Escape Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 I've been looking for a Range Rover with the Bosch/Thor engine as a donor for a MS project for my own P38. I came across one that the seller claims has a 5.0 TVR engine. However, the engine number is for a standard 4.6. This is not to say it isn't stroked and/or bored. For a 5.0 TVR I'd expect a standard 94mm bore but a 90mm crank. However, V8 Developments was apparently involved, so nothing is certain. Problem is, the car is located near Glasgow. A bit far, even for us, to drive over for a quick look. I'm not even sure much could be learned about the engine without taking the heads off. And I certainly don't want to bring it back to than find out it's just a standard 4.6. I can find those cheaper and closer by. If anyone as any suggestions, or if anyone is from the area and thinks he could learn something viewing the engine, I'd be eternally grateful (think beer tokens ). Greetz, Filip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 Get them to stick a tape measure/thin steel rule parallel to the cylinder wall down the plug hole and compare to some kind soul on here? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 We have a few cars that can be compared with, so yes that's definitely an option. I'm thinking it'd have to be something flexible though? The plug hole is at a fair angle, I doubt a steel rule would reach the bottom before hitting the side? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 Length of welding rod down the bore, or just wooden dowel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
task Posted March 14, 2018 Share Posted March 14, 2018 If you've got the engine number and registration then give Ray/Rob a call at V8Dev, they may remember the vehicle or have records? I saw the same P38 advertised and was semi tempted myself! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted March 15, 2018 Author Share Posted March 15, 2018 I was thinking the same to measure the bore. I tried it on a 3.9 we have lying around yesterday, using the thin end of a caliper. Result was not exact but definitely close enough to tell the different cranks apart. But that still requires us to drive up there and check, or trust the seller to do the measurement. And it wont be that easy with the engine in the car. Good suggestion about contacting V8Developments, you never know they keep records. Thanks for all the suggestions guys! Filip Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 Given TVR's reputation it could just as likely be a 3.9 they've mis-labelled Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted March 15, 2018 Author Share Posted March 15, 2018 Yeah, that's why I want to be sure before driving a 1000km. ;-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 Maybe post up asking if any local forumers in jockland could visit & take some photos / measurements? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cynic-al Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 I took a kit car to V8 developments to have an engine built as a 5.0 for a friend and the paperwork he got back with it was very thorough and well presented, I'd be surprised if this engine didn't come with the same documentation and if they don't still have records, for warranty claims if nothing else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon_CSK Posted March 15, 2018 Share Posted March 15, 2018 Am based in Scotland and in Glasgow fairly frequently so could be persuaded to go and look at a Range Rover lol 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted March 16, 2018 Share Posted March 16, 2018 That would be very much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted March 16, 2018 Author Share Posted March 16, 2018 Simon, that would be very kind of you! Whatever paperwork there may have been, seems to have been lost between the different owners. I've contacted V8Developments, fingers crossed they still have something (and are willing to spend the time digging it up). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon_CSK Posted March 16, 2018 Share Posted March 16, 2018 PM me and we can talk about the details off the forum. I am always happy to look at a Range Rover always better when it is a but unusual. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted March 30, 2018 Author Share Posted March 30, 2018 With some help from Simon, who had a good chat with the owner, I've made a deal on the car. Just need to see when we can get there. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arjan Posted March 30, 2018 Share Posted March 30, 2018 Oh.... Interesting !!!! Congratulations on the buy - hope you're happy with it !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
miketomcat Posted March 30, 2018 Share Posted March 30, 2018 I look forward to seeing it or at least it's engine at some point. Mike 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted April 3, 2018 Share Posted April 3, 2018 Sounds like fun times ahead! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted April 4, 2018 Share Posted April 4, 2018 Hopefully, if we finally manage to get some conclusive evidence that it's a 5.0 and not a 4.6. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon_CSK Posted April 5, 2018 Share Posted April 5, 2018 I could only confirm a 80mm stroke. And that was consistently over 3 tries. Always pleased to help but unfortunately not the solution Filip was looking for. It was a very nice looking car though and if I was looking for a P38 certainly would be tempted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elbekko Posted April 6, 2018 Share Posted April 6, 2018 Thanks for the effort, Simon! Too bad it didn't work out Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Escape Posted April 6, 2018 Author Share Posted April 6, 2018 Yeah, I spoke to soon I'm afraid... :-( The original measurement was 90mm, which confirmed a TVR 5.0 crank in a standard 4.6 block. But upon measuring again and more accurately, it was only 80mm. Which is a low measurement even for a 4.6 (should be 82mm). So unfortunately no deal for me. On the up side, instead of being stripped for parts, the car stands a chance of being rebuild to its proper glory. I've since learned that it's impossible to fit the TVR 90mm crank to a P38 V8, because TVR used the short nose crank with distributor and distributor driven oilpump. The GEMS/Bosch V8 have the oil pump directly on the crank, and need a long nose crank. Already finalizing a different approach, I will get my 5.0 one way or another. ;-) Filip 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon_CSK Posted April 6, 2018 Share Posted April 6, 2018 Sounds like an interesting project. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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