I have a modified 3.9 in my +8 , and I think that is about correct for the +8 rear suspension. It revs nicely , makes good power (about 250 at the flywheel) and is not very different in fuel consumption to the standard engine.
It is a delight to drive on the road and when/if in hooligan mode there is little that can live with it.
I do have bigger front brakes , larger alloy radiator, and suspension mods to cope with the extra power and torque. This was not a cheap project, so do be warned.
Personally I think the 4.6 engine is more suited to 4x4 applications where torque is all important , and they are not expected to reach the higher rev ranges. The Class A 4.6 race cars have a very different rear suspension to standard in order to cope with the additional torque, and they are a handful to drive competitively (I am told)
In my opinion a sports car engine should rev freely , not just idle along in the 2,000 to 3,000 rpm range (and that is what you will use most of the time in a 4.6) As ever you should try to drive both before making up your mind.
Now that the Exchange Rate for the U.S vs Lb. is getting better, I am beginning to think again about installing the 4.0 EFI I have and using one of the Brit. Computers to run it. I understand the 4.0 Rover computer is useless for My purpose. I do have a Mega Squirt, but wonder if I am just going cheap? I would like a rig that performs a bit better than a SUV engine.
