Advice on engine choice

kstrutt1 · Post by **kstrutt1** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 12:58 pm

I have a re-con engine with a damaged bore in my TR7 so am looking for a new block and pistons(it also has oversize low compression pistons) to re-build it around.

I have two options, the first is a good used 9.35:1 SD1 engine which uses no oil/ water, to this I would just fit my new cam and followers and install it, so a straight forward installation.

The other option I have is good a 10.5 :1 CR Rope seal short engine, this would obviously suit my LPG installation well but It obviously is an old engine and I am worried about oil leaks and weather all my other parts (heads, sump, front cover, crank etc) would fit

Anyone any thoughts?

RoverP6B · Post by **RoverP6B** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 9:13 pm

Heads, sump, front cover, crank etc are all interchangeable between a P6 block and an SD1 block.

The rope seal in the timing cover are replaceable with modern oil seals available from Rover Classics..http://www.rover-classics.co.uk/.

The downside of the 10.5 : 1 engine is the high compression, and quite likely you would need to run less ignition timing hence performance would be less than it might be. Better to run less compression but make full use of all your ignition timing.

The SD1 engine is thus the better option.

Ron.

ChrisJC · Post by **ChrisJC** » Thu Nov 26, 2009 9:27 pm

I would use the SD1 engine, but swap the pistons over to get maximum advantage from the LPG.

Chris.

Boosted LS1 · Post by **Boosted LS1** » Fri Nov 27, 2009 12:42 am

Defo avoid the older engine. Apart from the rope seal arrangement I think they have piss poor heads and smaller valves. Go with the sd1 and if you do swop pistons do a rebalance.

kstrutt1 · Post by **kstrutt1** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 12:23 pm

I bought the SD1 engine in the end, picking up thursday,hopefully selling all the parts I won't need on ebay (sump, carbs etc) will recover most of the cost!

I will just transfer the cam and followers over and install it as is, any upgrades etc will have to wait until I have more time and money!

As an aside has anyone taken a V8 engine out of a tr7 from the top? I put it in from underneath but as I don't need to remove the X member etc it would be quicker to change it from above, I am worried it is too long to clear the front panel (may be Ok with water pump and crank pulley off?)

Kevin

harvey · Post by **harvey** » Wed Dec 02, 2009 3:44 pm

kstrutt1 wrote:As an aside has anyone taken a V8 engine out of a tr7 from the top? I put it in from underneath but as I don't need to remove the X member etc it would be quicker to change it from above, I am worried it is too long to clear the front panel (may be Ok with water pump and crank pulley off?)

Kevin

I can't think that the V8 is that much longer than the original 4 pot, and that comes out without problems. The best way is to have the rear of the car supported on stands under the axle when you lift it out. Just don't drop the engine on the front panel........