FE-FC Holden Discussion Forum

Hi guys just wondering if anyone has fitted a rover or leyland all alloy V8 into an FE or FC also what is required to fit just a red motor and trans in I know these questions have probably been asked hundreds of times but my computer skills are not very good and not sure how to find posts.
Cheers Jason

Here's a link to BYE BYE.
http://fefcholden.org.au/forum/index.php/topic,10839.0.html ($2)

I am aware of an FC wagon in ACT that has this motor also.

Regards
Alex

I have considered this (rover V8) pretty extensively, I got a magazine article (very old edition of custom rodder) about a bloke that did it with the oldsmobile version, same motor with different heads, The pics and info was limited but it didn't look to hard. I have a rover unit in my shed and width wise it'll be an easy fit, the cylinder heads finish vertically on the outside like the old buick motors and as such I think even the exhaust wouldn't be to much work compared to the holden or chev units. This is only my estimates and early measurements etc as I haven't actually put one in.

Unfortunately with the new guidelines that seem to be being introduced even this motor will be to big capacity wise.

Cheers
John

When you say new guidelines is that for every state or would I need to check for QLD. I am more than likely going for a holden six red,blue,black any info on what I need to do to fit one of those.

Jason, The red engine swap is pretty easy if you retain original gearbox, more difficult with anything other than original.
With a grey gearbox the rear mounts stay in situ and you only need the relevant brake upgrade to suit your engineer. Usually HR discs are sufficient, but there are plenty of options.
Your engineer will tell you what else he wants in regard to wipers, belts, demisters, warning lights, tyres etc.

If you fit a different gearbox or auto then you have to use a half chassis to mount the rear of the gearbox on. Usually you will also have to do some floor mods as well to enlarge the tunnel. Other complications such as shortened tailshafts also need to be considered unless you can find just the right one from a Torana or such.

I know there are dozens of different ways to do this - the above is a generalisation on the most common way the swap is done.

As far as I am concerned the Leyland V8 swap is way past its use-by date and should only be considered if you are looking for a retro style car. Once again, check with an engineer regarding requirements as all states are different and each engineer has his own particular things he likes to see done which may or may not suit you.

Ken

Thanks mcl1959 that info is great I have been sorting through the threads and I have seen the posts on these mods and I am thinking the red motor to original box is a good one or fuel injecting a grey motor and adding disc brake front end to either. I am having a hard time finding a hr disc front end though but will keep looking or at least find a hr drum front and fit a booster and add discs later if possible. What do you think would be a good way to go about it I am leaning towards the red to original conversion and staying under a 202 and driving it respectfully ie 149, 161 is there a syncro box that will also fit under the floor hump without cutting the old girl up the tailshaft is not an issue as I dont have one anyway and will have one made.