steve_m Posted September 29, 2004 Posted September 29, 2004 I have recently discovered an old engine, it's been dismantled but all the parts seem to be there. It's a petrol engine (has spark plugs) and is a straight eight. Inlet manifold has two flanges for what would be carbs. Crankshaft is huge. Bore is about 3" and stroke about 5". Big b*******. What's the best way to identify it ? There are no markings on it that make any sense to me and anything that would have had a name on like the air filter housing, is missing. Any suggestions for what might have used a straight 8 engine 20-30-40 years ago ? Quote
Nick M Posted September 29, 2004 Posted September 29, 2004 Something American is the only thing which springs to mind right now. Unless it's something like an old tractor engine ?? Quote
Blatman Posted September 29, 2004 Posted September 29, 2004 It may be an old stationary engine. Farms used to use them to generate electrickery and run farm workshop equipment. Same sort of thing was used for saw mills and the like, I think... Quote
steve_m Posted September 29, 2004 Author Posted September 29, 2004 Thanks for the suggestions. I'll see if I can take some pictures. There is a gearbox with it, massive thing about twice the size of an MT75 and about three times the weight. I was dreaming it might be an old Maserati engine but I think Nick is closer with a Tractor ! Quote
BUSANOSTRA Posted September 29, 2004 Posted September 29, 2004 Cadillac and La Salle in mind!! Pontiac and 1937 Buick sedan in my intel Quote
v7slr Posted September 29, 2004 Posted September 29, 2004 Old Alfa's (very old - think Fangio) used to use things like that. In fact, many sports and race cars of the time used straight 8's. That said, I'd have thought you would have to be VERY lucky to find something of that calibre. Quote
BUSANOSTRA Posted September 29, 2004 Posted September 29, 2004 Use it to the seven and sit on the top of the 8 cylinders. Quote
Rob Navin Posted September 29, 2004 Posted September 29, 2004 Have you measured it. It sounds like it could replace a VX Quote
steve_m Posted September 29, 2004 Author Posted September 29, 2004 I've found that Jensen and Alvis also had straight eight engines and the capacity sounds about right. The alloy intake manifold (all one piece too) makes me think less tractor and more car. Quote
Barry Ashcroft Posted September 29, 2004 Posted September 29, 2004 Try the RHOC they have been fitting engines like those for years. Quote
Martin Keene Posted September 30, 2004 Posted September 30, 2004 It sounds like it could replace a VX Good Call... Quote
neilwillis Posted September 30, 2004 Posted September 30, 2004 Has it got any sign of a diesel injector pump attached? More than likely it's a lorry or tractor unit - so ideal for a RHOC advert! Quote
peterg Posted September 30, 2004 Posted September 30, 2004 Rolls Royce Phantom used a straight 8 engine in 1950 (5.7litre) as well as Alvis in the 20s and 30s Quote
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