Inboard Rover V8?

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project_kitt

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Hey guys,

Newbie here so be gentle. It's my first time dealing with boats and i need advice not the sarcastic comments i got the first time i tried to get help here!

I have a glastron GT-150 and it's in a sorry state and requires extensive repairs, so i thought while i'm at it i'd like to fit an inboard Rover V8 (as i have 3 spare!) but don't know how to approach it or what i'd need in the way of cooling, drive etc. Has anyone got a boat with one of these engines in that could explain the setup to me?

If not any advice would be helpful.

Kind regards

Rich
 
There's a firm near Brighton called Lancing Marine who specialise in marinising components for engines. [web page ]

I seem to remember from when I had a Rover V8, that the engine is actually a Buick product. So you might get some useful information from the USA.
 
You will need either a gearbox to make it shaft drive or easier to keep the sterndrive set up.

A volvo 290dp leg and shield will do, watercooled exhaust manifolds and risers, you may have to get these made, ideally make the engine indirect cooling which means a suitable size heat exchanger, you could direct cool it but its an alloy block so I wouldnt want to pump salt water through it, a flame arrestor on the carb as you may have twin su os strombergs, better have a 4 pot holly for power, it not going to be cheap job.

You may find a suitable volvo v8 petrol and leg for not a lot of money rather than carry out a massive project in trying to make something from what you alreday have, the list will be endless as your reallly starting from scratch.

Sounds interesting though done many re engining myself for clients over the years but all big diesels.
 
I wouldent doit the Rover V8 uses a lot of fule is not made for a boat.The early engins were underpowered with touque to get through bad roads.
The later engins had far to much power but not as much toque power as a mercrusier

It will be far less costly to fit a mercruser for example
 
Thanks for all the replies! It's a big job then huh!!Well i've never been one for being scared off a job so where would i find a suitable volvo unit do you think?

Rich
 
I always remember the GT150 as an outboard powered speedboat. I would stick with that arrangement. It would be far cheaper and easier to buy an engine from a reputable second hand dealer. They will probably fit it for you in with the price. You would need an engine of between 50 and 85 horsepower. These people are very helpful. I have no connection business wise by the way but am a very satisfied customer. Good luck which ever way you go. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
Nearly went down this route with a jet in a small rib. New manifolds are available from Australia. Still have some feet for a V8 in the garage. Lancing used to do a kit so deff worth a call as already mentioned. Do a search on NZ and Auz jet boat forums they seem to have lots of information. Advantage of the V8 is they are light weight. Would make an interesting project. Keep an eye on e bay for boats that already have one fitted which might be an easier way of getting the bits like bowman header tank and oil cooler. Absersoch Mercury dealer bought my V8 in the end to replace an old engine. He has a spare header tank that would clean up and an oil cooler.

Pete
 
Well thank you for all the help guys! I'll start my search of Oz pages now and se what i can dig up.

So there are a few bits around for this kind of conversion then?!!

I'll be in touch once i've decided which way i'm gonna go! I'm getting lost already!

Regards

Rich
 
[ QUOTE ]
I wouldent doit the Rover V8 uses a lot of fule is not made for a boat.

[/ QUOTE ]
Actually, it was originally a marine engine, before Rover bought the design from the states.
 
Hi project_kitt,

Hello to all. I know this post is way over a year old but perhaps you may still be interested in your project. I have just finished a similar Rover V8 project with a 15.5ft Scorpio Craft. The Full details are at http://thejetboatproject.me.uk

The Rover V8 has been utilised in marine applications in the past as I have proper marine parts for it, but because it's an aluminium engine it has to be cooled correctly, such as a full fresh water (closed) cooling system. It's a good engine as it's light and powerful and fairly reliable. If you would like any info that's not on the site, just mail me.

Good luck with your project and cheers /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif
 
Rover V8 marinisation

project_kitt said:
Hey guys,

Newbie here so be gentle. It's my first time dealing with boats and i need advice not the sarcastic comments i got the first time i tried to get help here!

I have a glastron GT-150 and it's in a sorry state and requires extensive repairs, so i thought while i'm at it i'd like to fit an inboard Rover V8 (as i have 3 spare!) but don't know how to approach it or what i'd need in the way of cooling, drive etc. Has anyone got a boat with one of these engines in that could explain the setup to me?

If not any advice would be helpful.

Kind regards


Sorry its so late but this may help somebody else. Anyway I had a Rover V8 engine in a Dowty Turbocraft. The "marinising" that was not done by me consisted of stub pipes that squirted water into the car type exhaust manifolds. When I came to have another dabble with my new project, surprise surprise the engine had rusted up. Proper lightweight aluminium manifolds and goosenecks used to be available from an American company called Nicson but I think they have ceased trading. Allegedly thieves demolished a wall of their factory and stole forty tons of aluminum castings. There's some nice people about and perhaps this was the last straw. Other firms in the UK will also make water-jacketed manifolds but the Nicsons were a hard act to follow. Osco also make manifolds for marine engines but theirs are cast iron and they will be heavier. One thing to be aware of with those V8s is the sixteen tiny cams which often wear rather badly. Whilst the hydraulic tappets will self-adjust for the wear OK, the horsepower can fall by a half or more as the valves will barely open in a bad case. When a Rover P6 3.5 V8 struggles to get to 70 mph its camshaft time!
Rich
Click to expand...

The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dogs back 1234567890 (a message says more than 1 character is needed in order to post)
 
Rover V8 marinisation

project_kitt said:
Hey guys,

Newbie here so be gentle. It's my first time dealing with boats and i need advice not the sarcastic comments i got the first time i tried to get help here!

I have a glastron GT-150 and it's in a sorry state and requires extensive repairs, so i thought while i'm at it i'd like to fit an inboard Rover V8 (as i have 3 spare!) but don't know how to approach it or what i'd need in the way of cooling, drive etc. Has anyone got a boat with one of these engines in that could explain the setup to me?

If not any advice would be helpful.

Kind regards

Rich
Click to expand...

Hi Rich, Sorry that this reply is so late but it may help others. The Rover V8 engine is basically a small Buick so you can bet that the bell-housing will be to SAE dimensions. The main advantage is the relatively low weight and good power output IF the camshaft is not worn down. American V8s were notorious for this because the cams and the followers are so small (sixteen have to be fitted within the length of the engine unless you have a DOHC version). Sears used to sell overhaul kits that were highly recommended for cars that had covered 50,000 to 60,000 miles as even at this mileage the cams will be worn. With high mileage engines it is common to find at least one cam lobe that is almost circular (been there done that!) In such cases the replacement cam kit can double or treble the power of a gutless engine that is struggling to breathe. As to manifolds, Nicson used to make some really excellent aluminum ones but I heard that their factory was looted of forty tons of product (allegedly a wall was knocked down in order to steal the goods). Osco who make cast iron manifolds are still around but the parts are much heavier. (see www.oscomotors.com) With the way that fuel prices are going, sailing boats will be making a comeback. Perhaps we could all buy a lobster pot and register as commercial fishermen!!!
 
I have a sh Bowman heat exchanger if you want one?
A belt driven Jabsco type pump will sort the cooling and will be a simple fit. (boat jumble?)
I have made manifolds and engine mounts in the past in the past, it all depends how good you are with your hands/welder.
I would couple it to a sterndrive (VP270 or newer would suit), if you cannot fit the block direct to the bellhousing you can remote mount the engine (like Enfield sterndrives).
 
macnorton said:
I have a sh Bowman heat exchanger if you want one?
A belt driven Jabsco type pump will sort the cooling and will be a simple fit. (boat jumble?)
I have made manifolds and engine mounts in the past in the past, it all depends how good you are with your hands/welder.
I would couple it to a sterndrive (VP270 or newer would suit), if you cannot fit the block direct to the bellhousing you can remote mount the engine (like Enfield sterndrives).
Click to expand...

Look at the date of the original post. :)
 
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