This 1960 Austin-Healey “Bugeye” Sprite has had several upgrades and many different engines since it rolled out of the factory.
The original 948 cc inline-four was replaced with a 1275 cc inline-four. Then it went to a 2.0 L Ford Pinto inline-four and then a 2.8 L Capri with a turbocharger.
Now the small car runs a rebuilt 3.5 L Rover V8. The engine has been upgraded with ported intake runners, ported and polished exhaust ports, Crane 450/460 camshafts, Crane roller rockers, ceramic coated pistons, balanced rotating assembly, and Holley HP-Pro 390 CFM carb. The owner estimates it makes 200 horsepower which should be plenty for a 1,500 lb roadster.
Behind the engine sits a lightened billet flywheel, Centerforce clutch, World Class T-5 five-speed manual transmission, and LSD with 4.10 gears from a 1986 RX-7 Turbo.
The independent rear suspension and sub-frame was taken from a 1996 RX-7 Turbo which was narrowed and shortened to fit. The brakes have also been upgraded to Mazda RX-7 disc brakes on all four wheels.
Source: eBay via Daily Turismo
MOPARfan
I wonder how much power turbo 2.8 Capri motor made. I doubt it that had much less than current setup.
Maxus
How it’s set-up now likely has more torque and less lag.
More power usable at any given time, and the V8 can probably run in a high performance setting for a longer period of time than the I4, with less chance of damage to the engine.
Jiro
The 2.8 liter turbo is a V6.
Kerry Kohn
Is the A/H bugeye for sale, if for sale, what is teh asking price?
Terry L. Miller
Is it still available and is it for sale ?
swaptastic
The eBay listing is from 2016 and it shows it sold.
John
A V-8 can be installed without screwing up the looks of the car!! 🙁 That’s hideous!!!