To try to avoid getting in trouble, I recommend everyone purchase "The
Rover V8 Engine," by David Hardcastle.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0854296921/qid%3D968085153/002-7009574-5592857
That over, here is a quote from that book:
"There is nothing remarkable about the standard Rover V8 lubrication
system ... . ... The standard oil pressure is 35 lb/sq in, nominal at
2400 rpm. The lubrication system was improved for the SD1 engine by
improving the skew gear drive to the oil pump and more rigidly
supporting the pump shaft to avoid binding. ... Any attempt to uprate
the oil pump by increasing its volume or oil pressure increases the
load on these gears. ... and at anything over 5500 rpm the wear rate
on the skew gears is alarming. It has been described as the 'Achilles
heel' of the engine ... . ... The Rover V8 does not like modern
lightweight oils, in fact 5W-50 oil could, under certain circumstancs
be detrimental to the engine. Thin oil cannot be pumped in volume in
the same way as heavier oils, although the pressure will be
maintained. For competition purposes try to use straight SAE 30 or 40
oil although *the* oil for the Rover V8 under serious competition
stress is Motul V300. ... The standard oil pressure is perfectly
adequate for most applications unless the engine is to be revved
beyond 7000 rpm and if hydraulic lifters are being retained anything
higher will pump up the lifters."
I would assume the referenced "SD1" modifications are part of any V8s
arriving in the USA via Land Rovers. Says an "uprating kit" is
available for older engines. And, I have a Land Rover service manual
where 5W-50 oil is indeed listed as useable.
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