V8's - What to look for

[Leigh]

Hi all,

As I'm looking at chanding my Disco for a 90 I don't want to rule out V8's. Only thing is I'm not really sure what to look for when finding a good'un.

There is one that I looked at which I was told needs new hydrolic lifters. Is this something I should stay clear from or is it a common and simple job to do?

Thanks in advance

[blackbob]

it a common fault but the cam s wear out real quick and its a engine strip to change them

[v8kenny]

Leigh
I would be asking myself why it needs lifters - more  than likely down to not changing the oil often enough or very high miles
Shine a torch down the oil filler or take a rocker cover off (only 4 screws )
If it is all black and gungy then walk away if it's a nice light brown colour then should be OK
Are you sure it's not the cam ? - mind you if you are going to the bother of changing the lifters then do the cam and timing chain/sprockets as well
Easy enough job as no need to lift engine out allow a weekend and a fair bit of cash - 16 lifters, a cam and chain etc aint that cheap and you will still need a new valley gasket etc
Of course none of this would be needed if you had bought my V8 110 last year !   :lol:

[strapping young lad]

what age 90 are you looking for as i think they dont do anything newer than the 300 series with a v8 but i could be wrong.

[Leigh]

I was looking at this one

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=4638586178&sspagename=ADME:L:RTQ:UK:1

Not sure what the mileage is, but if its a big job I think I'll leave it. I'd rather buy one thats mechanically sound.

Thought you'd get that one in Kenny  

Cheers

[Leigh]

I'm going to look at the 90 in the link above tomorrow evening.
He's offered me the 90 and 200 cash for my disco.
Without actually seeing it does anyone know if it might be a good deal? And what do people think its worth?

Cheers all

[muddyweb]

Be very wary.... there are a lot of badly cobbled together V8 conversions about.

The need for a new set of lifters rings alarm bells, and as mentioned you might be looking at a new camshaft too....  

Take a *really* good look over it... I'm not sure, but the seats look like they are sitting on a bit of 3x3 timber at the back !   If this is the case... wonder what other little jobs are hidden around the place.

There is mention of the tyres having 'battle scars'... take a good look at both sidewalls, and be prepared to have to buy a new set.  The cage needs close srutiny too.... "FULL INTERNAL ROLLCAGE. WELDED TO CHASIE BY SAFTEY DEVICES(SUPERWINCH)..."    Superwinch don't make roll cages... so not quite sure what that is about.

This might all be completely fine and genuine......   but make sure you have a *good* look...  before the engine gets switched on.... don't let the roar of the V8 influence you.

As with any car, make sure the engine is cold when you get there....  if it isn't... be suspicious.  You always want to see / hear a car started with a cold engine.

[Leigh]

I think theres too many risks with this one then. I had planned to meet him half way so it'll be far from cold.

Thanks for your advice