Thread: Reliable running gear

Originally Posted by jezza89

New chev 350 long motor or similar

Going to duck for cover here, but who said 350 Chevs were reliable? You want to screw around putting foreign V8s in, in the age group you are talking about, then a Holden 308 or a ford 302 will do you better than the Chev. However, a well built Rover 3.5 would be better than both. It's lighter, the car is designed around it. What's not to like?

Seems Les Richmond automotive go with the LS engines a fair bit: Engine

Originally Posted by jezza89

Seems Les Richmond automotive go with the LS engines a fair bit: Engine

The LS is a far cry from tHe 350.

Originally Posted by johntins

The LS is a far cry from tHe 350.

In all aspects!

Ok let's rule out the 350, as it sounds to offer no real benefit over the Rover for the cost.

The LS are going to be $$$ but if LRA use them a bit then it must be good reason.

Looking at Rover options again - is it even worth looking at new blocks or is a rebuild the best avenue here?


Or should i be asking a workshop these questions rather than a forum.

If you aren't doing engine/gearbox work yourself get some quotes from reputable engine and tranny shops. These might frighten you. To get my LT95 overhauled properly with good reco center diff with parts supplied by forum member who is expert in these was just under 4K. Original quote was 6k. That's just gearbox.

All depends on what ypu are chasing.
Is the 5 speed an lt77? It won't last behind any decent amount of power.
Also whats the budget?
My old stroked holden v8 used to use 26L/100km, power was good, but very similar to my 4bd1t i have now which uses 12L/100km.

For me, i was chasing power, reliability, and economy.

Originally Posted by Vern

All depends on what ypu are chasing.
Is the 5 speed an lt77? It won't last behind any decent amount of power.
Also whats the budget?
My old stroked holden v8 used to use 26L/100km, power was good, but very similar to my 4bd1t i have now which uses 12L/100km.

For me, i was chasing power, reliability, and economy.

I have the LT77. I have access to a couple other gearboxes though, so if there is a more suitable unit I will see if I can acquire one.
Budget at this stage for engine work is probably around $5k, though if its worth a few more I might be able to flex it up.

I'm chasing reasonable power, but nothing crazy, just want it to be strong and reliable. Something that won't mind a beating up the beach now and again, but can also tow a race car on a trailer.

Originally Posted by Meccles

If you aren't doing engine/gearbox work yourself get some quotes from reputable engine and tranny shops. These might frighten you. To get my LT95 overhauled properly with good reco center diff with parts supplied by forum member who is expert in these was just under 4K. Original quote was 6k. That's just gearbox.

I can do 'simple' engine/gbox work myself, as I'm not afraid of pulling engines out and apart to replace components etc - but the furthest I have gone with the rover engine is timing chain, camshaft.
I've never opened a gearbox before but there is always a first, and I'm willing to learn.
As far as setting clearances and skimming heads etc, I would probably need to get someone else involved.