Buick/Rover aluminum v8 to 914 conversion Options

[streetrover]

Hello everyone! OK, I've got an empty 914 in my driveway and a 4.0 liter Rover engine in my garage. A Buick 4bbl intake is en route as is an Edelbrock carb. I've got lots of questions about clearance, most notably about the distributor. The Rover engine came stock with a "crankshaft angle sensor" and individual coils. It'd be great to use this instead of the distributor but I don't know if I can run this ignition system without the "computer" that also controls the fuel injection. If I need to go with the distributor instead that's fine but then how do I overcome clearance restrictions? I would REALLY love to talk to someone with this conversion completed!!!

Thanks,
Bob

[Cheapsnake]

For you Rover V8 guys, here's where you're going to hit the firewall.



The cut in the firewall from inside the cabin:



This is with the transaxle back about 1" from stock. You could probably move it back another 3/4" and avoid a cut altogether, but I just wasn't comfortable with that much angle on the CV joints. With some judicious carving on the backpad and passenger seat and a bit of sheetmetal I don't think it'll be noticeable.

Tom

[streetrover]

Thanks for the good words! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif) This is still fun! I think I'll hit the frustration levels when the radiator fabrication begins. Tom, thanks for the firewall pix. Yeah, it was real clear upon the initial fitting that the pump wasn't going to make it. I've decided to go the other route, however, and have ordered a 42gpm electric remote pump from Meziere Ent. here in So. Cal. I am presently fabricating the pump block-off plate with inlet fittings. As always, pix will be forthcoming.

Bob