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V8 in a Vixen

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Vixen

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I have 1971 Vixen that I will be putting a 289 in. I assume I will need to fabricate engine and gearbox mounts unless someone is making them? If anyone has done this ( seems several of people have) let me know if you have any information on how you went about it.
Thanks,
Martin
 
Would love to see pictures!

Rocky
 
IMG_1411.jpeg
Here you go.
 
There are definitely better engine choices out there but at least the 289/302 was available in 1971. I have several other cars with 4 and 6 cylinder engines but looking for something with a bit more grunt. I generally always like my cars as they came from the factory but this car is pretty far gone from its original condition. Thanks for the contact information,
Martin
 
Not available in a TVR.
You will more than likely experience cooling issues and extreme heat in the cabin.
Would fit a modern four cylinder with a turbo IMHO.
Good luck!
 
Yes the Vixen never came from the factory with a V8 but almost, ( earlier by a year or two) you could get a Tuscan with the 289. As far as I know the long wheel base Tuscan has the same frame as the Vixen but I am not an expert on this., let me know, thanks,Martin
 
Grantura_MKI said:
There is a Tuscan listed on BaT. It is a car that I found many years ago and sold to a friend.
Click to expand...
I did see that, pretty sure that will be going for really strong money. I would just do a fiber glass repair from the back and drive it the way it is. It’s great car and as you know very, very rare.
 
Did the Tuscans have a hatchback rear window? Or are they fixed glass like the Vixens?
 
I agree that a modern 4 cylinder would be a far better choice both in terms of packaging and power output. The old school high output 289 had 271 bhp and that is old style gross numbers, equivalent to around 240 net, give or take (there is no simple formula)

My lightly massaged 2.0 Ecotec LNF engine in my street driver makes 375 modern net hp and they can make up to about 400 using original pistons and rods or 600-700 if you start changing parts. They also weight less and get better gas mileage as the power only comes in when you boot it.

Take look at

www.topspeed.com

15 Most Powerful Four-Cylinder Engines Ever Built

Four-cylinder engines have come a long way, as these four-bangers prove that you don't necessarily need a lot of cylinders to make big power
www.topspeed.com www.topspeed.com
 
I am not looking to modernize the car, yes there are lots of 4 cylinder choices that will make more power but a 300hp v8 is more than enough power for me and you can’t beat the v8 sound
 
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