Has anyone done a guide to rebuilding the v8 engines to totally sort all the pattern failures? I'm buying a P38 and considered buying a second engine and rebuilding it from scratch to replace the one in the truck when the liners slip or the lump goes pours etc etc. And let's face it it's going to happen. I understand there's water pump upgrades, oil pump upgrades and top hat liners but will anything really do the job or am I wasting my time? I even considered a Buick version of the block machined properly as a base for a replacement. What are my options?
martynv8
Well-Known Member
I'd say your best bet is to get an engine thats going cheap - there are plenty about. Then get it top hatted with new camshaft bearings etc(Not cheap as most places will charge £1000 - £1200 for a re-linering). Spend some time building it all back up using new shells, crank polish / regrind etc. Then you have an engine ready to go in if the worst happens.
It also gives you the chance to customise your build. I did the same thing & part built my new engine whilst the old engine was still in. I opted for putting the 4.0l pistons on the 4.6 crank & rods to give higher compression as i run LPG. Runs like a dream & getting 20mpg on a good run.
There are plenty of rebuild threads but ive not seen anything specific.
It also gives you the chance to customise your build. I did the same thing & part built my new engine whilst the old engine was still in. I opted for putting the 4.0l pistons on the 4.6 crank & rods to give higher compression as i run LPG. Runs like a dream & getting 20mpg on a good run.
There are plenty of rebuild threads but ive not seen anything specific.
JordanTD5
Active Member
You do know the 3.9 and 4.2ltr are just as likely to suffer liner issues as they share the same 94mm bore size.
cooltide
sheep fancier
There were many more variables than the bore size.
jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
top hat linered is the best bet ,but i wouldnt want t build one to far in advance ,its not that easy to keep it from rusting
JordanTD5
Active Member
Yes there are - old tooling on the later engines and a slightly higher state of tune don't help. But a lack support behind the liner is the main issue IMO
If you want a relatively trouble free RV8 you'd be better off sticking to a 3.5Ltr, or budgeting for tophat liners in anything 3.9+
discool
Well-Known Member
Well in isolation that's a crap statement, my RV8 is 18 years old and the only time a spanner has been used on it other than to change plugs and fluids was to change the water pump due to the bearing failing I had 3 years ago.
So I'm happy with my trouble free engine.
martynv8
Well-Known Member
It's fair to say that some V8's will run into very high miles. Some left the factory with good liner fitment.....alot didn't! And as Jordan said, it only got worse towards the end of production - last model D2's over the pond are almost destined to fail it seems.
I wouldn't touch a standard V8 beyond 3.5ltrs.
I wouldn't touch a standard V8 beyond 3.5ltrs.
A side by side test drive of the 3.5 and the 4.6 since posting has unfortunatey made me realise that the 4.6 is worth the issues... It's that good! I'll buy a dead one and just rebuild it from the get go if I have to. Either that or look at the early l322 with the BMW lump. But the P38 is prettier
