Rover V8 in a Zook?

[N*A*M]

I was talking to a mate who drives a Triumph Stag about possible engine swaps. He loves the Rover V8 and told me to research the possibility of putting the Range Rover 3.5 gearbox and xcase into the Zook. I measured his 4.4L V8 quickly and it seems too long and possibly too wide (unless different extractors are used). The Zook tranny tunnel is probably too small but that can be enlarged. Anyway, is this a good engine? What can you guys tell me about them? What's a good gearbox? LT77? LT85? Auto? Where can I find more info? Is this too hare-brained to work? At least the LT230 output flanges are in the right place. They'll suit the Volvo diff offset pretty well. Your thoughts?

[HSV Rangie]

Nam,
the rover engine produces good amounts of torque and adequete power.
Gear box R380 is the better manual and the LT230 t/case will take all the power you can push through it. They are available in a few high range ratios. 84-85 auto 1.003-1 from then they had 1.192-1 and the later ones in desiel disco and defenders run around 1.3 and 1.4-1.

If you have room in the zook then yes I believe it would be a good way to go. Although a holden v6 may be easier to install.

Regards
Michael.

[N*A*M]

Interesting... I'm sure it'll fit. I was planning on tubing the front clip anyway so there'll be room under the hood. The tunnel can be cut out for more room. So I'll try to get a price on a good engine, R380 and a 1:1 LT230 then. What lower low range gearing options are available for the LT230? I know a mob in the States makes an underdrive box for them at goes ridiculously low but for a cool US$3k.

[HSV Rangie]

NAM,
Low range alterative gears are available from maxi drive, these gears will drop low range only by aprox 30%. around $1500.00.

http://www.4wdworld.com.au/products/maxidrive/index.htm


T/cases with 1.003 are not common.

THe crawler box you are talking about I think is the one made by Ashcroft in England 1500.00 pounds pluss freight to Aust. (They use the planetary reduction hub from the borgwarner t/case.) reduction is about 2.5 - 1.

What diff ratio are you thinking of running. RR had 3.54-1 std with 1.197-1 with the 5 speed and V8 with 1.003-1 in the old 3 speed auto hence the 1.003.

(I will be fiting a 1.003 t/case and 4.3 diffs very shortly)

Regards
Michael

[N*A*M]

Michael

I got some prices and it was a good thing I was sitting down. Used 3.5L around $850, fully rebuilt $3500, used R380 and LT230 $3500. I might as well just buy a Rangie and save the effort of transplanting the engine. I plan to run 7:1 diffs. $1500 for 30% is not much bang for your buck! :(

[HSV Rangie]

Nam,
which t/case do you want.
I have 2 1.003's and one 1.197 still in car coming out soon.
you can get t/case for around 8-1200 dollars.
Engines yes around 850 pluss.
where are you.

can maybe source some parts from melb.
regards
Michael.

[N*A*M]

Michael

I'm in Melbourne (Sunshine to be exact). Geelongs a quick drive from here. I bought the Zook from a farmer in Colac.

I may be interested in your gear. How come you have so many LTs for sale? Got an R380 somewhere too? What's the length of the R380? I need to do some measurements.

Nam

[HSV Rangie]

I just aquired what I could when I could knowing what i wanted to do.

Dont know if I want to sell the 1.003 but may the 1.197.

No R380 I want one myself.
I work in dandy. 03 9065988

Regards Michael.

[N*A*M]

The pn number's a digit short!

[HSV Rangie]

97065988

[N*A*M]

This is what I was talking about:
http://www.eastcoastrover.com/Underdrive.html

[N*A*M]

Michael,

I'm not gonna call but I'll keep your number as a reference. I was just thinking out loud and toying with ideas. Thanks for your input.

Cheers,
Nam

[LOCKY]

Nam, buy an early Rangie that is ruff but complete. Early 4 speed will be ok. Only pay $200-$500 for whole running car. Remove what you want and wreck/scrap the rest.

Easiest way to do conversion, all parts are there.

Locky