Rover V8 Engine Cylinder Heads
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Page Contents

Cylinder
Head Identification
Standard
Cylinder Heads
Performance
Cylinder Heads
Head
Gaskets
Cylinder
Head Bolts
Valves,
Guides & Springs
Rocker
Gear

Cylinder
Head Identification
There are
various types of cylinder heads available for the Rover V8,
with only subtle differences between them. Not all are
suitable for every application, so care must be taken when
ordering replacement heads for your vehicle. Please note that
reconditioned cylinder heads are only sold on an exchange
basis (in pairs) and that we require similar type cylinder
heads in return, otherwise a surcharge will apply.
Early
Cylinder Heads
Early
cylinder heads - as fitted to Rover P5B, P6, MGB V8 and early
Range Rover - are fitted with small (38mm inlet, 33mm exhaust)
valves and may not be suitable for use with unleaded fuel.
These heads can be identified most easily by removing one of
the spark plugs and measuring the length of the threaded
section of the plug. If it measures 12.5mm, the cylinder head
is an early type and is not suitable for exchange. If it
measures 19mm, the cylinder head is post-1976 (SD1 or later).
Later
Cylinder Heads
Identify
later cylinder heads as follows:
1.
Count the rows of cylinder head bolts. All cylinder heads have
a row of head bolts inside the rocker covers; they also have a
second row of 5 head bolts just below the spark plugs. Finally,
cylinder heads up to around 1994 have a third row of 4 bolts
just below the second row. 3.9, 4.2, 4.0 & 4.6 litre
engines after this period have a total of two rows of head
bolts.
2.
Look at the ends of the cylinder heads, as fitted to the
engine. There are tapped holes in the ends of each cylinder
head, to which the ancillary component brackets are bolted.
The number of holes determines which type you have, as follows:
3/3
bolt (3 bolt holes in each head)
3/4
bolt (3 bolt holes in one head, 4 in the other)
4/4
bolt (4 bolt holes in each head)
It is
important that the cylinder heads you order are similar to the
ones you have removed, otherwise your ancillary components may
not fit.


Standard
Cylinder Heads
Standard Cylinder Heads (pair)
Reconditioned.
Exchange - all engines.
Complete
with new valves, valve guides, springs & valve stem oil
seals. Less rocker gear.
Reconditioned
cylinder heads are sold only in matching pairs, with the
actual combustion chamber size marked on them.
With
3 Rows of Head Bolts
Pre-’95
applications. 34-36cc combustion chambers.

3/3 End Bolt Type - (pr) - RB7095RA

3/4 End Bolt Type - (pr) - RB7095RB

4/4 End Bolt Type - (pr) - RB7095RC

With 2 Rows of Head Bolts - (pr) - RB7095RD
'95-on
applications. 28cc combustion chambers. All 4/4 end bolt.
Standard
cylinder heads are sold on an exchange basis: the old units
must be serviceable and of a suitable type otherwise a
surcharge will apply. If preferred, we can recondition your
existing cylinder heads. Please note that early type (pre
1976) heads are not suitable as exchange units - please refer
to Cylinder
Head Identification.
Cylinder Heads - new;
Due to the
numerous variations of cylinder heads and the complexity of
part number supersessions, it would be too complicated to list
a full range of new cylinder heads. However, if you require
new cylinder heads, please contact our Sales Department for
price and availability.
Performance
Cylinder Heads

We offer
three stages of modified Performance cylinder head, designed
to suit different requirements and budgets.
Stage
1 - polished and lightly ported cylinder heads
featuring bulleted guides and standard size valves. Suitable
for standard and mildly tuned 3.5 to 4.6 litre engines.
Stage
3 - fully polished & ported, gas-flowed cylinder
heads, featuring bulleted & shortened guides and fitted
with Big Valves (41.45mm inlet, 36.5mm exhaust). Together with
the right camshaft and fuel system, these heads offer a
substantial power and torque increase, and are suitable for
Performance engines up to 5.2 litres. See Comparison Chart.
Stage
4 - Ultra Big Valve heads. Fully polished &
ported as Stage 3, but featuring 43.11mm inlet and 38.1mm
exhaust valves. These cylinder heads are suitable for serious
Performance applications, in engines of 4.6 litres and above,
and require suitably modified fuel systems.
Performance Cylinder Heads (pair);
Exchange -
all engines.
Complete
with new valves, valve guides, springs & valve stem oil
seals. Less rocker gear.
Performance
cylinder heads are sold only in matching pairs, with the
actual combustion chamber size marked on them.
Stage
1
With
3 Rows of Head Bolts
Pre
- '95 applications. 34-36cc combustion chambers.

3/3 End Bolt Type - (1) - RB7467RS1A

3/4 End Bolt Type - (1) - RB7467RS1B

4/4 End Bolt Type - (1) - RB7467RS1C

With 2 Rows of Head Bolts - (1) - RB7467RS1D
'95
on applications. 28cc combustion chambers. 4/4 end bolt type.
Stage
3
With
3 Rows of Head Bolts
Pre
- '95 applications. 34-36cc combustion chambers.

3/3 End Bolt Type - (1) - RB7467RS3A

3/4 End Bolt Type - (1) - RB7467RS3B

4/4 End Bolt Type - (1) - RB7467RS3C

With 2 Rows of Head Bolts - (1) - RB7467RS3D
'95
on applications. 28cc combustion chambers. 4/4 end bolt type.
Stage
4
With
3 Rows of Head Bolts
Pre
- '95 applications. 34-36cc combustion chambers.

3/3 End Bolt Type - (1) - RB7467RS4A

3/4 End Bolt Type - (1) - RB7467RS4B

4/4 End Bolt Type - (1) - RB7467RS4C

With 2 Rows of Head Bolts - (1) - RB7467RS4D
'95
on applications. 28cc combustion chambers. 4/4 end bolt type.
Performance
cylinder heads are sold on an exchange basis: the old units
must be serviceable and of a suitable type otherwise a
surcharge will apply. If preferred, we can modify your
existing cylinder heads. Please note that early type (pre
1976) heads are not suitable as exchange units - please refer
to Cylinder
Head Identification.
Head Gaskets
Head Gasket Set;
3.5
Litre (88.9mm bore)
Tin
Head Gaskets

To 1976 (pre SD1) - (1) - GEG165

1976 on - (1) - GUG1066HS

Composite Head Gaskets * - (1) - GUG1066HSCOM
3.9/4.2
Litre (94mm bore)
3
rows of cylinder head bolts.

Tin Head Gaskets - (1) - RB7447

Composite Head Gaskets * - (1) - RB7447COM
3.9/4.2/4.0/4.6
Litre (94mm bore)
2
rows of cylinder head bolts.

Composite Head Gaskets * - (1) - RA1233
5.2
Litre (96mm bore)

Composite Head Gaskets * - (1) - RB7684
Head Gasket Only;
3.5
Litre (88.9mm bore)

Tin Gasket - (2) - GEG340

Composite Gasket * - (2) - GEG340COM
3.9/4.2
Litre
3
rows of cylinder head bolts.

Tin Gasket - (2) - RB7448

Composite Gasket - (2) - RB7448COM
3.9/4.2/4.0
& 4.6 Litre
2
rows of cylinder head bolts.

Tin Gasket - (2) - ETC7819

Composite Gasket * - (2) - ERR7217
5.2
Litre (96mm bore)

Composite Gasket * - (2) - RB7685
*Composite
head gaskets are thicker than standard tin gaskets and will
therefore lower the engine's compression ratio. Ideal for
correcting compression ratio when heads/ block faces have been
skimmed. (Not applicable 1995 on).
Approximate
gasket thicknesses are as follows:
Standard
(tin) gaskets 0.5mm
Composite
gaskets 1.2mm
Typical
effect on compression ratio:
Standard
(tin) gaskets 3cc
Composite
gaskets 10cc
Cylinder
Head Bolts
Bolt - cylinder head;
All
engines up to 1995 (except late 3.9, 4.0 & 4.6)

Long (7/16" UNC x 3.9") - (6)
- 602193A

Medium (7/19" UNC x 2.7") - (14)
- 602192A
Order
13 if your engine has a dipstick retainer clamp on the head
bolt adjacent to the dipstick.

Tapped Bolt (7/16" x 2.7") - (1)
- 602450
For
dipstick retained, if fitted.

Double-Ended Bolt - (1) - 602200
Fitted
to some Range Rovers.

Short (7/16" x 2 1/4") - (8)
- 602191A
1995
onwards (late 3.9, 4.0 & 4.6)
Note:
These bolts can be identified by their flanged head. They do
not need a separate washer and can be used on earlier engines.
However,
they are not re-useable and must be replaced once removed.

Long (96mm) - (6) - ERR2944A

Medium (66mm) - (14) - ERR2943A
Note:
The outer row of short bolts, or 'outrigger' bolts, has not
been used since the introduction of the Series 2 Range Rover.
Washer - cylinder head bolts - (28)
- 602098A
Cylinder Head Stud Kit - (1) - RB7680
Engine
set of ARP cylinder head studs, washers and nuts to replace
original bolts. Studs improve cylinder head sealing &
prevent damage to block threads.
Valves,
Guides & Springs
All parts
listed are suitable for saloon, sport & 4x4 applications
unless otherwise stated.
Various
different valves have been used since the Rover V8's
introduction; most having the standard 'Rover SD1' head
diameter: inlet - 40mm, exhaust - 34mm. However, early engines
(pre 1976) were fitted with smaller diameter valves - 38mm
inlet, 33mm exhaust - which are less efficient. In order to
benefit from the larger valve sizes, it would be more
practical to fit a pair of later cylinder heads than to
attempt to fit the larger valves to early heads.
Vitesse
specification valves are of standard SD1 head diameter, with
waisted stems just behind the valve head.
The largest
valves that can be fitted to the existing valve seats (later
heads only), without the need for extensive machining, are our
Big Valves (Inlet - 41.4 mm, exhaust - 35.5 mm, with waisted
stems). These valves are particularly suited to large capacity
engines. (Note: some machining is required to the valve guide
and seat).
Finally, the
latest factory valves, as fitted to 3.9 & 4.2 engines
since 1993, as well as the Series 2 Range Rover (4.0 & 4.6
engines), feature the same head diameter as SD1-type valves.
Note: All
parts supplied are suitable for unleaded applications.


Inlet Valve;
Carburettor
Engines -

Early Engines (pre 1976) - (8) - 602166
Head
diameter: 38mm.

1976 on - (8) - 614088
Head
diameter: 40mm.
Efi
Engines - 3.5, 3.9 & 4.2 litre -
Head
diameter: 40mm.

SD1 - (8) - ERC9088A
Range
Rover -

Up to engine nos. 35D06576A, 36D14149A, 37D00751A &
38D23045A - (8) - ERC9088A

From the above engine nos. on - (8)
- ERR1780

Series 2 Range Rover - (8) - ERR1780

'Big Valve' - (8) - RB7460
Head
diameter: 41mm. With waisted stem.
Machining
required to valve guide and seat.
Exhaust Valve;
Carburettor
Engines -

Early Engines (pre 1976) - (8) - 602165
Head
diameter: 33mm.

1976 on - (8) - 614089
Head
diameter: 34mm.
Efi
Engines -
Head
diameter: 34mm.

SD1 - (8) - ERC9089
Range
Rover

3.5 Litre - (8) - 614089

3.9 & 4.2 Litre - (8) - ERR7338

Series 2 Range Rover - (8) - ERR7338

'Big Valve' - (8) - RB7461
Head
diameter: 35.5mm. With waisted stem.
Machining
required to valve guide and insert.
Valve Seat Insert - inlet;
Early
Engines -
Pre
1976.

Standard Size - (8) - 602052

Oversize +0.010" - (8) - 602223
All
Other Engines - 1976 on -
Including
Series 2 Range Rover.

Standard Size - (8) - ERC224A

Oversize +0.010" - (8) - ERC225A
Valve Seat Insert - exhaust;
Early
Engines -
Pre
1976.

Standard Size Only - (8) - 614639
All
Other 3.5 Litre Engines - 1976 on -

Standard - (8) - ERC210A

Oversize +0.010" - (8) - ERC211A
3.9,
4.2 litre & Series 2 Range Rover -

Standard - (8) - ETC8596A

Oversize +0.010" - (8) - ERC211A
Valve Guide - standard;
For
use with standard cam.

All Engines up to 1994 - (16) - 603554
Plain
topped; oil seals on inlet only.

Late 3.9, 4.2, 4.0 & 4.6 (1994 on) - (16)
- ERR3648
Stepped
top, for use with neoprene seals (ERR1782) and matching valves.
Valve Guide - performance;
Shortened
& bulleted, for use with performance cam.
Suitable
for all valves.

Car Set (inlet/exhaust) - (1) - RB7453
Individual
-

Inlet - (8) - RB7463

Exhaust - (8) - RB7464
Valve Stem Oil Seal;

All Engines to 1994 (inlet only) - (8)
- ERC7865A
'Tap
washer' type, slips over valve stem.

1993 onwards (inlet & exhaust) - (16)
- ERR1782
Neoprene
type - not suitable for earlier engines (pre 1994): requires
stepped valve guide (ERR3648).
Valve Spring - standard;
Double
- early engines (up to 1976) -

Inner - (16) - 602241A

Outer - (16) - 602240A

Singles - 1976 on - (16) - UKC8137
Valve Spring - uprated (engine set);

Single - (1) - RB7454
Suitable
for all engines with mild road camshaft. Uses standard
retaining caps (ERC573).

Double (see note below) - (1) - RB7455
Suitable
for all engines with fast road or road/rally camshaft.
Special
retaining caps required (ERC573S)
Note:
Machining may be required to spring platform when fitting
double valve springs to engines previously fitted with
singles.
Retaining Cap - valve springs;

Early Engines - (16) - 90602451
Fitted
with double valve springs.

Single Valve Springs - (16) - ERC573A

UPrated Double Valve Springs - (16)
- ERC573S
Split Cotter - (32) - ERC1637A
All
models.
Rocker Gear

Rocker Shaft Assembly - (2) - 611660
Assembled,
ready to fit.
Rocker Build Kit - (2) - 611660KIT
Includes
parts ready for assembly.
Rocker Shaft Only - (2) - 606661
Pedestal - rocker shaft - (8) - 603734
Pedestal Shims - (1) - 603734SHIMS
Includes
three sets of shims of different thickness.
Use
to set lifter preload when fitting a new cam with higher lift
than standard. See also adjustable push rods, below.
Use
to set 'lifter preload' when fitting a new cam with higher
lift than standard.
Rocker Arm;
Original
Spec (alloy) -

Right Hand - (8) - 602153

Left Hand - (8) - 602154
Spacer Spring - rocker shaft - (6)
- 602142A
End Spring - rocker shaft - (4) - 602148A
Wavy
washer.
End Washer - rocker shaft - (4) - 602186A
Split Pin - rocker shaft - (4) - PC34
Push Rod;

Standard - (16) - 603378

Heavy Duty - (16) - 603378HD
Larger
diameter shaft. Cylinder head guide holes may need enlarging
accordingly.

Adjustable (set) - (1) - 603378ADJ
Set
of pushrods, adjustable for length at the rocker end, allowing
the lifter preload to be precisely set without shims.

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