"Name that car game"
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
843de.....
You're a knowledgeable car car, so I wanted to ask.......
Wasn't there a late 60's early 70's Alpine that had a V8? I believe it was a small aluminum block that was originally purchased from GM.
Anyway, I saw a Fiero at a gas stop in OKC, recently, that had this engine. The guy said he was putting out about 300 ponies. Sounded really nice and fit well. Unfortunately, my camera was buried.
You're a knowledgeable car car, so I wanted to ask.......
Wasn't there a late 60's early 70's Alpine that had a V8? I believe it was a small aluminum block that was originally purchased from GM.
Anyway, I saw a Fiero at a gas stop in OKC, recently, that had this engine. The guy said he was putting out about 300 ponies. Sounded really nice and fit well. Unfortunately, my camera was buried.
Deceased
Joined: 06-30-2010
Posts: 25,739
From: Kannapolis NC
There were two V-8 powered Renault Alpine variations in '68-'69, the A220 and the A310 V8 Gordini. The first was a long tailed prototype intended for LeMans and the second never progressed beyond concept car status. Those Renault V8 engines were F-1 derived and hugely expensive, none survive as far as I know in operable condition.
I believe the guy you ran into was running 3.5 litre Rover V8 which was originally developed by Buick as the aluminum 215 V8 for the 1961 Buick Special, it could also be found in Oldsmobiles and Pontiacs from 1961-1963. There are some A310 Alpines that have been converted to the Buick/Rover V8 for both power and reliability, the 3.0 litre V6 in the Alpine isn't known for its longevity, but it can put out some serious power. I have seen Fieros converted to use the Buick V8 and it fits quite well considering, makes 'em go like snot too.
I believe the guy you ran into was running 3.5 litre Rover V8 which was originally developed by Buick as the aluminum 215 V8 for the 1961 Buick Special, it could also be found in Oldsmobiles and Pontiacs from 1961-1963. There are some A310 Alpines that have been converted to the Buick/Rover V8 for both power and reliability, the 3.0 litre V6 in the Alpine isn't known for its longevity, but it can put out some serious power. I have seen Fieros converted to use the Buick V8 and it fits quite well considering, makes 'em go like snot too.
Platinum Member
Joined: 05-09-2006
Posts: 6,805
From: "Upland" Mesa, Arizona
Yep, that's the engine I was thinking of. But the Brit car I was thinking of was a Triumph Alpine Tiger (?) I believe. I remember a guy I worked with had one....but can't remember any info on it. It was also a conv.
Deceased
Joined: 06-30-2010
Posts: 25,739
From: Kannapolis NC
The Sunbeam Tiger had either a Ford 270 or 289 V8 depending on the year.
Triumph had their own V8 which was two fours "stuck" together to make a 3.0 engine, it was horrible.
That's not to say the Tiger you remember didn't have a Buick/Rover V8, it has been done for competition purposes since the engine is a bit lighter than the thin wall Ford blocks.
Triumph had their own V8 which was two fours "stuck" together to make a 3.0 engine, it was horrible.
That's not to say the Tiger you remember didn't have a Buick/Rover V8, it has been done for competition purposes since the engine is a bit lighter than the thin wall Ford blocks.