Hey Guys, I will be rebuilding my 215v8 for my 63f85. I have a couple questions for those running this engine.

1. With our allumium block, what coolant do you use and recommend?

2. What oil do you run? And weight.

3. Do you use zinc or lead additives?

4. How often do you do oil changes.

5. In your experience who has the best prices for parts, I will be needing filters etc.

6. What Are nos parts?

7. What part brands does this engine respond good to, and what brands should I avoid, (Chinese)?

8. Any tips for this engine that special for this engine?

Don't feel obligated to answer all but any help would be cool.
Ronnie

 

Ive always just ran the normal green coolant in mine, havent had any issues.

I personally run chevron delo 400 or oriellys house brand oil, 10-30 in winter 15-40 in summer.

I run a bottle of stp zinc additive at every oil change

In my turbocharged 66 i change oil every 2-3 months no matter the mileage since i have a lot of money in it. on everything else i just do 3 month intervals, never really put many miles on my cars.

I haven't noted any brands to avoid, I ordered tune up parts from rockauto the last two times and was happy with quality and price.

nos= new old stock, parts that are brand new but old stock items

I dont give these engine any special attention vs any other engoine ive had. With the exception of being very cautious about not stripping threads.

 

I have a 60s factory tech bulletin that specifically recommends NOT using Peak brand antifreeze/coolant in these engines, but antifreeze formulas have changed so much in 50+years that I can't promise that guideline is still valid.

Joe P has a lot of experience with the 215 as do Roger (above) and Eric Jensen. Jim Noel is a wizard on the turbo versions. Plus, since the Brits used these engines in Rovers for decades, they have tonnes (!) of performance parts for them.

 

Actually Joe and Roger have been a big help. Thanks... I was just wondering because it being aluminum and "high tech" for its day.

 

Turbo's look so cool and really bring the torque up, i wouldn't mind running it, i wonder how much the turbo set up will cost but I guess that's another thread for the turbo guys.

 

I've never been much for the turbos, at least factory that is. At one time I had wanted to build a low comp motor, 8.5:1, with a custom cam and modern turbo with a single plane intake while retaining the Rochester side draft. But I have no future plans to purchase anymore 61-63 f85's.

 

I like a tall manifold, good 4bbl. carb, dual exhaust and some good heads. Turbos are cool even tho they blow up engines from time to time lol.

 

Turbos are definitely fun and if built right reliable, an alternative to stroking if your looking for higher hp and street manners.

 

Good to know