Hello Everyone at V8 Buick, A kind car enthusiast on MuscleCarClub.com suggested I come here to ask 'the experts' my questions regarding the Buick/Rover V8. Firstly I will introduce myself. I live in Northern Ireland with my wife and 2 kids. Three years ago I decided the time was right to move away from motorbikes and 2 seater cars to a classic 4 seater family car that we could all enjoy. A car that also had character, style and pace. So I went out and bought a tatty but strong '68 Rover P5B Saloon. But the Coupe was always the more desirable car due to it's lower, sleek roof line. So the following month I bought a '70 Coupe and now were all happy. But boys being boys I wanted to take a good car and transform it into a great car so have taken the Coupe of the road for restoration that will start next January. At present I drive a robust 1994 Mini 1275. It's not fast on the freeway (very loud at 80!) but is uncatchable on twisty back roads! The reason why I am here is I am trying to find out if in the US there are any performance parts for the Buick derived Rover V8 215 (3528cc) small block. The engine was developed by Buick around '64 and Rover bought the design around '68. Rover introduced it in '67 in their cars. If anyone can help I will very much appreciate it. :TU:
Welcome to the group! All the info you'd want is here: http://www.aluminumv8.com/ How about posting a pic of your Rover? Greg
The engine was developed by Buick around '64 and Rover bought the design around '68. Rover introduced it in '67 in their cars. the Buick 215 v8 was used in 1961-63 Buick, Oldmobile and Pontiac models. GM stopped using the aluminum block 215 after the 63 model year (too much trouble with the cast in bore liners) and sold the tooling to Rover in 1965. Rover solved the core shift problem by using press in liners after the block had been cast. there are actually several UK and Australia based companies that are involved in aftermarket parts for the Ro ver engines. i'm surprised you're not finding something a little closer to hand. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rover_V8_engine
Hi Bobkmando, Thanks for the info. There's plenty of Rover V8 specialists of the engine and bolt on/tuning after parts here in UK. The reason I came to V8 Buick is because I wondered if in the US you catered for the Rover V8 in any way and maybe had some of your own performance parts that we did not have in the UK. Do you know of any in particular? :beer
not so much really. i think there are a couple more than that Michigan operation Greg listed but i've only seen those on an occasional google search. aside from aluminumv8.com i don't have any websites to hand. being as the engine was only in service for a 3 year period over 40 years ago by GM it's kind of ignored by all but the boutique places. even www.TAPerformance.com doesn't really carry anything for the 215 that doesn't cross over to the 300/340 (maybe pistons, rockers and shafts?) which are the iron block engines that succeeded the aluminum 215. i know that the 215 still sees applications by some parts of the powerboat market. there was a v16 430 (overbored to a 455, heh) that a Washington state boat company was trying to sell on e-bay a couple of years ago that was really two 215 engines connected end to end. :shock: so there are some things happening over here ... but i think almost everything you're looking for will be easier to find if you try and chase down Rover vendors.
There used to be a guy in the seattle area that was building 215s using Buick 300 cranks and 5.0 Ford parts(yuk) Not sure of the combination maybe somebody on here might remember the person or how to get a hold of him. Good Luck Bob Harris
yeah, the Buick 300 crank into a 215 / 3.5L Rover is a popular option for stroking overseas. as i understand it, there's a little block machining involved. at the standard 3.50" bore, the 3.40" stroke of the 300 crank yields 261.69 cu in.
Yup, the 215 is an excellent engine, and while it's considered 'small' by most V8 hotrodders, in a 'small' car like you've got it can really shine! I know of a Jensen-Healey and two MGB's with build 215's and they're all scary fast! :TU: While there are parts available over here for them, I think most of the better stuff is made on your side of the Atlantic.
hey, rover-pb5-coupe (gotta name?) and all. i also have the venerable little 215cu (3.5) in 63 special delux. i love this engine. plenty of zip!!!!!!!! with posi it will spin the tires pretty good and it gets 23 miles a gallon in a car that will haul 6 adults! Dan Lagrou (aluminum v8.com) is a great guy that knows all there is to know about these engines. as a matter of fact i will be going to his place today ( he is about 25 miles from me in michigan). he has anything and everything for this engine from stock to modified. i have checked prices with all the 3.5 vendors and their prices are WAY HIGH compared with dan lagrou. while his site does not have a e-mail at this time he is supposed to have one soon. he does have a phone number. his web-site is very nice. keith
This thread has me thinking about how much fun another MGB would be with an aluminum V8 under the hood and a 5-speed...rowr! :Brow: :3gears:
Hi Budynabuick, name? Yes, Shane just like the cowboy! Thanks for the advice. If all's well and priced well (everything is rip off expensive here) I may just buy a warmed up 215 with transmission from your friend, pay the import taxes and drop it straight into my Rover P5. It's nice to hear such positive vibes about the 215. I also find the aluminium 3.5 Litre very economical. I used to drive a '71 Rover P6 with the same 215 and I swear that on a long straight run at a steady 55mph I would get around 30 miles per gallon. I can't be certain but that's what I think. And the power. What bhp is your 215? Mine is a standard 165bhp in a heavy car but from stationary when turning 90 degrees left or right into a street the back end can slide round easily on a dry road. It's a very torquey motor compared to the breathless **** in todays cars. I'll check out your friend. Many thanks. Shane :beer
