grewth · Dec 14, 2024

Like it says.
Can anyone give me the approximate date when the first V8 to series gearbox conversion kits went on sale please ?
I'm aware that the U.S. Rover importers had a V8 converted 88 running almost as soon as Rover started building the engine, Golden Rod they called it I think.
But AFAIK this was a bespoke one off conversion.
I'd just like to know when the first UK manufactured kits appeared.

Wildefalcon · Dec 15, 2024

Soon after the V8 was available, I expect. 70's early? Why?

tottot · Dec 15, 2024

I had my first land rover in the early 70's [2a diesel] By late 70's folk were fitting V8's, Recon engines came mostly from crashed/ wreaked Range Rovers.

grewth · Dec 15, 2024

Wildefalcon said:
Soon after the V8 was available, I expect. 70's early? Why?

I just wanted to find out if a series vehicle could have been running a V8 40 years ago.
Although I bought my first Land Rover around 1984, my memory of when I first noticed a V8 powered example is a bit fuzzy.
I don't want to say too much, but let's just say, it's connected to the rules on originality and Historic Vehicle entitlement.

grewth · Dec 15, 2024

tottot said:
I had my first land rover in the early 70's [2a diesel] By late 70's folk were fitting V8's, Recon engines came mostly from crashed/ wreaked Range Rovers.

As early as that.
Cool.
I suppose that I could always contact firms that actually sold conversion kits and ask for exact dates.
I can only think of two, and I think that they're both still in business

tottot · Dec 16, 2024

I do know that some made their own adaptor plate, usually an ugly chunk of steel.

grewth · Dec 16, 2024

tottot said:
I do know that some made their own adaptor plate, usually an ugly chunk of steel.

I did see a video clip of someone making adapter plates for the Perkins Prima in their back yard.
Rough as **** and hardly good engineering.
Used lots of short lengths of all thread fixed between two thick steel plates.
Then they wrapped a piece of steel strip around the outside and MIG welded everything in sight.

Wildefalcon · Dec 16, 2024

grewth said:
I did see a video clip of someone making adapter plates for the Perkins Prima in their back yard.
Rough as **** and hardly good engineering.
Used lots of short lengths of all thread fixed between two thick steel plates.
Then they wrapped a piece of steel strip around the outside and MIG welded everything in sight.

If it works.....

Wildefalcon · Dec 16, 2024

grewth said:
As early as that.
Cool.
I suppose that I could always contact firms that actually sold conversion kits and ask for exact dates.
I can only think of two, and I think that they're both still in business

Certainly.

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