Marcos Maniacs

I agree with Paul and Donny. I have owned Marcos with B-30 engine sense 1972 But only have 22k miles on the clock. The car has just completed a complete frame off restoration. While I had the engine out, I replaced the valve seats with hardened seats and installed electronic ignition. Upon internal inspection, I noticed that crosshatching in the cylinders are very visible and very little wear on the main seal wear surfaces (realizing the low mileage I was expecting this) and the seals were still tight and pliable, but replaced them as it seemed pointless not to as it is over 35 years old. I replaced the automatic with an overdrive 4 speed. I used to think it was swift before, but there is a marked improvement with the new tranny. The only problem I have had is trying to find a new water pump that isn't oversize on the pipe outlet. All pumps I have tried, Have been overhauled too many times to maintain the ID of the outlet pipe opining and it doesn't seal
 against the "O" ring.
Larry
3V5536
 

 
----- Original Message ----
From: Paul Dransfield <pauldransfield@...>
To: MarcosManiacs@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Wednesday, September 12, 2007 10:17:59 AM
Subject: Re: [MarcosManiacs] engine alternatives

I would also concur with Donny's assessment. I've owned my 3 litre Volvo for 32 years and I've NEVER had an engine problem other than a worn water pump or two. I switched out the original standard B30 engine around 12 years ago for a factory tuned B30 marine engine (literally out of a boat) putting out 235bhp, and I've had no regrets. The original engine was still running very well and could out-accelerate most other cars on the road but it needed an overhaul. It had done well over 100,000 miles and would have benefitted from a rebore and valve job. After weighing up the rebuild cost against CAN$1200 being asked for the newly rebuilt factory tuned engine, it was a no-brainer. I had to have the cam reprofiled with new lifters, installed electronic ignition and swapped a few components from my old engine, but I then just dropped it in and away I went. After 12 years of lead foot driving, I've only ever had to change the oil, filter and spark plugs. Not
 even a water pump problem since though I do have a spare sitting in my tool chest.

On the other hand, if you try to substitute another engine, you'll be opening up a whole new can of worms. For a start, the hood would likely have to be reprofiled unless you elect to go with a much smaller engine. The engine mounts would have to be repositioned. The throttle linkage would have to be rerouted. And if you go with the Rover V8, I'm pretty sure the chassis would have to be adjusted to allow clearance for the starter motor.
 
So I'd thorough investigate your options before proceeding with an egine swap.
 
Regards,
 
Paul Dransfield
3 litre Volvo
 
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donny Lang" 
To: MarcosManiacs@ yahoogroups. com
Subject: Re: [MarcosManiacs] engine alternatives
Date: Tue, 11 Sep 2007 18:09:46 -0400


My Marcos came with a 2 liter Ford V4 that I feel is not the best match for a sports car. I am transplanting a 3.9 liter rover/5 spd into mine. This basic configuration (3.5 liter and larger V8) was used by Marcos though the 1980's on into the 1990's. The exhaust headers are an extremely tight fit, but it can be transplanted. 
Your Volvo 3 liter (B30) is a wonderful, smooth, tourquey engine when running properly. It is a 7 main bearing block (if I recall correctly) and very robust, and still makes a nice exhaust sound with the right exhaust. Your hood should have a bulge on the right side to clear the Volvo carbs rather than the center bulge of most f the rest had. You may have hood clearance problems with other engines other than the Volvo 6. I would look at rebuilding the Volvo. I have overhauled a couple of these in the past, and even with well over 100.00 miles, they had very little actual wear. A good disassemle, cleaning. rings. bearings, gaskets, and valve job were all my old engines needed. It is a very simple basic engine with only the water piping being sensitive to assembly.    
I don't know if this helps! - Donny
----- Original Message ----- 
From: lxado63 
To: MarcosManiacs@ yahoogroups. com 
Sent: Tuesday, September 11, 2007 2:29 PM
Subject: [MarcosManiacs] engine alternatives


I recently purchased a 1970 marcos 3 ltr steel chassis which is in 
need of some mechanical TLC. It runs, but very roughly. My 
preliminary research indicates that it may cost as much to 
restore/rebuild the volvo unit as it would to update/swap in a newer 
engine. Has anyone in the US put a newer engine/drivetrain into their 
marcos with success and could offer advice? What US spec engines fit 
the marcos chassis? Advice/Info is greatly appreciated.



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