Researching a RR re-power.

**tony66_au** · 6th February 2011, 04:21 PM

We have had our 1984 RR for nearly 10 years now and she was slow when we bought her so I machined both heads, had inserts fitted and did the gaskets taking note of the frightening similarity to a small block Chev engine in design.

Next was a new cam, standard grind for a rangie (Torque) and a bit of a tidy but she still ran what I considered to be slowly especially from a standing start, Keep the engine spinning up high and she really performs well but below 3k and its a dog.

I then wondered if it was the 3 speed Torqueflite auto which I thought was maybe a bit of overkill behind the Rangie 3.5 but as the auto worked so damned well and im familiar with them im not changing it.

So I started looking at powerplant upgrades, My preference being a small block Chrysler (340 or 318) or Chev V8 (305/350) in order of preference.

Conversion kits seemed to be an issue for Auto Rangies and I couldn't find a thing for the early classic 4 door with the 727 auto and then CRS told me they had a kit, I ordered it and then was told they had made a mistake and it didnt exist.

Marks in Dandy could help with lots of bits but once again no 727 adaptor plate kit.

I even called Dellows and they couldn't help.

This is something Ive been looking into for a very long time so i thought id ask the very knowledgeable mob here at AuLRO if there were ANY engine conversion kits to suit the Torqueflite 3 speed auto.

Cheers,
Tony

**justinc** · 6th February 2011, 04:32 PM

Tony, changing the transfer ratios from 1.00:1 to 1.222:1 will help enourmously even with a 3.5 engine. Changing to 4.6 rover V8 will also make a huge difference, may even be able to retain the 1:1 transfer case high range with the bigger cubic inches.

JC

**bee utey** · 6th February 2011, 04:45 PM

Try Castlemaine Rod Shop for adaptors. Although I wouldn't use the Torqueflite myself, 3 gears is limiting. A 4 speed ZF auto from a disco would be my choice. All hydraulic, no adaptor needed, just drop it in complete with transfer case etc.

**Homestar** · 6th February 2011, 07:10 PM

Hi, I'm not wanting to hijack the thread here, but my question relates to my gear box should I upgrade the engine. I too have a 3.5 in my 85RRC, and was looking to go to a 4.6 when I do mine. It has a 5 speed manual, and I have been told that this is quite a weak box. I want to keep it a manual, will I need to change the box, and if so, to what? Not sure exactly what box I have, but reverse is up and to the left if that helps.

Again, sorry for the hijack...

Cheers - Gav

**Vern** · 6th February 2011, 07:16 PM

Tony, pretty sure rovercare knows peoples in the valley that have chrysler v8's in there rangies

**justinc** · 6th February 2011, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by bacicat2000

Hi, I'm not wanting to hijack the thread here, but my question relates to my gear box should I upgrade the engine. I too have a 3.5 in my 85RRC, and was looking to go to a 4.6 when I do mine. It has a 5 speed manual, and I have been told that this is quite a weak box. I want to keep it a manual, will I need to change the box, and if so, to what? Not sure exactly what box I have, but reverse is up and to the left if that helps.

Again, sorry for the hijack...

Cheers - Gav

Gav, you will have a LT77, a bit weak but will last if driven 'sensibly', avoid caning it in reverse

To upgrade easily a R380 will directly bolt straight up, best one is from a d2 V8, or a very late (Suffix K or L) D1 v8. No diesel ones are a direct fit. The floor will need mods as you probably have the long stick LT77 in an 85. No biggy though

JC

**Homestar** · 6th February 2011, 07:21 PM

Thanks JC. Looks like I'll change it when I do the engine. The Father in Law was the sensible driver when he had it - it's not something i'm known for...

Cheers

**big guy** · 6th February 2011, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by bacicat2000

Hi, I'm not wanting to hijack the thread here, but my question relates to my gear box should I upgrade the engine. I too have a 3.5 in my 85RRC, and was looking to go to a 4.6 when I do mine. It has a 5 speed manual, and I have been told that this is quite a weak box. I want to keep it a manual, will I need to change the box, and if so, to what? Not sure exactly what box I have, but reverse is up and to the left if that helps.

Again, sorry for the hijack...

Cheers - Gav

85 model sports a very modern(not) LT77.
Its pretty weak and personally would do a R380 from a Disco witha LT230 transfer box. Better still I find as mentioned above a 4.6L with a 4 speed auto.
Easy done but Pricey, I would count on a $10k plus invoice at very least.
Does not sound viable. I agree.

Suggest you sell and buy a later model Disco.

**Homestar** · 6th February 2011, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by big guy

85 model sports a very modern(not) LT77.
Its pretty weak and personally would do a R380 from a Disco witha LT230 transfer box. Better still I find as mentioned above a 4.6L with a 4 speed auto.
Easy done but Pricey, I would count on a $10k plus invoice at very least.
Does not sound viable. I agree.

Suggest you sell and buy a later model Disco.

Thanks Big Guy. The power upgrade is still in the planning stages, and will get done as the right parts become available for the right price. Selling is not an option - this thing is a family hierloom.

Cheers.

**tony66_au** · 6th February 2011, 09:00 PM

Originally Posted by justinc

Tony, changing the transfer ratios from 1.00:1 to 1.222:1 will help enourmously even with a 3.5 engine. Changing to 4.6 rover V8 will also make a huge difference, may even be able to retain the 1:1 transfer case high range with the bigger cubic inches.

JC

I pondered on the 4.6 having driven a LWB Landy with 4.6 and 5 speed that belonged to a mate and I was very impressed.

Re the Tfer case ratios? Id be worried about huge revs at highway speeds with a 3 speed auto wouldnt I?
I'll see if i can figure out what the RPM would be in 3rd and for what its worth I didnt know you could easily source a different ratio tfer output.

Many thanks for the heads up.

Originally Posted by bee utey

Try Castlemaine Rod Shop for adaptors. Although I wouldn't use the Torqueflite myself, 3 gears is limiting. A 4 speed ZF auto from a disco would be my choice. All hydraulic, no adaptor needed, just drop it in complete with transfer case etc.

Honestly I've had bugger all luck with CRS for Rover stuff since Rod sold the business, common stuff no probs but rangie stuff? Nup.

As for 3 gears, well the main task for the Rangie has always been towing and its the best towJo ive ever owned on and off road, I also know the 727 to be one of the strongest autoboxes on the planet and this one ive hammered hard and its never missed a beat or overheated.
I service it every 50 thou with filters, and new Trans oil and she is still smooth and sweet.

If I was to start with more off road stuff then id prefer a Manual all day long for sure though.

Cheers,
Tony

Originally Posted by Vern

Tony, pretty sure rovercare knows peoples in the valley that have chrysler v8's in there rangies

Very cryptic Vern, don't tell me there's Chrysler nuts in the valley? :-)

Where are you Mr Rovercare?

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