AJP8 Speed Eight — detailed reference and service parts
This page is a detailed companion to the AJP8 engine overview. It covers the engine’s architecture, the headline figures for each variant fitted to the TVR Cerbera, and a service-parts cross-reference compiled from owner experience. Always cross-check part numbers against your own engine before ordering — TVR specifications varied across the production run.
Engine architecture
Section titled “Engine architecture”The AJP8 — named after Al Melling, John Ravenscroft and Peter Wheeler — is TVR’s in-house naturally aspirated V8, developed after BMW’s acquisition of Rover put the long-term supply of the Rover V8 in doubt. Key features:
- 75° vee angle with a flat-plane crankshaft
- All-aluminium block and heads
- Single overhead camshaft per bank, two valves per cylinder
- Dry-sump lubrication
- Dry weight around 121 kg (267 lb)
- TVR proprietary engine management (not Lucas 14CUX as on the Rover V8 cars)
Variant specifications
Section titled “Variant specifications”| Variant | Capacity | Bore × Stroke | Power | Torque | Specific output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2 AJP8 | 4,185 cc | 93 × 77 mm | 360 hp @ 6,500 rpm | 320 lb·ft @ 4,500 rpm | 83.3 hp/L |
| 4.5 AJP8 | 4,475 cc | — | 420 hp @ 6,750 rpm | 380 lb·ft @ 5,500 rpm | 93.3 hp/L |
| 4.5 AJP8 Red Rose | 4,475 cc | — | 440 hp @ 7,250 rpm | 402 lb·ft @ 5,500 rpm | 97.7 hp/L |
The Red Rose tune requires super-unleaded fuel. Cerbera Red Rose cars carry an unmarked dashboard button that switches the engine mapping.
Ignition — coil packs
Section titled “Ignition — coil packs”The AJP8 uses a pair of coil packs sourced from the Citroën ZX 1.6i (1991–1998). Two are required per engine.
| Supplier | Part number |
|---|---|
| Euro Car Parts | 413545061 |
| GSF | N92512 / 925PC0090 |
| Cambiare | 091201404B |
| Bosch | DC 001 431 80 |
Typical price around £30 each including VAT. Misfires under load are the classic failure symptom — swap left-to-right to confirm a coil before condemning an injector or lead.
HT leads
Section titled “HT leads”| Maker | Part / spec |
|---|---|
| Magnecor | 8522 (8.5 mm) |
Fuel injectors
Section titled “Fuel injectors”| Engine | Injector |
|---|---|
| 4.2 AJP8 | Bosch 280150744 |
| 4.5 AJP8 | Lucas disc type, 185 cc/min @ 2.5 bar, 14.5 Ω (high impedance) |
Sensors
Section titled “Sensors”| Function | Part |
|---|---|
| Crank position | Ford 6859701 |
| Lambda (oxygen) | Intermotor 16339 / Land Rover ERR 6729 (from LRDirect) / LB1105 |
| MAP | Intermotor 16800 |
| Oil pressure switch | Intermotor 50600 |
Lubrication and cooling
Section titled “Lubrication and cooling”| Item | Part |
|---|---|
| Oil cooler | Serck Speed 7019937 — 216 mm, 19-row, 5/8” BSP male connections |
| Oil filter | Land Rover ERR 3340 ( |
Starter motor
Section titled “Starter motor”| Maker | Part / donor |
|---|---|
| Hella | JS754 |
| OE donor | Nissan Maxima 3.0 injection auto, 1988–1994 |
Known weak points
Section titled “Known weak points”- Coil pack failure — by far the most common cause of a misfire.
- Oil leaks from cam covers, front cover and sump joints.
- Dry-sump system — scavenge pump, pipework and tank fittings can give trouble; loss of oil pressure at high rpm is a serious warning.
- Water pump and thermostat housing — both prone to leaks; inspect at every service.
For any work on fuel or ignition, fit components to manufacturer’s spec and torque and don’t run the engine with suspected dry-sump or oil-pressure faults.
Compiled from TVR owner forums and community knowledge — always verify part numbers and figures against your own car before ordering or relying on them.