In fact current position is.. car is locked away in solitary confinement sulking with a broken clutch release arm, the pivot has broken through the pressed steel arm rendering it useless a known week point apparently. I couldn't be arsed to pull the engine out (again ) to sort it as I was intending to do that anyway to upgrade a few bits, when I was ready.
So upgraditus, the plans. Replace the open diff, as mentioned elsewhere I've bought a 3.14 LSD which is ready to fit, currently residing in the boot of my daily driver.
I've also got a replacement rebuilt LT77 gearbox, the current one works but is a bit noisy and reticent on occasion to find a few gears. The replacement is being a little elusive, still with its owner but looking promising. (Long story won't bore you).
Cosmetics, bodywork, seats, suspension / brake fine tuning, removable steering wheel / freewheel system..more of a to do list than project thread material, otherwise this'll end up major rebuild thread, which it isn't.. might mention these in passing.
Engine.. Aarrhh yes, This is Dicks fault,
why? Well James went for a blat in Dicks Car and came back with the impression that it is proper fast, in fact it makes the Viento feel pretty slow and disappointing in comparison, reaffirming my thoughts with the obvious comparison with my old V Storm which had the edge over the Viento. Whilst it sounds the nuts it's never realy gone as well as hoped.I'm pretty well stuck with the Viento as I can't fit in anything else, so in for a penny in for a pound as they say.
Whilst I'm waiting for the gearbox to turn up I might as well crack on with the engine and swap it all out in one go. The plan is 300bhp anything over is a bonus, I haven't got a bottomless budget so spec does depend a little on the right bits coming up at the right price.
Current state of play, I have a 4.6 cross bolted lump in lots of bits. The block needs sorting with new liners, cam bearings and core plugs. I also bought a pair of as new Merlin heads, pick them up next weekend. Merlin heads are basically a new design based on the outward dimensions of the original Rover design, spark plugs and valve size and position are maximised along with the ports, flowing more air than any modded original rover casting. They are revered and hated equally by tuners, suppliers etc, not sure why but guess it's because everyone sees their products as the best. I've no view on this except right part, right price, right time equals VFM. I would struggle to justify or afford to buy a new pair which equates to £3k especially as my budget for the build is £2.50
Internals will depend on the state of the crank, if it's serviceable I'll fit 4.0 Pistons to raise the compression, though I'll most likely need to pocket them for valve clearance. If the crank is scrap then I'll weigh up the options with the possibility of a stroker kit.
Induction.. Need some bling so have arranged a visit to ACT induction in East Grinsted, they did the kit for Kentons car for those that have seem it. A couple of possibilities here one is to go for similar to Kentons and fit a bespoke body such as a mustang or a twin body from something like the Vauxhall V6 engine.
The other option is really rather tasty.. and a little bit of a left field approach, one I'm keen to persue, but it seriously depends on affordability. Will let you know in due course.
The next stage is to get the block relinered, so need to make a few calls and arrange.
