sd1 heads

[Deleted]

Hi all if i wanted to put sd1 heads on my p5b will all the bit from my v8 fit the same or do i need to change any thing or buy more parts

[harvey]

SD1 heads are a direct replacement. Personally I'd fit the inlet manifold and P6 HIF6 carbs as well.

[Deleted]

But not if you have a BW35 gearbox. The linkage is different.

[harvey]

If you've got the later (short) kickdown cable it's a straight swap. If you've got the long cable it's better to modify it to the later spec.

[Deleted]

Im buying new tappets new rockers and sharfs and head gasket set will they all be ok with the sd1 heads i have got the 1973 p5b so will the linkage be ok

[Welsh Warlock]

Vince, if you've not alraedy ordered them then don't necessarily go to the obvious places like RPI or Wadhams. Check out Rimmer Bros and Real Steel in Uxbridge as there are huge differences in price as I found out when I was pricing up the bits for an engine rebuild.

Good luck & keep us posted on progress.

[harvey]

A 1973 car should have the short kickdown cable as standard so even if you fit the SD1 inlet manifold it should all bolt straight on, along with all the other parts you mention. I hope you've just omitted to mention the new camshaft you're getting as well, it's a waste of time fitting new followers to a worn shaft.

[Deleted]

Sorry, no. The connexion for the sd1 kickdown is not compatible with the bw35. You must keep the same inlet manifold. I have got a Sherpa manifold and engine in mine and i will have to change it.

[johnwp5bcoupe]

Hi Vince if you want bits or advice you wont better these guys Ray is the guy to talk to if you do say John from MSR Racing says hello
www.v8developments.co.uk/

[harvey]

humphrey said:

Sorry, no. The connexion for the sd1 kickdown is not compatible with the bw35. You must keep the same inlet manifold. I have got a Sherpa manifold and engine in mine and i will have to change it.

I don't know if the sherpa inlet manifold is the same as the SD1. As far as fitting the kickdown linkage, if you remove all the SD1 parts from the manifold, fit P6 HIF6's and then fit the later (short) kickdown bracket to the rear of the head and the air filter mounting instead of the SD1 type which bolts to the rear of the manifold, it will fit. The only difference on the manifold is the provision for the "otter" switch which is missing on the SD1 manifold. I'm not saying that you can take the SD1 manifold off an SD1 and bolt the whole lot including linkages straight on to a P5b, but by fitting the correct parts in the right combination it will fit.
If your not able to do it I'll try and track down one of the cars I've done it to and send you some pictures.
I've just looked at an SD1 inlet manifold and I can't see why the P5B (short) kickdown cable wouldn't fit on to the SD1 bracket anyway, unless the adjustor thread is different. I can't say I've tried it.

[Deleted]

It could well be that the manifold itself is the same. But, the HIF carbs dont have the same cam as the originals. Anyway I gave up trying to get it to work and am now reverting to the original setup. It is impossible to get the correct oil pressures to the BW35.

[harvey]

I've never had ANY problems doing this conversion, least of all with the kickdown cable (gearbox pressure) adjustment.It may not be as original, but I always found a vast improvement in fuel economy and running, particularly on fast idle, and my own personal experience is that the HIF6's stay in tune far better than HS6's. Short of fitting Hotwire EFI it's something I would do every time. Just my opinion though.

[Welsh Warlock]

johnwp5bcoupe said:

Hi Vince if you want bits or advice you wont better these guys Ray is the guy to talk to if you do say John from MSR Racing says hello
www.v8developments.co.uk/

Rob is the expert engine builder at V8Developments and that's where i got my recon engine from so if you do call them 01775 750000 - say hello from me - Alan in the Grey P5B! ;D

[johnwp5bcoupe]

Yes Rob knows his stuff very well He was also a superb Kart/Car driver I raced with him for 3 years on and off in the Pro Kart European series and he is a realy nice guy, but Ray is the brains when it comes to all the way out racing developments You wont go wrong Vince seeking their advice

[Welsh Warlock]

johnwp5bcoupe said:

Yes Rob knows his stuff very well He was also a superb Kart/Car driver I raced with him for 3 years on and off in the Pro Kart European series and he is a realy nice guy, but Ray is the brains when it comes to all the way out racing developments You wont go wrong Vince seeking their advice

Oh, OK, I didn't realise that Vince wanted a race engine. Which series is he entering? ;-)

Seriously, Ray is rarely there these days from what Rob says, and Rob is eminently caoable of dealing with any queries relating to the Rover V8 usage in day to day stuff and compatability of parts.

Whichever way you look at it V8Developments are the way to go for advice, spares or a recon engine.

Just don't let them set up your SU carbs - Its a long story!

[Phil Nottingham]

So Alan you opted for a rebuilt engine rather than having yours done?

What's been done to the new one then - have you had the 3.9 block some say its the best option although not sure when

[johnwp5bcoupe]

I think all Vince wanted was advice not I know who better than you and who does what all I know is that Ray and Rob who I have known for 12 year or so do a good job! race engine or not enough said

Phil the cross braced block is best but will a P5 need one? i dont think so