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Technical The smallest physical dimension production V8?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by BamaMav, Aug 28, 2020.

  1. I too would like to know the LIGHTEST, MOST COMPACT, V8 that can be found reasonably.
    I am assuming that the original post meant a similar question..
    I dont care that the Stude 224 was small in displacement, and possibly the most rugged super heavy engine ever built, or that some super heavy Hemis came with small displacements.
    That isn't the goal at all.
    I would like to find out the lightest, most compact power source I can find for a small light car at an affordable price.
    I hope the original post question might bring us some info on that important goal.
    THANKS!
    Could the best answers be the small Buick aluminum v8? or a small Ford aluminum v8, or ??
    Who has the lightest, most compact, sort-of-powerhouse, that is affordable and reasonably easy to obtain? Ideal for some reasonably strong muscle in a peppy fun light handling hotrod. That's what I'm dying to know.

    WHY BE ORDINARY ?
     
    Last edited: Aug 29, 2020
  2. Marty Strode
    Joined: Apr 28, 2011
    Posts: 8,796

    Marty Strode
    Member

    One nice feature about the 215 Buick, the front of the pan is only 1" deep, for the first seven inches. The distributor is up front, for added convenience. I have one for a Simca/Topolino project. IMG_7994.JPG
     
  3. Deuces
    Joined: Nov 3, 2009
    Posts: 23,751

    Deuces

    I have an aluminum 4 cam V8 in my car.... It makes 460 hp... But it's off topic..... :(
     
  4. Ebbsspeed
    Joined: Nov 11, 2005
    Posts: 6,250

    Ebbsspeed
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I've got a 215 Buick sitting on the shelf, with too many projects ahead of it. It'll probably be on the estate sale unless somebody decides they need one.
     
    65pacecar likes this.
  5. partssaloon
    Joined: Jan 28, 2009
    Posts: 676

    partssaloon
    Member

    I always thought a supercharged V6 out of a Thunderbird super coupe would make a sweet ride.
     
  6. GeeRam
    Joined: Jun 9, 2007
    Posts: 557

    GeeRam
    Member

    Matched by the 121.7ci Lamborghini V8 in the Urraco only sold in Italy.
    As with the Ferrari, it was a home market only (rest of the world got the 150ci version) because of Italian luxury car tax rules at the time which heavily penalised cars over 2 litres.
    And like the Ferrari, good luck finding one of those outside of Italy.
     
    Ned Ludd likes this.
  7. On a T why make it harder than it has to be.231 Buick.They made headers,and intakes,and cams for this one.
     
    Tman likes this.
  8. Rusty O'Toole
    Joined: Sep 17, 2006
    Posts: 9,657

    Rusty O'Toole
    Member

    Buick/Rover V8 is the choice.
     
  9. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 3,927

    RodStRace
    Member

    Yeah, for small/light/cheap the Buick/Rover is the choice. Do some research, some are better choices than others.
    Out of sight when finding and rebuilding cost is part of the equation are the Daimler and Toyota hemi V8s mentioned.
    Even more crazy are the Italian V8s, unless you can find a running one cheap and fab the external stuff.

    For the money is something to burn crowd, they make a V8 by creating one from 2 bike top ends
    Warning: not HAMB friendly
    https://www.h1v8.com/maxi-v8---specs.html
    and how it sounds


    Too small for your needs are the 1/4 scale engines
    https://www.quarterscales.com/1-4-quarter-scale-engines

    and an article with video asking the same question
    https://bangshift.com/bangshiftapex...ooking-10-smallest-v8-engines-installed-cars/
     
    Ned Ludd and ottoman like this.
  10. Phil, I had a '88 Thunderbird turbo coupe and it was equipped with a 2.3-liter inline-four. HRP
     
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  11. BamaMav
    Joined: Jun 19, 2011
    Posts: 6,707

    BamaMav
    Member
    from Berry, AL

    90’s Super Coupe Tbirds were supercharged V6’s. Had the Eaton supercharger on them. I nearly bought a 92 model one time, ended up with a 5.0 Tbird Sport instead.
     
    Hnstray likes this.
  12. Deuce Lover
    Joined: Feb 15, 2009
    Posts: 1,047

    Deuce Lover
    Member

    Back in 1965 in Long Beach,CA a CHP fellow I knew put a V860 in a 27 T coupe. Fit in perfectly.
     
  13. rod1
    Joined: Jan 18, 2009
    Posts: 1,324

    rod1
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Sweet,Marty! What tranny are you planning?These Motors and the Olds get my vote.But Blowbys' is coolest..
     
    Last edited: Aug 31, 2020
  14. upspirate
    Joined: Apr 15, 2012
    Posts: 2,299

    upspirate
    Member

    I have a 229 Chev V-6 that I was thinking of for a channeled fenderless 30-31 A roadster.
    Procured chrome valve covers, Edlebrock 4 bbl intake.
    V-8 bell housings,4-5 speeds will fit.
    Figured with a mid 3 rear ratio in a light car would be fun and decent mileage.
    Alas, not going to build it,priorities have changed over the years
     
  15. Marty Strode
    Joined: Apr 28, 2011
    Posts: 8,796

    Marty Strode
    Member

    I have a complete stick setup with a T-5. I also have the remnants of an Olds.
     
  16. flatheadpete
    Joined: Oct 29, 2003
    Posts: 10,478

    flatheadpete
    Member
    from Burton, MI

    I have a friend with a '27 closed pickup. He runs a mildly built 4.3 V6 and it hauls! Kinda street-roddy for a pick here, though.
     
  17. oldskool.
    Joined: Sep 11, 2010
    Posts: 62

    oldskool.
    Member
    from florida

    I'll second or third the 231 Buick only because I have one and don't have room to store it. Any takers?
     
  18. Right there's the kicker :D
     
    upspirate likes this.
  19. Those Ford 260 V8's look tiny to me
     
  20. redo32
    Joined: Jul 16, 2008
    Posts: 2,137

    redo32
    Member

    While not a true production engine it uses production head & cylinders on a custom crankcase. The Crosley V8

    upload_2020-8-31_10-44-23.jpeg
     
  21. alanp561
    Joined: Oct 1, 2017
    Posts: 4,609

    alanp561
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Yeah, the material the seals in the turbo were made from weren't up to the job at that time.
     
  22. BigDogSS
    Joined: Jan 8, 2009
    Posts: 979

    BigDogSS
    Member
    from SoCal

    Just do a 283. Perfect for T.
     
  23. 283-400 SBC are the same physical size and 221-302 FSB W are the same physical size. JW
     
    X-cpe and upspirate like this.
  24. This one is a bit off track but curious in the fact it was built and raced in the 1950's and was a V8 with 8 carburetors and 8 sets of points so some fine tune up skills were required. 30 cubic inches is the displacement or 500cc's. It was built by Moto Guzzi and raced in the 1950's 500 class of what is now motogp.

    v8-500cc.jpg Moto-Guzzi-V8.jpg Moto-Guzzi-8c.jpg
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2020
  25. ekimneirbo
    Joined: Apr 29, 2017
    Posts: 4,214

    ekimneirbo

    4.2 or 4.6 Rover with buick on the valve covers. You can find these engines fairly easily and you get updated engineering and about 280 cu in instead of 215. There are some good sources for interchanging parts so you can build some neat engines. Some of the Olds versions actually came with a turbo, so using newer turbo technology while looking nostalgic could work. Try D&D Fabrications for some good reading. http://aluminumv8.com/ There are also some overseas sites that have good information. There are some combos that use a buick 300 crank for a stroker to get 305 cu in but you need some of the aluminum 300 heads to make it work and they only made them 1 year. Complete engine weights vary depending on what components you select but expect all up weight somewhere around 300/330 lbs.
     
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  26. Terry Buffum
    Joined: Mar 20, 2008
    Posts: 304

    Terry Buffum
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Oregon

    I think the Ferrari 308 has the same exterior dimensions as the 208 and is much more common.

    FIAT also made a 2 liter V8.

    The Olds "215" is a great little engine. We ran one with a 300 Buick crank, Chevy "pink" rods, four Weber carbs.
     
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  27. BamaMav
    Joined: Jun 19, 2011
    Posts: 6,707

    BamaMav
    Member
    from Berry, AL

    I love the 231 V6 Buick’s. I put one with a Saginaw 4 speed in a Toyo pickup years ago. With the factory 4:11 rear, if I could get it rolling it would pull a freight train.

    I remembered today I have a wrecked Ranger with a 4.0 Cologne V6 with a 5 speed behind it stored out back. I might just use it if I can find the stuff to lose the computer and fuel injection. It’s about the same size as a 2.8 60* V6 Chevy. Not exactly HAMB friendly, but with a full hood you’ll never see it.....
     
    upspirate likes this.
  28. lake_harley
    Joined: Jun 4, 2017
    Posts: 2,159

    lake_harley
    Member

    I don't know anything about the 4.0 V6 you're speaking of, but Pete Chapouris "got by" with a V-6 in this roadster. It was out of a Mercury Capri (70's or 80's?) if I remember correctly.

    Lynn

    0605kc_13_z-1926_ford_track_t-.jpg 2.jpg
     
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  29. Beanscoot
    Joined: May 14, 2008
    Posts: 3,053

    Beanscoot
    Member

  30. BamaMav
    Joined: Jun 19, 2011
    Posts: 6,707

    BamaMav
    Member
    from Berry, AL

    That is the same engine family as what is in the wrecked Ranger I have. It’s a German Ford design, started out around a 2.8 IIRC and eventually wound up being a 4.0. That pic shows how narrow they are, great for an early frame and be able to run a full hood.
    And that side view is what I have dancing in my head....simple, and fun....
     
    1morecarIpromise! likes this.

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