per R Olsen, 10-Jan-2003, 08:33am

                That's all right Laurence, I know what you mean (also from history)! Anyway, if (or when, sorry) your project is ready it would for shure be nice to see the result, not to mention hearing it! Further, I am a Vitesse man and even though I also have good feelings for GT6/Spit, these are not on top of my list of wants. My Vitesse is rather original and I have spent a small fortune on the rebuild, hence I go only for bolt-on modifications that does not require other than minor chassis or body grinding/welding. I have learnt from your story that a RV8 conversion is possible within my limits, and I am grateful for that! I hope you will find time to complete your project some time!
                Per
                

                • Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

                  Posted By : Laurence Cochrane, 11-Jan-2003, 00:10am

                  Cheers Per.
                  Please be advised that this is not exactly a straight foward conversion but a lot of the previous will certianly help. (Better than starting off in the dark as I did)
                  
                  Wish you luck! Laurence

                  • Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

                    Posted By : Alastair Campbell, 17-Feb-2003, 01:59pm

                    If you pulled your finger out,Laurence,and got your Lister generator/combined heat and and power system finshed you wouldnt be in the dark!!

• Vitesse Rover V8 conversion 

  Posted By : Jason Chinn, 23-Dec-2002, 11:15am

  As the GT6/Vitesse box is a pretty weak link in the drive train of our cars I would think you're asking for trouble and expense. Personally if I were going to do this I would look for an engine gearbox/combination including the V8 rather than trying to match a Triumph box to the V8
  
  J