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Stag what motor for a Stag?

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frankenstang57

frankenstang57

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My "good" Stag has a Buick 231 in it right now. It had been converted when I bought it, but the motor was bad. I replaced the motor with another, and it too is bad. The conversion is at best kinda half @$$'d and I'm getting the itch to try something else. My question is this, what motor would you use and why. Since the Stag V-8's are getting really scarce and $$$, that's out of the question. Let'r rip! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
My wife's Stag has a GM V6 as well, but I'm considering swaping in a Mustang 4.6L modular V8 - the SOHC version would resemble the original Stag engine somewhat, but the DOHC with the supercharger definately has appeal as well - not to mention it's all aluminum to boot.

Then again, the conversion she currently have seems to be nicely done, so I may just rebuilt what's currently there. I'll make those decisions once I have the '4A finished
 
That 4.6 is a pretty big motor. I don't think I'd try the twin cammer with the current rear end. I dunno about the weight either, the heads are aluminum, but I don't think the lower end is. The biggest problem I see with the swap(any) is the #%^&% steering rack is in the way. I've heard of someone swapping in a Ford V-6 out of a late model Ranger. After all, that motor is based on the 2.8 they used in the English Capri's. Anyone know anything about the Rover motors? I know where I can pick one of those up...
 
The Rover V8 was the go-to engine when people were panicking over the OEM Stag motors. If you can get a good unit (this is critical) you will find it to be a sweet engine. Smooth, plenty of torque, and as reliable as having to pay income tax! Just make sure that you are perticular about oil levels (and regular changes), and the coolant and the thing will run forever!

A bonus is that since it is based on the GM engine, you can still get parts from just about anywhere.

I had one of these in a Rover 3500S, and the engine was absolutely bullet-proof! When the body gave out a friend took the engine to put in his Range Rover.

I love the Rover V8......can you guess?
 
If you want to stay a little more compact than a V8, how about a Buick 3.8L with factory turbo, out of either a GN or T-type. Lots of power there. I'd be partial to the Ford mod motors, tons of go fast goodies out there for them and they're dirt cheap (well, not the Cobra motor), but the Buick is an alternative. Also how about the Rover V8 from a TR8?
 
Hello Frank,

wouldn't the correct engine, i.e. the Triumph V8 give some value to your Stag. Certainly in the UK a 'correct' car is worth a lot more than a special?

Alec
 
I met a guy last week that has two Stags. A stock one and a Ford 302 swap. I asked him how well it fit and he said that it wasn't too bad a fit. Remember, with respect to small-blocks, Ford V-8s are more narrow that Chevy or Chrysler V-8s.
By the way, I've heard that a SAAB 99 turbo engine will bolt into these things (different than the 900 engine).
I haven't seen the 302 car, so this is second-hand info.
 
[ QUOTE ]
That 4.6 is a pretty big motor. I don't think I'd try the twin cammer with the current rear end. I dunno about the weight either, the heads are aluminum, but I don't think the lower end is. The biggest problem I see with the swap(any) is the #%^&% steering rack is in the way. I've heard of someone swapping in a Ford V-6 out of a late model Ranger. After all, that motor is based on the 2.8 they used in the English Capri's. Anyone know anything about the Rover motors? I know where I can pick one of those up...

[/ QUOTE ]

The SOHC motor has a cast iron block, but the DOHC engine is all aluminum. I do agree that the rear end would have to be beefed-up to handle the supercharger, but even the FI version would produce enough horsepower to make for an exciting ride! I don't have the figures at hand, but I seem to remember the SOHC motor dimensions showed it should fit without major issues, but any engine swap will have it's bugs to work out.
 
The Buick 3.8 is the same as the 231. They do make big power with the turbo, but that's not what I'm after. As I said earlier, the correct Stag motor is a hard one to find. Extremely pricey too IMHO. I've seriously considered the 302. I even have a complete motor and trans sitting on the floor of my shop right now for the very purpose. I guess what kinda got me thinking is bcliff's project. He's doing a 289 in his. No offence Bruce, but I just don't like how far forward the SBF sits. There's bunches of room between the back of the motor and the fire wall but, since the Ford motor has a front mounted oil pump it interferes with the steering rack. Even with copious amounts of triming to the pan. Since the Stag is notorious for having a low hood, if I put the motor where I wanted to the carb will be through the hood. If I went back I'd need to alter the fire wall. How's about the Rover motor? Do Rover motors use a GM bolt pattern for bell the housing? Thanx! BTW, isn't that Saab motor 1/2 of Triumph V-8? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
 
289-289-289-289-289-289-289-289-289-289-289-289-289-289-289-289.
Dave,
I think we could have trimmed the pan a little closer to the oil pump and gotten the motor back a little further.Easy for a guy that is set up to weld in his own garage. Even as it is there is room for a proper air cleaner without bulging the hood.
You can also lower the front crossmember/steering rack an inch too. I looked at a 302 stag set up this way, its real easy. But if you want the ease of a rear sump pan, small block chevy would be a good fit. I think they need an 8 cyl engine to get the proper stag sound. Just can't get that with a 6. We just about have the 289 set up in ours and are getting a driveshaft done next week. Then exhaust hookup and some paint. Maybe by May!!
Bruce /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif
 
You do have a point.(sorry I called you Bill earlier, I was being pestered by a co worker named Phil) There are not 1, but 2 Rover 3.9's at Anderson's right now. Cooler than a SBC. Any thoughts?
 
Rover would be cool, but you need the transmission too. Great if you have the $$$$.
How about a buick 215? I think I can line you up with one of those.
The wife found the "storage yard" next to the house. It was a mojor NON-event. She just wants a mini.
 
[ QUOTE ]
The SOHC motor has a cast iron block, but the DOHC engine is all aluminum. I do agree that the rear end would have to be beefed-up to handle the supercharger, but even the FI version would produce enough horsepower to make for an exciting ride! I don't have the figures at hand, but I seem to remember the SOHC motor dimensions showed it should fit without major issues, but any engine swap will have it's bugs to work out.

[/ QUOTE ]

The 2002-2005 Explorer had an aluminum block SOHC 2-valve motor. My roommate built one for his Thunderbird. The 2005+ Mustang 3-valve SOHC is also an aluminum block.
 
This may strike you as a stupid idea, but what about a TR6 motor?
I have seen ads for Stags with this swap in UK mags, and possibly the Stag engine bay is similar to the 2000/2500 saloon, so you might even get engine mounts from Rimmer or some other source.

Of course it won't be as fast, but it would be "all Triumph."
Simon.
 
I've seen Stags advertised with TR6 motors as well, but have yet to see a picture of one. Would it be too long?
 
The Rover V8 4.0 is a nice motor, but expensive. Watch for any of the early 3.5's, they had a real problem with upper eng oiling and the cams wore out very quickly. Also they are alum block & heads with sleaved cyl bores & sometimes the sleve slips down & then the motor is usually history. Ask me how I know? my'88 Rangie with 140k on it started pressurizing the cooling system, the hoses would buldge & pressure would remain in the system for 2 days! I wound up putting in a new 4.0 liter block & redid my heads.

I think you can get a new shortblock for under $2500. Talk to Woody Dell on Cape Cod MA. He specializes in TR8's & can set you up.

One of the TR8 guys can priobably help you out.

If not I can make an inquiry.
 
[ QUOTE ]
Rover would be cool, but you need the transmission too. Great if you have the $$$$.
How about a buick 215? I think I can line you up with one of those.
The wife found the "storage yard" next to the house. It was a mojor NON-event. She just wants a mini.

[/ QUOTE ]

I think the 3.9 is based on the 215. Just newer. I just don't know what I could put behind it. Pan is the right config. Hehe, "storage yard", hehe. You need one like mine! Only time my wife goes out there when I need help with something. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif Only thing she's been bugging me about is getting the Stag on the road!
 
Hello all,

yes the 6 cylinder Triumph is an easy transplant as the Stag was developed from the Triumph 2000\2500 saloon car by Michelloti. I would still go for the Triumph V8 myself, dsepite the weaknesses.

Alec
 
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