Thread: Original Stage 1

Originally Posted by JDNSW

Looks like you have a gem of a Landrover. The reason for the restrictors is probably not only to cater to the drum brakes, but also the leaf spring suspension, and possibly to increase flexibility. I think it very unlikely that fuel efficiency would be affected either way by removing them - but your ability to use more fuel will be increased, so you could expect a higher fuel bill but brisker performance, unless you never used the increased performance, when your fuel useage would be unchanged, in which case, what's the point? All the restrictors do as far as I can see is to effectively limit maximum throttle opening.

The restrictors may well have something to do with emission controls and the ADR's. Might be considered naughty ( by the ADR Gestapo) to remove them.

Nice Rig.

If it was mine though I would keep it as original as possible, Screw new exhaust etc. If what on it is fine then keep it as is. You would have to burn a lota miles to cover off on what you would spend replacing exhausts etc.

Enjoy it for what it is I say. I would even consider putting the original style box back in if it was not out of price reach.

Congratulations, you picked up a lovely rig.

G'day Sam Ball
That is a very nice original Stage 1 that you have got there, did the original owner have it converted fron the LT-95 manual gearbox ? or was it a special order with the Chrysler 727 3speed auto from the Range Rover ? if it is a factory conversion it would be truley rare as there were a few oddities that found their way out of the factory


The restrictors were fitted to them to lower the Horsepower, and to assist the drum brakes, if you are having brake problems (high pedal pressure) get somebody to check that Booster is working, or that the Vaccuum hose is not blocked (from Manifold to Booster) or has collasped internally, the brake pressure on drum brakes is higher than what is on current 4 wheel disc braked vehicles, and it could take a little time to adjust, the steering will be heavier than modern vehicles, if it is fitted with radial tyres run them at 40 psi and get the wheel alignment set at "ZERO TOE IN" as per service sheet on leaf sprung vehicles fitted with radials that will give you the lightest steering, Standard alignment was 1/32to 1/16 Toe-in,

Hope you get much pleasure from your new Landy


Bung-Tiddley
Uncle Ho

Thanks Barney - I'll look it up.

Thanks for your advice guys, the brakes are either getting better, or I'm getting used to them, but in general it seems to be running better now that I've driven it for a couple of weeks - previously it sat in a garage and was driven once a month.

Fuel ecconomy is horrendous though - I'm watching the k's on this tank and I think I'll be lucky to get over 300k's city driving - and I certianly haven't been thrashing it - is this as good as it gets?

Uncle Ho - I don't know about the auto conversion, it looks like a pretty good job though - has a transmission oil cooler set in front of the radiator with its own bracket mount and everything.

If you're interested I can take some photo's for you - you'd probably have a better idea than me.

Thanks again guys, your advice is always appreciated.

Originally Posted by Sam Ball

Fuel ecconomy is horrendous though - I'm watching the k's on this tank and I think I'll be lucky to get over 300k's city driving - and I certianly haven't been thrashing it - is this as good as it gets?

I would say that is likely to be as good as it gets. When DJAM1 gets online I am sure he will have a pretty good idea of economy for these jiggers, he has a manual one as an every day driver.

That's as good as it gets, Sam. Mines unrestricted, running 31x10.5 Duelers and gets 17/100 on the highway and 23/100 around town. On the 69L tank that's exactly 300km. You get used to the brakes and end up screeching tyres in other cars. The secret is to put the arch of your foot on the pedal and push with your thigh. I ran mine without the vacuum assist for a while - then you know what braking is all about! You get used to the steering as well - plan ahead and make sure you're moving to get the wheel around.

As for economy - I'd suggest if fuel bills are too much, take the government up on their gas rebate.

Congrats on the buy.

Steve