v8 on a six pot box

[mr freebie]

hi, i have just got a series 3 station wagon , its got a 2.6 straight 6 in it, i want to put a v8 in it so am i right in thinking that the bell housing on the 6 pot box is different to a 4 pot, i have the fitting kit already just need to know about the box, cheers.

[S188]

Belhouseing is different on a 6, its like the old series 1 belhouseings (they are very simular engines).  The main gearbox however is just like any other later series box so you can swap the belhouseing.  I'm afraid the 6pot box isn't any stronger.

The gearbox sits firther back in a sixpot chassis too which could afect things, bulkhead is a different shape around there too so I've no idea how much room you'll have, but the V8 will be a long way back if you don't move the box.

[andyb]

Erm,....IIRC the six pot Series gearbox had a shorter bellhousing and input shaft to make the six pot engine fit behind the recessed grill. The six pot gearbox was a fav with Series V8 converters (back in the late 80s :) ) because it meant you could keep the Series front grill and radiator in front of a V8. Pretty sure the conversion ring will work on both boxes.

HTH