Mototechnics Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 (edited) At the ripe age of 50 I've decided I want a V8 Manta. Not being one to do things the easy way and buy one, I decided to do the job myself. I just bought a 87 Manta from eBay to convert. It's a complete car and I've just got to sort out picking it up. That's not as easy as it seems as all the trailers around here are out on loan...bugger! Been speaking to Paulmanta and got some tips. Once I've got her home I'll post some more pic and keep posting as the refurb/V8 conversion progresses. For now you'll just have to make do with the eBay pictures. Why Mary I hear you say. well it's an old tradition from when I was in the RAF, giving the planes girls name the start with the same letter as the aircraft type; Caroline the Canberra, Tracey the Tornado etc. I've got a motorbike and she's called Katie. Yes it's a Kawasaki ZX9R. Edited March 11, 2011 by Mototechnics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmanta Posted March 11, 2011 Share Posted March 11, 2011 Excellent, I had a feeling it would not be long before I was reading a topic like this from you ! There is an engine and inlet manifold in the for sale section that would do you, near Gatwick. Good core to start with and it gives you the right inlet that you will need. http://forums.mantaclub.org/topic/27930-eldebrock-inlet-manifold-for-v8/page__pid__197008#entry197008 Buy a new carb though, secondhand ones can cost as much to fix and set up as a new one is to buy with the right jets. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin Abbott Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Good luck with it, that's a fair trip from here ( NW) to you V8 mantas always gather a crowd, join the club it's well worth it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opel2000 Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 what a nice contrast, after just reading a post where someone was asking about fitting a Straight 6 24V lump, I start reading a thread where someone wants to fit a a RV8 lump. Absolutely faultless conversion in my mind, as the engine is 20kg or 20lbs lighter than the original CIH lump and when I did my 3.5 Conversion it was pushing out 203.3 BHP and that was without the carb being set up properly, and my god did it need setting up 30mpg just wasn't right with my heavy right foot. Would love to do this conversion again, can be done very well for little cash if shopping around well, especially by sourcing new parts from the US. But what puts me off is producing a decent pair of headers again, quite a battle was that. Look forward to seeing project progress, speaking of which now it isn't WET or raining or a Baltic gale blowing, i'm gonna go and get stuck into mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon p Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 what a nice contrast, after just reading a post where someone was asking about fitting a Straight 6 24V lump, I start reading a thread where someone wants to fit a a RV8 lump. Absolutely faultless conversion in my mind, as the engine is 20kg or 20lbs lighter than the original CIH lump and when I did my 3.5 Conversion it was pushing out 203.3 BHP and that was without the carb being set up properly, and my god did it need setting up 30mpg just wasn't right with my heavy right foot. Would love to do this conversion again, can be done very well for little cash if shopping around well, especially by sourcing new parts from the US. But what puts me off is producing a decent pair of headers again, quite a battle was that. Look forward to seeing project progress, speaking of which now it isn't WET or raining or a Baltic gale blowing, i'm gonna go and get stuck into mine. Couldn't agree more with Clive, V8's make loads os sense, so my better and safer than a straight 6 vauxhall engine. Clives was great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mototechnics Posted March 12, 2011 Author Share Posted March 12, 2011 (edited) Thanks for the encouragement guys. Kevin, I'm from Blackpool originally and just an illegal immigrant here in Norfolk (tolerated because of the Eastern Europeans who have moved here get a bad press). I get to go to my parents back in Blackpool a lot and hope maybe one day to drive the Manta there as it will make my old Mum and Dad so proud that all their efforts to bring me up has resulted in me still being a big kid who wants to play with cars, bikes and planes. As for a V8, it's the sound, so evocative. Whilst I'd love to get sensible mpg but t's the fun and noise of a V8 I'm after. Bonus is I do not live too far from RPI - result!! It's going to be an interesting project because while I have the mechanical knowledge and skill for this project, I can't weld to save my life. Time to start practicing I reckon. Any tips? I've been told a Gasless MIG is OK but not as good as a Gas one. However, I'm told the Gas doesn't last too long and is a pain as it always runs out mid job. Mark Edited March 12, 2011 by Mototechnics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Manta again Posted March 12, 2011 Share Posted March 12, 2011 Go the gas route, better to hire abottle of argon mix from your nearest supplier BOC or whoever, even a small bottle from them will last you quite awhile. Don't buy the small bottles from places like Halfords etc that really will cost you a fortune and run out mid job. Happy welding Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stonymanta Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 If you want it to handle you'll have to cut the bulkhead and move it back a bit. Though I understand you aren't allowed to do this now without applying for something or other.... Though I'm not certain of the details I know Mr Peckham will be able to advise on that one..... Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmanta Posted March 14, 2011 Share Posted March 14, 2011 If you want it to handle you'll have to cut the bulkhead and move it back a bit. Though I understand you aren't allowed to do this now without applying for something or other.... Though I'm not certain of the details I know Mr Peckham will be able to advise on that one..... Good luck. No you don't, I had a very modified tunnel in my V8 due to the fact the previous owner had put a massive autobox in the car but I have re-installed a totally standard tunnel, I even have the gearstick for the 5 speed rover box going through the standard hole and the heaters and ducting are all totally standard too. I have the engine as far back as it needs to be and as low as i can get it and the centre of the weight is well behind the hub centres and is lower than the CIH that the car came with. I made a very shallow sump and my own fully adjustable engine mounts, its spot on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opel2000 Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 No you don't, I had a very modified tunnel in my V8 due to the fact the previous owner had put a massive autobox in the car but I have re-installed a totally standard tunnel, I even have the gearstick for the 5 speed rover box going through the standard hole and the heaters and ducting are all totally standard too. I have the engine as far back as it needs to be and as low as i can get it and the centre of the weight is well behind the hub centres and is lower than the CIH that the car came with. I made a very shallow sump and my own fully adjustable engine mounts, its spot on. Can totally echo this, only mods I did on mine was to lightly dress (hit with hammer) an area of the transmission tunnel to allow a tad more space for the gearbox. Gear lever came through trans tunnel in correct place too etc. Spot on Paul, we know don't we mate Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simon p Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Can totally echo this, only mods I did on mine was to lightly dress (hit with hammer) an area of the transmission tunnel to allow a tad more space for the gearbox. Gear lever came through trans tunnel in correct place too etc. Spot on Paul, we know don't we mate Me too. The Rover weights less than a stock CIH engine. Simon (stonymanta) has seen my American V8 installs in the past, these i move back to aid balance but the Rover is just fine in the middle of the stock 'bay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opel2000 Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 Me too. The Rover weights less than a stock CIH engine. Simon (stonymanta) has seen my American V8 installs in the past, these i move back to aid balance but the Rover is just fine in the middle of the stock 'bay. Hello mate, yes was assuming that would have been the case Simon, just wanted to Echo Pauls comments especially with another V8 thread on here at the mo, and a damn good thread about how crap handling a straight 6 will make the Manta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul1393 Posted March 15, 2011 Share Posted March 15, 2011 I have covered over 30,000 miles in my A series since converting to a 3.9 Rover V8 -which was later replaced with a 4.6 V8-. It handles very well with the engine sitting where the original engine was. Lowering springs and KYB gas shocks gives the car much more of a sporty feel on the road than the stock setup. It does use more fuel than the CiH, however it's much more fun! . I love driving it as it has bags of torque which means you don't have to get it up in the rev range to feel the power. Watching peoples heads turn when they hear that deep burble is another reason to install a V8. Best of luck with the project. Ps If your after an Edelbrock/Webber 500 cfm carburetor send me a PM I will have one for sale by the end of the month full working order £175. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mototechnics Posted March 22, 2011 Author Share Posted March 22, 2011 Car in now in Norfolk (Pics to follow). Initial inspection reveals rust, rust and more rust but not as bad as first thought. Found a 4 inch deep puddle in the spare wheel well. Looks like a repair weld took away the drain hole - I'm sure there was a drain hole in my last three Mantas (but the last one left home in 1991 so the memory may be wrong). Bailed out now and drying nicely. Starts and runs nicely and drives OK but it 'aint a V8. Anyone looking for a runing Manta 2.0ltr engine and gearbox you know where I am Now on the case of a Rover 3500SDI engne and 5 speed manual gearbox which is only a few miles from me. Playing telephone tennis with the guy at the moment (he phones me, I'm out-I phone him, he's out. you know how it goes) Funny how all of a sudden I've got people who I've never met before offering to help me because they used to have one in the eighties(or a Crapi - yes I spelt it right) Paul1393 - Yes will be in touch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmanta Posted March 22, 2011 Share Posted March 22, 2011 Get ssome more pics up ! seriously, Photos of the "before" are a good referance tool for when you get the build blues about 3/4 of the way through it and need inspiration to make a final push. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
czwh42 Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 Mototechnics, Here are some pictures of Clive's (opel2000) V8. I'm the very very lucky owner of this car now. Love it to bits. All the guys who have commented before me are the ones you need to be talking to about this conversion. They have a wealth of experience with this conversion. Good luck. Here are the pictures as promised. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gary6303 Posted March 24, 2011 Share Posted March 24, 2011 love the picture of the v8 manta at billing, as my red astra and best mates carlton are in the back ground... . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
opel2000 Posted March 25, 2011 Share Posted March 25, 2011 love the picture of the v8 manta at billing, as my red astra and best mates carlton are in the back ground... . Currently trying to think what the the hell I did with that tent that the V8 is parked in front of. czwh42, been on my laptop recently and found a load of pics for you, I'll have to fish them off onto a disc at some point, time always seems to go in the eve's though. Apologies for going off topic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mototechnics Posted March 28, 2011 Author Share Posted March 28, 2011 (edited) 28th March 2011 - The before shots This is just what I can see without taking her apart. Who is that handsome devil in the reflection? Passenger door jacking point?? Now there's a suprise, rust around the sunroof Spare wheel well (sorry about the quality) The driver's side main beam light broke like a Christmas Bauble under very slight pressure when I went to take it out!! Laodsa room for a V8 Battery Tray doesn't look as bad as some I've seen on here Genuine mileage honest gov'nor. Could be 108K more like Apparently these seats also come in grey!!! Edited March 28, 2011 by Mototechnics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmanta Posted March 28, 2011 Share Posted March 28, 2011 So All the usual places Mantas go bad then, Strip it down to a bare shell and poke the hell out of it, the thick underseal/sheet sound deadening int he foot wells and boot is great at hiding water and rust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Devil Fish Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 28th March 2011 - The before shots Passenger door jacking point?? damn rustmice! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mototechnics Posted May 24, 2011 Author Share Posted May 24, 2011 Not been able to do much toMary for a while now mainly due to work and doing a Masters Degree. I havebegun to strip her and things are looking OK. Usual rust spots and passengerfloor carpets and sound proofing was soaking. Took delivery of a Rover 3.5ltrV8 and now on the lookout for a 5 speed manual gearbox. Will get some picturessoon as I know you guys prefer to see 'it in the flesh'. Work means it could bea bit longer before I get my teeth into it properly. Masters Degree finishes atthe end of August. Also all this good weather means I've been racking up themiles on my Kawasaki ZX9R Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mototechnics Posted November 18, 2011 Author Share Posted November 18, 2011 (edited) Sorry guys for not posting for ages. Car is coming apart slowly and recouping some cost by selling stuff. Major coup being buying a SD1 3.5ltr V8 engine for £150 and selling the twin Solex Carbs and manifold for £75!. Pictures will follow but basically I'm stripping it completely for blasting. Found out it has the Fred Flintstone modification (big hole in drivers side floor to put your feet through to power it). Feel a trip to Suffolk County Mantas coming on soon. Mark Edited October 1, 2012 by Mototechnics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
399Road Posted November 20, 2011 Share Posted November 20, 2011 Mototechnics, It looks like you've a lot of work ahead of you... My first coupe was in similar condition to your car and now, looking back at how much work was needed to put it back on the road, I think I'd have been better off buying an earlier Chrome bumpered car and fitting all the GTE bits and four slot front panel to it. I spent around six months restoring it and had to get my mate to do all the welding as I couldn't weld at the time. This GTE served me well and I clocked up 82000 miles in 3 years of motoring, but within a couple of months, the rust started to come through and eventually I realised that to get this Manta to last, it really needed most of its body panels replacing, instead of me just patching it up. I ended up buying another really tidy Manta that had been parked up for years as it had a blown up engine. Restoring this other non sunroofed car has took a lot less time and money than fully rebuilding the original car. Whilst I don't want you to think that I'm saying your Manta's past restoration, it looks like it'll take loads of work to get it nice and welding in sills and rear wheelarches without distorting the panels can be tricky for an inexperienced welder. I admire your enthusiasm as I was once "in your shoes" with my old GTE . You've got your car, and got a plan mapped out, so the first step of your V8 Manta is there.A lot of people would have just left this as an idea in their head and never done anything about it. Just have a look round before you start welding and see if there's any other tidier shells or cars around first,( the earlier Manta B models don't rust like the later Exclusives do ) Anything can be fixed, but if you picked up a better shell that needed less work then your project would be a lot easier and quicker to complete. Please don't think that I'm slating your car, I'm not.... I'm just trying to suggest an easier route to your V8 Manta... Good luck with your project..... Luke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mototechnics Posted September 2, 2012 Author Share Posted September 2, 2012 (edited) Once again it has been slow progress. Life just seems to get in the way. I only manage about 4-5 hours a month to work on Mary so its gonna take some time to get her there. Still stripping her and learning a lot as I go along. I'm going to have to get some welding practice/experience under my belt judging by the following photos Started stripping the Rover 3.5 V8 engine I've got for it. All looks good so far. 4.0 modification anyone??? Mark Edited September 2, 2012 by Mototechnics Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.