ROVER 3.5 Litre V8 Engine ..Part 1 .. Dragged out of a HEDGE BOTTOM ... Will it Run? Ever?

[@dirk_diggler320]

I will be watching this one ..... As a mechanic , I love to see old engines come back to life !

[@BLOWN8CYLINDER]

I'm hoping it's outside storage has not damaged it.... would be nice to build it up 'budget' just to allow the old girl to make that distinct 3.5 litre Buick/Rover sound once again.

[@seana806]

Believe it or not, the Buick 225 Fireball V6 (same engine, 2 fewer cylinders) shares a similar architecture with 215 (3.5L) V8. GM ended up selling it off to AMC, then bought it back sometime in the late 70’s/early 80’s. Ended up becoming the 3800 V6 in 1988, easily one of the most reliable engines GM ever made along with being able to get good fuel mileage.

[@robmk3]

Glad to see you use the same van loading technique as me.

[@pkautorepairs2826]

Great find looking forward to the videos whichever way it works out. And yes grab the other lump too!

[@BLOWN8CYLINDER]

Hopefully the 318 will be picked up soon.... As for the Rover..... I might just whip off the heads before xmas.... see what the state of play is...... Would be nice to get it up and running .

[@twowheelexploration9228]

Forgot to Wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best from Cornwall

[@BLOWN8CYLINDER]

Same to you mate :-)

[@twowheelexploration9228]

Nice Rover v8 . Hope you can find the parts needed. Not as common as they used to be but a lot of value there just for the short block and heads.

[@BLOWN8CYLINDER]

Yes, used to be common and plentiful.... as for parts..... still quite a lot available, also parts for the Buick 215 fit.... camshafts , bearings , at a good price.... Will all depend on the condition inside..... from it being sat outside to it's mechanical condition.... If like every other Rover I have had apart the condition will be known as soon as the rocker covers are removed.... So it's either going to be a rebuild series or one on making a coffee table !

[@alan4391]

i be very interested in what the end result of this engine

[@BLOWN8CYLINDER]

Thank you Alan, I have a sodt spot for the old 3.5 litre and would at least like to get it in a running condition again.... if possible.... No use for it except maybe mount it on a trolley and fire it up on a sunday afternoon!

[@alan4391]

@@BLOWN8CYLINDER you could connect it to an old army generator possibility

[@lizziejordan-seeley4786]

save the small-block MOPAR! Good luck with the RV8, a bit of dismantling and pressure testing, see if anything is salvageable - I built my 3.5 from different parts, took me 2 years mind lol

[@BLOWN8CYLINDER]

I do intend getting the MOPAR moved, I don't hold out much hope as it's been exposed to the elements for a few years.... As for the Rover, now the heads are off it would seem before water got into it it was in reasonably good mechanical condition, the water damage has pretty much written off a rebuild...however, I might just stumble across enough parts to build one up.

[@greghumble7306]

You have a mk1 LT like me

[@haystax6289]

I think that's an engine from a post 1974 Rover P6B. Prior to 1974 the CR was 10.5:1. I have an original early Rover V8 high compression engine fitted to my Rover P5B.

[@BLOWN8CYLINDER]

I have no history on the engine but looking at the sump suggested P6.... I once had an early 1973 V8s which had the 10.5-1 motor.... Wish I had kept it!

[@beardedbodger]

It could fit that Sherpa....🤔🤷🏻‍♂️😂

[@BLOWN8CYLINDER]

It would be nice in it but if I swap the engine it would be for the straight 6 turbo diesel from the early VW LT van.....

[@beardedbodger]

@@BLOWN8CYLINDER ooooo! Nice!

[@cj393]

If it is the right year, the 318 could have the steel crank instead of cast.

[@BLOWN8CYLINDER]

I did think that..... and should have the 273 heads? which if not too damaged from being outside would be a good basis for a build!

[@cj393]

@@BLOWN8CYLINDER after 68 there was a head change if I rem right, headed towards lower emissions

[@cj393]

@@BLOWN8CYLINDER www.mymopar.com/headcastnumb.htm

[@fjchannel988]

save it

[@BLOWN8CYLINDER]

The block is sadly scrap but any parts still useable will be saved.... I will be pulling the crank from this motor soon to compare it to the one in the latest ....