Rover V8 replacement engine question

[terryjm1]

So, I’m getting old and can’t remember some things. From memory, I recall a story that for a period of time Land Rover sourced engines outside of their engine factory and those particular engines were of high quality.

Does anyone know if that is accurate? If so, do they have any differences that could identify them?

I have a friend that purchased a new crate short block 20 something years ago from TR8 specialist shop. It has no engine number stamped in it. Could this be one of those?

 

[outono]

I think you're referring to the Coscast blocks. @special ed wrote something about these on Insta a few weeks back:

"In my book the holy Grail of engine blocks. I have only found 3 or 4 of these over the years building and working on Rover engines. I've seen hundreds of blocks. Mind you this is all based on what I saw happen at the dealership. So in 2003 with the discovery introduction of the 4.6 Rover had an alignment issue with timing covers and oil pumps cracking in the cover. There was a TSB issued regarding these failures. They were scrambling for warranty engines and sourced some engines from Coscast an outside company for replacements. These engines were not cast and finished at the factory rather though Coscast. You can see the quality difference especially in the gallery. The factory looks like it was worked on with a chisel and grinder. On the Coscast block everything was cast and machined beautifully."

 

[discostew]

Get the intake off this bad boy and post up some pictures Terry.

 

[discostew]

I think you're referring to the Coscast blocks. @special ed wrote something about these on Insta a few weeks back:

"In my book the holy Grail of engine blocks. I have only found 3 or 4 of these over the years building and working on Rover engines. I've seen hundreds of blocks. Mind you this is all based on what I saw happen at the dealership. So in 2003 with the discovery introduction of the 4.6 Rover had an alignment issue with timing covers and oil pumps cracking in the cover. There was a TSB issued regarding these failures. They were scrambling for warranty engines and sourced some engines from Coscast an outside company for replacements. These engines were not cast and finished at the factory rather though Coscast. You can see the quality difference especially in the gallery. The factory looks like it was worked on with a chisel and grinder. On the Coscast block everything was cast and machined beautifully."

That’s pretty interesting. From what I know about this company I totally believe it. They sell the rights to their engines while the things are still under warranty but out of production. They eventually just refused to participate in those repairs. This is the issue that I’ve taken one of the dowels out of the block to help. Not fix mind you.

 

[terryjm1]

Get the intake off this bad boy and post up some pictures Terry.

I will see if I can get some photos. Thanks to all for the helpful information.

 

[DiscoClay]

That is Cosworth, isn't it? I recall you mentioning it on the [somewhat broad-discussion] clutch recommendation post

 

[DiscoClay]

I am keeping my eyes out for a cosworth block for the 4.6 build (organically slow, back-of-garage project). I am pretty sold on that along with a good resleeve.. solid bottom-end rebuild and an M112/M122 blower.

 

[DiscoClay]

It appears the optimal intake runner length for low rpm engine power is in the 40" range.