PRV Engine on Ebay

[88mph]

Which is the most similar, or best/simple up-grade?
Just thinking if someone had a major engine failure, which engine would be best for swapping bits over to get the D back on the road?

[stunned_monkey]

I think you'd be lucky to find a good kjet 2.8, but to repair a delorean engine, it depends on what has failed. For block rot and oil contamination issues, 91mm blocks can be found relatively easily - I have 4. The alpine crowd have access to cams and things like piston rings etc can be had from Renault or Volvo still.

[88mph]

Sorry to go on but trying to get it straight in my mind, which make/model had the 91mm blocks and who are the Alpine crowd?

[stunned_monkey]

I'm afraid you are asking a lot of "it depends" questions.

Ti answer "which engine is the closest to the DeLorean's?"

1) Most internally close is the Volvo B28E, but you'll need to switch across the lower crank case and sump assembly

2) Most externally close is the Renault 30TX, but you'll need to switch the sump over and its only a 2664cc

Frankly you'd be more likely to find a working DeLorean engine than one of these these days

The PRV had three bores: 88mm, 91mm and 93mm.

91mm was used on 2.8 and 2.5 turbo engines. 88mm was dropped in the late 70s so can be ignored (unless you do pick up a working R30 engine, good luck with that!)

Just to confuse matters, late 80s blocks were all the same, and 91mm bore engines had thicker walled liners. Don't buy a late 2.8 and expect to switch across the liners from your DeLorean engine because they won't fit, and as it's usually the liners that're shagged, don't expect to use them from the donor engine.

The Renault Alpine A310, GTA and A610 used the PRV. There're specialists both in the RAOC and in Europe from whom PRV parts can be readily sourced.

If you have a specific plan in mind, it'd be best to share, then I can help with specifics. It's just a huge subject which I learned by pulling old engines apart, buying up old manuals etc.

[88mph]

No, no plan, I foolishly thought we shared engines with Volvo/Renault and we could pick them up cheapish, maybe get them nicely detailed over time, any mechanical issues, whip then over in a weekend.
That was the beauty of VW with Subaru conversions. Okay the conversion kit was about £2K but once done, replacement Subaru's are plentiful & complete engines are about £400/600.
Cheers for the advice.

[Chris P]

Very comprehensive reply Martin……I've made my 'Daily Advancement in DeLorean Knowledge'……maybe we could use that info in book version two?

[Dan Willis]

It does explain why tuning them is so damned expensive. I'm taking mine apart, but I do wonder what internal-ly bits I could update without wondering why I didn't just buy a TVR ( ). That said, I will attempt to fettle a smidge. I'll be in touch, Martin

[88mph]

Chris P Wrote:Very comprehensive reply Martin……I've made my 'Daily Advancement in DeLorean Knowledge'……maybe we could use that info in book version two?

Ahhhhh but is what you're learning more than what you're forgetting Chris? :lol:

[Chris P]

No, not if interested in it. But i'd probably print it off, my memory is not that good.

[stunned_monkey]

Happy to do a write-up at any time, I'm still learning too! The guy who really knows his apples is Martin Faulks in the RAOC. He has now taken a 2.5 turbo to over 300hp at the flywheel at 1 bar boost. That's a 50% increse over standard with head work, cams, turbo and exhaust.

I've got my engine plan on a slow simmer, with a good running donor Volvo B280E, and a set of Martin F's cams ready to go in. Next step is pistons. Apart from thicker valve spring washers, this should be good for north of 350hp or so I'm told.

I want to finally build the car I always wanted, including a RHD conversion just for the challenge and added value.

It's not about making it a supercar, it's about making it an effortless GT.

My TVR is good a raw power and has gorgeous design, but the engineering falls short - not just reliability (although mine has a100% record so far), but stuff there's no escuse for like the cabin heater, good legroom and so on.

[88mph]

stunned_monkey Wrote:- not just reliability (although mine has a100% record so far),.

You mean its never run? :lol:


What is it reckoned these gearboxes are good for, or is it also a case of up-rating them too?

[Chris Williams]

Quote:What is it reckoned these gearboxes are good for, or is it also a case of up-rating them too?

A good chat about upgraded engines and gearbox on 'Stargliders' thread: viewtopic.php?f=43&t=4324 long thread but well worth a read.
Chris

[stunned_monkey]

The most powerful original application was the Venturi 300 at 310ft-lbs and 280hp but it is a very light car. The weakest components are 5th gear (but you have to be in it to break it) and the input shaft coupler which can be upgraded fairly easily.

I wouldn't want to much beyond 300 on either scale

[Guinney1971]

fascinating reading, thank you Martin, and it gives us the ability
to give the "so who's engine is it?" questioners at cars shows a
more detailed answer.

[stunned_monkey]

It's depressing really that my 2.2 diesel Mazda has as much torque as a late 90s supercar.