Whoooaaa, now just a minute there. "Throw it away and fit a V8" Mmmmmm now if you think I would spoil the purity of my BRITISH motor car by fitting an American (sound of spitting) engine then you, Sir, are very much mistaken!
Each to there own of course but personally the 2000 engine has much to recommend it. It is a high miler with virtually no maintenance required, the design of OHC and bucket tappets does away with all clearance problems associated with OHV engines. Regular oil changes and the correct anti-freeze concentrations resolve the side-plate rot and head corrosion problems. I know its the poor relation but its fuel efficient in SC mode, Sporty in TC mode and I love 'em. Have had V8's and yes they are smooth and powerful, they are also expensive to buy and run and leave little room to work in the engine bay making even plug changing more difficult than its 4 cyl OLDER brother. Not to mention the fact it will probably run out of fuel the minute the sun comes out from behind the cloud as the engine bay starts to resemble a Chernobyl melt down. So my old TC may be a bit lumpy and definatley loses the power stakes but it is BRITISH through and through. I rest my case!