Rover 3.5 Newbury

[Mrclippy]

Hi everyone

I’ve just acquired a car with a 3.5 Rover lump… feels like it must be pushing out at least 50bhp!

Can anyone recommend a garage around Newbury who would be good to take a look?

Chris

[ChrisJC]

Not near Newbury. But Tony is - who owns this forum!

What's the car?

Chris.

[Coops]

What car is it in?
Carb or efi?

[Mrclippy]

Hi Coops

The engine is fitted to a Pilgrim Sumo, cobra replica.

It’s running twin SU carbs and I’ve discovered it’s a ‘15D’ engine. I’ve done some basic testing: got spark on all 8 - it has a an electronic ignition conversion, got good compression, getting fuel through from the electric pump, something seems to stick occasionally in the carb(s) (float maybe??). I’m about at the end of my ability now though I have some suspicion on the ignition timing but not confident to start messing with it…

I was contemplating a replacement manifold and 4 barrel to squeeze a few bhp.

If you know a mechanic who could have a look at it, it would be much appreciated!

Cheers

[DaveEFI]

First thing is to check the ignition timing. Easy to do with a timing light. But on an unknown old RV8, it's likely the camshaft is worn out.

[Mrclippy]

Thanks Dave

I’m keen to change the cam, not sure if I can get it done ‘engine in’

[DaveEFI]

It can be done on my SD1 by removing the rad and lifting the AC condenser a bit. Should be easy enough to work out if possible. Also quite easy to check on the valve lift by removing the rocker covers. As the lobes on the cam won't be worn evenly on the several I've seen.

[ChrisJC]

There's no point in spending money on a new carb if the problem lies elsewhere!

Messing with the ignition timing is easy - as long as you mark where the distributor is now so you can return it to the same place afterwards.

Good points about the cam though - they definitely wear, especially if neglected. Take the rocker covers off, and measure (using a dial test indicator) how far each valve goes up and down. Make a list.

Chris.

[Mrclippy]

Well, I learnt to do a lot in the last few weeks! New cam, followers, pushrods, inlet manifold, carb, dizzy and ignition system.

Runs like a dream (so far!)

[ChrisJC]

More power too?

Chris.