Sorting a V8 Roadster
Earlier this year a V8 Register member acquired a V8 Roadster (Indigo Blue 4279) through an advert on the MGV8s for Sale webpage and then set about sorting it. (1.9.04)


Indigo Blue 4279 was bought as a retirement hobby but initially a full time job., this is a general view showing the RV8 bonnet and the 6x14 GB Alloy wheels. I am missing one centre cap so would dearly like to find one.

I thought you might like to see a couple of pictures of my V8 Roadster, a Trevor Taylor conversion completed in late 1999. After a few rather frustrating months the car is now working well. I have replaced the engine front cover, timing chain, oil pump etc plus fitted new brakes all round, replaced most of the ignition system, cooling fans, temperature controller etc. I have fitted new carpets, tonneau, headlights and minor trim items and located most of the squeaks and rattles which came with the car when I purchased it.

The SD1 engine has a blueprinted Oselli bottom end, Real Steel stage 3 heads, Holley carb and rather minimal silencing. The suspension is conventional but upgraded with anti-roll bars front and rear, competition valves in the lever arm dampers and negative camber arms on the front. The result is a very quick and entertaining car, the suspension is less forgiving than that of the RV8 that I owned for 8 years, but the acceleration seems sharper. Of course without fuel injection or even the luxury of a choke, not unusual on a modified engine, getting away from cold is a slightly uncertain business. Initially the car was difficult, hesitant and jerky to drive below 2,000 rpm, but after the ignition work and careful timing, things are now


Carpeted boot following the removal of 2 ghetto blaster speakers. The two boot supports are fitted because I have a modified boot rack which can carry the spare wheel on a specially constructed mounting. This should be useful for touring.

much improved. Once warm the car idles fairly smoothly and will pull from 1,500 rpm upwards - not too bad for a performance camshaft. From 2,000 rpm onwards there is a smooth and seamless flow of power which seems to go on beyond where I feel I must change up.


Trevor Taylor V8 built Roadster Conversions are regarded as good quality cars and Indigo Blue 4279 certainly looks good.

The next step when I come back from France in late October is to get Clive Wheatley to fit RV8 style exhaust manifolds through the wings and a slightly less antisocial exhaust system. After that there will still be plenty to improve but at least we have now reached the point where the car is suitable to be seen in public.

Our first event will be the Sporting Bears Charity Run on 31 October, starting and finishing at Brooklands and including a run up the famous test hill, I must try to stay on the ground at the top!