V8 Engine Rebuilding Company

[bluebruiser]

Hello

Can anyone recommend a reputable engine rebuilding company, based in the Midlands (or nearby) ? I have a standard 3.5 litre.

Thank you
Mitchell

[ray]

Mitchell,

I had mine done some years ago when I was In Northampton. I followed a recommendation in Practice Classics magazine, which said look for your local 'Federation of Engine Remanufacturers' member. This I did and found an excellent firm who did a cracking job and stood by their work when I had later problems (not a fault of theirs but they offered full support) There is a web-site and you can look for a local member. Later I found another member here in Sussex, who was just as good, for work on a Motorcycle.
fer.co.uk/home-freelence-directory/

[bluebruiser]

Hello Ray


Thank you for your advice, which I shall follow up. There appears to be a cluster of companies who are registered with the FER around the Birmingham area, which is fairly close to me in Stafford.


I'm not averse to travelling if justified by the quality of work, so Northampton would not be out of the question, plus I'd rather go on a recommendation. I see there are two companies registered in Northampton having the initials KES and ASoN. Was it either of these that you used and, if so, which ? I appreciate this isn't a commercial platform and any advice is offered in good faith.


Thank you,


Mitchell 

[ray]

Mitchell,
I have checked,... It was done in May 1990!... See how old I am!
The company was Automotive Services of Lyttleton Road. I can now find no trace of them. On Google maps, the road is now a modern housing estate!
Interestingly back then the short block assembly with new big ends ect., cost the vast sum of £458! I bet it will be more today 😉

[Sam Bee]

Take a look at V8 Developments Ltd, Spalding. Rover V8 specialists, including TVR upgrades.

[bluebruiser]

Thanks Ray, I think they are now trading as Automotive Services of Northampton who are FER registered.👍🏽
Regards
Mitchell

[bluebruiser]

Thanks Sam,

i had them listed. Have you had work done by them ?

Regards
Mitchell

[Sam Bee]

Yes, they had my short engine and converted to 3.9. They fitted modern crankshaft seals front and rear, too, in place of the original rope ones. My heads, 10 bolt with bigger valves as per Land Rovers, were from V8tuner, my P6 heads came from them too.

[bluebruiser]

Thanks Sam 
That is good to know.
Regards
Mitchell

[Sam Bee]

If you are replacing the camshaft, the heart of an engine, then consider a special road friendly Kent Cam only available from V8tuner called a '4x4 High Torque camshaft' - fits straight in, gives approx additional 22hp (??) and ups the low end torque; kinder than general run of performance cams.

[Welsh Warlock]

I've had dealings with both V8 Developments and JE Developments in Rugby and of the two I would deal with JE Developments first.

John Eales (The J.E. in the name) assisted Rover in developing the V8 from 3.5 to 3.9 and has been dealing with the Rover V8 for many decades. Highly recommend him.

[barryr]

A standard 3.9 cam will do same in a 3.5 engine - about 20 bop also.

[GlennR]

I used V8 Developments to supply a full engine via a recommendation from a good friend  They are excellent and easy to talk to. They know their stuff. I had the standard V8 like you do. 
I also had a MC1 camshaft fitted.A very good 'all rounder', the MC1 camshaft is a fast road camshaft with very mild road manners and decent power output through to 5000 rpm. Ideally suited to engines less than 5.0 litre in capacity or for drivers who are looking for a very steady idle. Will fit any standard Rover V8 without pocketed pistons. Double valve springs recommended.
They will advise you with no pressure.

[Sam Bee]

I endorse that, friendly and competent. I did look at the MC1 but decided on an equally road friendly Kent Cams High Torque. 

[bluebruiser]

Thanks all, I'm very grateful for your feedback.

I've been in touch with V8 Developments and had a chat with Rob, who was very helpful. I'll add modified cams and double valve springs to the wish list.

I think my car will be like Trigger's broom when done.