Stages

From what I have read the story of the "stage 1" goes somthing like this,

The term was part of the original Landrover Company speak for the first stage of the development of a V8 landrover, hence stage 1. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]

Landrover took the standard 109 series 3, fitted their existing RangeRover V8 and gearbox etc, moved the radiator panel foward, flush with the front of the guards, Im not too sure if there was any mod to the suspension but I don't think so :?


I have a copy of the LRO International magazine (packed away cause we are moving soon) with the full story, when I can find it I will add any other related info 8)

Ok, I found the Landrover Owner International magazines with the story of the stage One V8 in it [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]

And my memory was almost spot on 8O

The V8 was chosen as it was the only engine that would fit without a major re-design of the drivetrain (saving the associated cost). The radiator was moved foward to accomidate the larger engine and the supporting chassis crossmember was also moved foward this gave the flush front (that we know so well in the Defender) the rest of the vehicle was pure series 3 109.

What was fitted under the bonnet was not however, the 132bhp V8 from the Range Rover but a detuned low-compression 8.13:1 version with 91bhp at 3500rpm output (seems the export market at the time suffered from poor quality fuel and this is the only way they could get the V8 to run on low grade fuel) this engine was mated to the standard LT95 transmission, from the RR and 101 Foward control, the front axle is modified to handle the constant 4 wheel drive, the brakes are servo assisted(as in the same as the 6 cylinder Series 3)

The Stage One had a production run lasting from mid 1979 untill 1985, came in most landrover variations and was exported all over the world, the NZ Army have several hundred.

Stage One = the V8 series 3 109

Stage Two = Factory redevelopment including onsite engine building

Stage Three = Completion of factory modernisation and the release of the 110 and 90 models

As a interesting little side bar, there were 6 Stage One V8 88" built, following the same process as the 109's how ever it was decided not to go ahead with their production as the expected demand was too light :evil:

My thanks to LRO International Magazine from who this information was gained (October 1999, October 2000 and May 2002 issues) 8)

and if you stick you head into www.landroverclub.net, you will find some information and pics of one of those stage on 88 vehicles :wink:

I am excited with all this discussion about "my" Stage One !
BTW: Mine is in very good condition, will get PAS soon (thanks Michael for all your help), parabolics and who knows what else... [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img]
adam

Moved to the top again just for Vlad...........cause he missed it last time around and is confused........ :twisted: :twisted: :twisted: :roll: :wink:

G'day Folks, [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]
The numbers for the Stage 1 that Phoenix posted seems about right for the 3.9 diesels but there were quite a few V8's sold and there was a sizeable govt fleet, they were all 109inch WB and had Leaf Springs, the Firewall was modified to accept the LT-95 Bellhousing/Starter profile, the Radiator was moved forward to aid airflow and to test the new look front panels for the upcoming models with coil springs and to be more acceptable on the Safety side, The NZ defence force was a major user but i don't know if they were supplied from Aust or direct ex UK, :?:
They were also the first constant 4x4 in a utility vehicle as they had modified (strenghened) front CV's (not uni's) and strengthened rear axles, but Leyland Aust was in the process of pulling the plug so quality, and sales were affected and the Japanese were outselling them with better sales technics, service and warranties, and their parts supply and availability was outstanding :oops: