V8 HUMBER SCEPTRE MK3

[twin40dave]

Hi guys I recently put a rover 3.5 V8 with a 3.5s gearbox in my Humber sceptre mk3 - hillman hunter shape and even though the rear diff is coping well with the power but the ratios are different so I'm looking to change the axle but unsure what to fit I was thinking about a narrowed jag irs because I'm looking to put a 3.9 v8 in next year I was wandering are the easy to fit or am I better off keep with leaf springs and sourcing another axle like a narrowed rover or 3ltr capri . I know that a few people have fitted jag irs to hillman hunters in the past but I can't seem to find them to talk to
would be helpful to read your thoughts
regards Dave

[omega]

wouldn't a Volvo axel fit

[Hillmanjames]

Could you stick some pictures up of the engine/gearbox fitment? I have a 4.6 rover v8 that may be going spare and a hillman hunter!

For the axle i was planning on doing the following for my capri:

Buy a ford explorer rear axle which is a ford 8.8 inch design with an off set diff, shorten the long side to take a short side axle and then change the diff using whatever ratio i want from Summit racing or similar. This would be good for more than the hillman body could manage and would also have diskbrakes and a locking diff as standard!

James

[twin40dave]

I've been told about a volvo but not sure if it would take the hp

[mylittletony]

Volvo will take 250-300hp pretty easily.

[elmotheewokking]

I was under the impression it was torque that was more concerning when finding an axle...? I.e. a 500hp rotary would be a little easier on an axle over a 500bhp small block.

[colnerov]

Jun 15, 2015 16:49:13 GMT elmotheewokking said:

I was under the impression it was torque that was more concerning when finding an axle...? I.e. a 500hp rotary would be a little easier on an axle over a 500bhp small block.

Hi, yes you're right to an extent, it's torque that kills transmissions but power can produce shock loadings. Power is torque x time i.e. it picks the revs up quicker thus giving you better acceleration. For a given engine size if you increase power, torque starts to drop off because they require different engine internals, valve size being but one. A race car engine produces lots of power but if you asked it to tow a trailer it would struggle because you need torque to tow. Given the OP example another reason for changeing the axle would maybe a better choice of ratios, the original axle is probably 3.9 to 1, the Rover V8 in the P6b runs 3.08 to 1 on 14" wheels and still feels it could go taller gearing.

Colin

[igor]

I'd be inclined to keep the leaf springs even if you need to add an extra leaf or get them reset because it's a whole lot easier than having to fabricate mounts and brackets for an irs setup. Have you explored the range of different ratios available for the original diff (if any). You may be on a winner with the Ford Explorer diff option as suggested by hillmanjames. Here in NZ the default option for super strong replacement diffs is the Ford 9". Might be overkill with your engine choice but at least you'd be unlikely to break it.

[93fxdl]

Another axle option could be a scimitar one, depending on width, but you can fit a jag LSD to one, if you need too.
Ttfn Glenn

[twin40dave]

Yeah that doesn't sound too bad but I was thinking of doing away with leaf springs because I was going to go with wide wheels

[dodgerover]

Hilux axles are supposed to be pretty strong too.

[93fxdl]

Jun 16, 2015 15:00:53 GMT twin40dave said:

Yeah that doesn't sound too bad but I was thinking of doing away with leaf springs because I was going to go with wide wheels

The scimitar comes with 4 link and watts linkage, hanging from coilovers.
Ttfn Glenn