Go faster 3500S - Tuning a 3500S

J

James Harris

New Member
My 3500S was quite quick enough until my girlfriend recently bought a (Mk1) Golf GTI. Not to be outdone I'm now wondering how to make mine faster still!

I've got a 1974S with aftermarket electronic ignition but otherwise entirely standard. I don't want to change the outward appearance of the car (so no Webers, twin tail pipes etc) and I don't want to bankrupt myself! Also, the car is used on the road so it has to retain driveability with plenty of low down torque.

I was wondering if any members had any tips for me? I've heard that a fast road cam can make a lot of difference but would this be worthwhile without other modifications. I've had a quote for fitting stage 3 heads of around 2 grand but that's probably more than I want to spend in one go.

Anyway, if anyone could help that would be great.

Incidentally before I rush off on a modifying spree, can anyone tell me the correct ignition timing settings for a 74 S? My manuals only seem to include the 10:1 compression engine, which I believe is incorrect for my car.

Many thanks,

James.
 
James,
You should get lots of replies regarding mild to wild tuning of a Rover V8 as there is so much that can be done, depending on your budget of course. Peter, our Editor, would be worth talking to.
Your ignition timing should be set to 6° before top dead centre if your car was built to run on 4 star (as I guess your '74 model was) or if it was the earlier high compression model which was designed for five star than the timing has to be set to top dead centre. Of course a lot depends on the fuel that you use and the way that you drive your car.
Hope this helps, regards, John.
 
James

Theres lots of advice out there, the RPI website can be usefull, but remember they are selling stuff, theres also a book that been arround for ages who's title escapes me (its the only book I've ever seen). Generally, with the RV8the easy power comes with carbs and cams, ie K&N filters on SU's up to Yank style Holly or Webber carbs, and/or uprated cam. Not much point in looking at cylinder heads till you've done these 2 and then want more power !!.
Remember if the engine is getting old, just getting new parts (timing chains etc) and getting the tuning spot on can make a big difference. The cams is supposed to knackered after 40-60,000 miles, (RPI have a lot to say about this).

I wait for Editor Petes views on this !
 
Thanks John, thats the book.

Just so I don't show any favoritisme on dealers, Real Steal are another big name in RV8's and Rimmer Bros sell a wide range of V8 stuff.
 
Thanks Ron. I've managed to pick up a copy of the book from Amazon - looks like It'll make good bedtime reading! People I've spoken to seem to think carbs and cams as well so I'll probably go down that avenue.

My cars done 80,000 miles now so the 'Cams only last 60,000 anyway' argument will probably be a good one to use with my other half!
 
Dont know if still available but there was a good kit around that converted the camfollowers to manual ajustment and added 25 bhp!!
 
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