Rover V8 into stag.

[etlddle@domain.elided ( David Luke XL/EE )]

Exhaust manifolds and downpipes can be obtained from a variety of UK
manafacturers, notably the Brighton Stag Specialist and Rimmer Bros.

I have a Rover V8 with a 390CFM Holley carb fitted to an Offenhauser
manifold. It gives plenty of bonnet room although I am using engine
mountings which put the Rover V8 sump right down on the Steering rack.
This sounds low but considering how Universal propshaft joints "pulse"
at an angle, this is advisable.

I haven't had the Holley carb long, but it was second hand and appears
in excellent condition. The electric choke cap failed after a few
days so I replaced it with a manual one, which is fine. A company
called Real Steel sell them especially jetted for a Rover V8, but
in the US you should be able to get all these parts easily.
I find that the Holley is very good so far. The only thing
that is not right is the accelerator pump, as the car hesitates
a bit when you suddenly floor the pedal at 40-60 mph.
I will adjust it when I get time. It goes well on the idle,
main jets and (presumably!) the power system.
The best bit is a substantial economy increase, due to the
Holley having small primary venturis (throttle controlled) and
big secondary venturis (vacuum controlled)

If you just want a standard carb setup, you can still get an
uncut bonnet setup with SU carburettors, but you need machined
carb tops, which again can be obtained by the Brighton Stag Specialist.

I like the Rover V8, it can be a real pleasure if it's done properly,
but financially speaking if you have a stag engine already, then it
is well worth keeping it for originality, value, and the pleasure
of originality.

> 
> I live in Central Florida and am currently restoring a 72 Stag.  It had 107K
> on the original engine.  I bought it in 1991 but it's been sitting 1986.  The
> engine only had 5 pounds of oil pressure and knocked pretty good.  We are
> putting a Rover 3.5 liter motor in.  We have fabricated motor and trans
> mounts.  We found a starter from an old Buick will fit nicely.  We will need
> to lengthen the driveshaft, but there is a place in town that does that.  Any
> suggestions on exhaust manifolds/headers?  
> 
> I am still undecided on what to use for the carb. I have been told that the
> Strombergs are not enough carburettion for this car.  I am considering using
> SU's from a Jaguar (HD8's), but we will have to alter the hood as they stick
> up too high. Or possibly going with an American carb.  The Rover engine has a
> Holley 600 on it, which I am told is too much carburettion for this engine,
> the engine is stock.  I had a Holley 390 on my Rover 3500 I had years ago and
> it was nothing but trouble.  But almost everyone here recommends going with a
> Holley.  I'd love to hear any opinions on this.
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Elisa Pearson
> 
>