Thread: 4.6 Into my post update D1

It would be easier (and cheaper) too put disco badges on a P38! A tornado chip isnt going to be much good for the P38 injection system.

It could be done, but you would basically need a complete functioning P38 and and you would need to transfer the engine ecu,bem and trans ecm. The car would need to think its a P38 but it would be running around in a Disco shell.

Why do you want an electronic ZF? The ususal 4.6 uprgrade path with a plain jane Hydraulic ZF would be a better solution IMHO but the full GEMS system into a D1 would be an awesome project!

The GEMS is a good system and can be upgraded (Mark Adams has the software) but it would be far cheaper, significantly easier, and just about as effective to put the 14CUX injection system on top of the 4.6 and use the Tornado chip in that system's ecu. A simple and well-tried process. MA has developed a chip specifically for this application - you can buy it on ebay.

Of course, you will probably need to use a conventional distributor, or you could covert to ecu triggered ignition using Omex 200 or Megajolt, etc.

I steered away from the RPI cams after reports on Discoweb that they were nowhere near as good as the US BOP designed Crower Comp-U cams, especially the torque busting 50229.

Worth 20 BHP over OE camshaft, ideal for most applications where smooth power delivery is required and strong low end torque . Gives good tickover and also suits automatic trans installations.

Good idle - 850rpm - power from 1500 - 4500rpm
Redline 4500rpm Plus.

Not available in Aus, but can be bought from D&D Fabrications in the US or V8Tuner in the UK. Need to specify the cam retaining plate recess be machined (because the BOP engines did not have these).

Good info guys thanks, I'm still in the baby planning stage at the moment.
I was considering the elec trans as I've seen motor and box units for sale at a reasonable price.
I agree that going the hydrolic way would be easier. I was not sure what other systems the P38 computer runs as well as engine and transmission managment.
That's good info on the cams too, I'll look into it.
As stated this is the early planning stages, I'm looking to purchase motor and box mid next year.
After moving into the new house

I steered away from the RPI cams after reports on Discoweb that they were nowhere near as good as the US BOP designed Crower Comp-U cams, especially the torque busting 50229.

Traco, have you fitted one to a 3.9 with 14CUX?
If so is the idle character like standard, ie no stall in D or when the air cuts in?
Have you dynod it?
My 3.9 has now got almost 190KK so I am thinking of replacing the cam, lifters and timing gear.

Regards Philip A

Hi PhilipA, I've only driven a 4.6 auto with the Crower 50229 installed, but from all reports it works just as well in a 3.9 RRC. These cams were designed for the Buick 215/300/340 range but, surprisingly, work extremely well in the 4x4s. IIdles well, no stalling or overt lumpiness, no off idle hesitation, and instant torque making it much more driveable in normal circumstances and offroad.

This cam breathes better than most at lower rpms and produces much more low end torque at lower rpm than RPI's RP4 cam. It is used extensively in the US by RRC owners. It pulls hard from 1500 to 4,500 - 5,000 rpm. Only downside is it does not have a shoulder for using the cam retaining plate that is on post 1994 3.9/4.6 engines. The vendor will get these machined if you ask for a few $ more or you could cut it yourself if handly on a lathe.

The specs for the cam are: 258/260 196/202 .430/.446.

Mark at D&D, the major US Buick/Rover V8 specialists, is a great exponent of these cams, and the more performance oriented Crower 5032 which many prefer to Piper's 285 or Crane's / Kent's 218 cams.

Listed in D&D catalogue for USD175 I think.

D&D Fabrications: Engineering & Fabrication Services

The other cam you may want to consider, designed especially for 3.9 hotwire engines is Real Steel's new Cyclone (reportedly made by Comp cams), but I've not tried one of these

I notice that the V8 site in UK sells Rhoads lifters in the kit with the Crower 50229 cam.

Did the car you were in have Rhoads lifters?

This makes a difference as Rhoads lifters leak down under 3K revs and effectively make the cam milder and give smoother low down performance .

BUT they are noisy.
***Crower Camshaft & Performance Upgrade Fitting Kit *** - V8 Tuner
Regards Philip A

Not that I'm aware of, I think they were Crower 6650 lifters.

The noise has always put me off Rhoads. Many people who have used them have commented on how noisy they are; even UK Cobra owners (who use the RV8 a lot in their builds) generally steer clear of them (along with Mallory dissys) and that's in an otherwise noisy sports car, not a cosseted RR.

I've use Eaton lifters in my 4.6 SD1.

This is all very interesting, I've read a little on the cyclones. They look pretty good also.
Now, I'm considering option 3 here (option 1 was LS1 with turbo 350 or 400, outed due to the position of the ancillaries)
Option 2 was the 4.6 way, now I'm thinking, perhaps another 3.9, worked and blown. I don't need MEGA power, but I still want it to haul some pretty good arse.
The problems I see with this so far are the issues with fitting a supercharger.
I've read a bunch of reports about supercharging an injected rover motor that aren't good.
I've seen testimonials from those that run superchargers that are excellent, but they are all carby engines from what I can gather.
Any thoughts?