V8 into 2.4TD Surf ? ?

[gkm24]

Does anyone have any info on fitting Rover or Chevy V8 into a Surf? If I'm going to get 20 to 25mpg in a Diesel I may as well make it sound good and enjoy it more. I have contacted a company in Australia who manufacture bell housings but just want to hear from anyone interested in the same thing. I work for an airline so can get the housing quite easily. I have done a couple of land rovers which were'nt difficult so am keen to convert a Surf. Should make the Surf qreat vehicle. Please let me know if you have any info. Thanks

[surfenstein]

have a look at this thread mate
http://www.hiluxsurf.co.uk/forums/sh...ighlight=rover

[gkm24]

Thats lots of info, thanks. What does the box do if you dont connect the sensors? or substitute a value? There must be a way of overiding the electrics on the gearbox. I will talk to a gearbox specialist I know. Did the early Surf's also have the electronic gearbox. There must be a way. I will do some research and see what I can come up with. In the meanwhile, did you have to cut off the original engine mounts and weld new ones on? Also, was the gearbox tunnel a problem for clearance. Thanks for any info. I will pass on anything else I turn up.

[BUSHWHACKER]

If you do a 2" bodylift first, it gives loads more room to play with.
Yes you will have to fabricate custom engine and possibly transmission mounts

[gkm24]

Hmmm, don't want to get into body lifts at the moment although my Surf does seem very high. I will try and submit a picture and you can tell me if it has been lifted. Is the engine quite tight to the inner wing then? Any photo's available? what is fitted with a C63 gearbox?

[TonyN]

Hmmm, don't want to get into body lifts at the moment although my Surf does seem very high. I will try and submit a picture and you can tell me if it has been lifted. Is the engine quite tight to the inner wing then? Any photo's available?

Your main issues are the rear of the rocker covers on the bulkhead, especially the hand brake mech. A body lift make everything so much easier, and give more ventilation around the gearbox.

Rover or Ford adapters are available in the UK easily, the biggest problem is they are all made to run the rather weak early 5 speed pickup gearbox. A Surf manual box is much stonger.

The engine mount on the chassis usually fouls exhaust manifolds on most Rover conversions, either move it up, of get proper headers made.

[surfenstein]

the body lift will definately help,the right hand valve cover has a long filler neck on it although this can be unscrewed and removed,but you will also need clearance with exhaust manifolds and choice of carburation or plenum chamber,also the lift will help with cooling as the engine and g/box will be sitting pretty close to the bulkhead and trans tunnel.

[gkm24]

You don't hang about. thanks very much.