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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Can I use this ?

I'm a newby to this list, so please go easy on me.

I have a chance to pick up a complete 4.0 1998 Rover short block and a complete but dissasembled 215.

Can I use the rover bottom end and the buick heads & accessories ?

What else will I need. I know I'll need in intake & carb. What about the pan, pump, flywheel, etc.?

What mixes and matches ?

Thanks in advance,

Jeff

Jeff

Jeff,
I THINK it will work from my limited momery of what can be done. But someone else should chime in here pretty quick with an answer.
Larry Embrey

Jeff
It all depends on cash - if you are working to a tight budget and the pile of 215 parts does not add up to a good engine then you might do better to get another complete engine off a wreck. The Rover 4.0 has some differences from the 3.5 and 3.9 which may make assembly interesting.

Good luck Roger

Roger

I understand the parts swap pretty freely. The Australian 4.9 has a higher deck, not sure what they might have changed in the 4.0/4.6, and not having done it myself, but all my research indicates that heads, timing covers, etc can be swapped between Buick 215 and 300, Olds 215, and the Rover version, except that Olds used extra head bolts, and Rover eliminated even more head bolts at some point. Seems they weren't needed, but for my blown application I like the Olds engine.
Jim Blackwood

Jeff,
The heads from the 215 may work but the CR will be lower as the size of the cumbustion chamber is smaller in the Rover 4.0L heads. Internal parts from the Rover 4.0 are not useable since the crank and bearings are different sizes. Front cover may not be useable either depanding on which one you have from the 4.0. You can use the 215 timing cover on the 4.0 L though as long as you change to the old style camshaft.
Look at the following sites:

http://www.ajmac.co.uk/
http://www.rpiv8.com/engine-2.htm

Good luck.
Mike
Mike

Jeff,

As mentioned there are major differences in the 4.0 Rover and earlier Buick/Rover engines. I have just finished a 4.6 for my third conversion. First off,
know the history of the 4.0 and check it thoroughly for leaks. Beware a block that has been replaced by a dealer, they sometimes develop water leaks between the cylinder liner & block. Although they will fit I would not use the Buick heads on a 4.0, besides the difference in combustion chamber size the new heads are supposed to flow much better.

The 4.0 uses a crank driven oil pump and has no provision for a distributor drive on the cam. The timing cover from a 215 or later Buick V6 will fit (enlarge the dowel pin holes), and will allow use of a wide range of cams. The 4.0 timing cover poses other problems fitting in an MGB which have been solved with the Buick style cover. An earlier Rover oil pan is the best choice for this combo. The 215 pan will work with minor modification.

The 215 could supply a number of needed parts for the 4.0 conversion. If you can, buy both engines and look for a pair of late heads (try car-part.com). Be sure to look carefully at the 4.0, why is the short block available?

Good luck.
Joe
Joe Collins

If you join this Yahoo Group:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/215V8

Take a look in the Files section. There are photo comparisons of a lot of Buick-Rover-Leyland parts. Might be helpful.

Greg
Greg W.

>>>the new heads are supposed to flow much better<<<

Hmmm, not quite, since this is relative. Smaller port size increases the gas speed but does limit the max flow and peak power. This is related to all the post 1986 V8 applications being for commercial or 4X4 applicatuions where torque is a priority. At lower rpm there is improvement, but upper speed areas become asthmatic much easier.

Reworking a pair of late 10 bolt 3.9 or earlier 4.0 heads involves more work than the later ERC0215 HPD 3.5 and 3.9 14 bolt castings. However they can still be made to work very well, especially good for LPG conversions too.

Rog
Roger Parker

This thread was discussed between 17/10/2001 and 21/10/2001

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