Anyone run an SD1
Discussion
The Rover SD1 is now perhaps the most well supported classic in the UK now after the massive haul of parts recently from India...
The vitesse is the one to go for....but any V8 is nice...
Good bodywork is the most important thing....everything else is minor details...
Perhaps too temperamental for an everyday car...best as a summer toy..
www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_-ZCQ7WA0s
The vitesse is the one to go for....but any V8 is nice...
Good bodywork is the most important thing....everything else is minor details...
Perhaps too temperamental for an everyday car...best as a summer toy..
www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_-ZCQ7WA0s
As FM said, sound bodywork is the key - mechanics and most cosmetic parts are readily available. Contrary to his post, however, I would suggest that the SD1 is an entirely viable proposition as a daily-use classic and in my experience regular use is essential if you are to avoid gremlins creeping in...
Definitely go for a Vitesse; they can more than hold their own in modern traffic.
ETA; as far as I recall, any post '85 V8 is good for unleaded...and after all, it's a V8 you want, right?
Definitely go for a Vitesse; they can more than hold their own in modern traffic.
ETA; as far as I recall, any post '85 V8 is good for unleaded...and after all, it's a V8 you want, right?
Edited by t0ny99 on Sunday 25th February 15:31
My advice is go for a Series 2 (post '82) these were Cowley made and were much improved over the Solihull made models.
An '83/84 Vitesse/Vanden Plas isn't too difficult to source, the engine bits are easily available, all the parts from Standard India are being shipped over by Rimmer Bros. SD1s are fairly cheap to get hold of and run. Any good back street garage can do work on them as mechanically they are a simple proposition.
My advice is get the nicest you can afford, go for good bodywork, then good trim (some bits do sag, mainly headlining and leak, the rear hatch) and then mechanicals.
70s SD1s have purer lines but are for the more devoted as they are certainly more fragile. Always, always go for V8, the 2300 and 2600s are not simply not worth the mechanical aggro.
As for everyday, underseal everything you can see beneath the car bar the exhaust as they do like to rot. They are a viable everyday car, the main SD1 malady is always electrical. V8s are bombproof, the LT77 gearbox and final drive are tough too.
As for any 'tweaks', all round disks is certainly the main one to consider.
An '83/84 Vitesse/Vanden Plas isn't too difficult to source, the engine bits are easily available, all the parts from Standard India are being shipped over by Rimmer Bros. SD1s are fairly cheap to get hold of and run. Any good back street garage can do work on them as mechanically they are a simple proposition.
My advice is get the nicest you can afford, go for good bodywork, then good trim (some bits do sag, mainly headlining and leak, the rear hatch) and then mechanicals.
70s SD1s have purer lines but are for the more devoted as they are certainly more fragile. Always, always go for V8, the 2300 and 2600s are not simply not worth the mechanical aggro.
As for everyday, underseal everything you can see beneath the car bar the exhaust as they do like to rot. They are a viable everyday car, the main SD1 malady is always electrical. V8s are bombproof, the LT77 gearbox and final drive are tough too.
As for any 'tweaks', all round disks is certainly the main one to consider.
Edited by 215cu on Tuesday 27th February 10:32
I had a twin plenum Vitesse until recently and loved it. The replies so far have hit most of the key points. Only thing I would add is that a stainless steel sports exhaust from Rimmer Bros is essential on a Vitesse! 
New springs/shocks and a set of polybushes transformed the way mine drove when I got it.
Chris
New springs/shocks and a set of polybushes transformed the way mine drove when I got it.
Chris
chris_n said:
I had a twin plenum Vitesse until recently and loved it. The replies so far have hit most of the key points. Only thing I would add is that a stainless steel sports exhaust from Rimmer Bros is essential on a Vitesse!
New springs/shocks and a set of polybushes transformed the way mine drove when I got it.
Chris
New springs/shocks and a set of polybushes transformed the way mine drove when I got it.
Chris
Deffo with the polybushes, they will transform the car no end, springs more than shocks as the springs fatigue with age. Had my P6 done with poly all round and new rear progressive springs, not cheap but they make a phenomonal difference.
My uncle has one like this but with a Rovertune conversion. It basically has a TVR Tuscan race engine in it and a cosworth gearbox. It's mental.
We've had loads in the family. Highlights are both my uncles Vitesse and the green special edition V8 we had with Gold wheels (sound rank but it was gorgeous)
I remember having a massive tantrum as a kid in the car dealership when my dad part ex'd it 
I was 4!
chris n has just reminded me of the exhaust on my Vitesse. Full stainless steel sports job from Rimmers with tubular manifolds and bigger than normal tail pipe. Sounded lovely. Then I had a friend do some tuning magic on the heads & valve train. The thing ended up revving like no Rover V8 should and sounded incredible.
Sadly I sold it about 6/7 years ago and ran around in a 1100cc Punto for 5 years - what was I thinking?
I would def say a good SD1 was a viable proposition as a daily car. For several years I didn't own any modern car, just P6s & SD1s (usually about 2 of each at any one time - plus a P4 for good measure)
Sadly I sold it about 6/7 years ago and ran around in a 1100cc Punto for 5 years - what was I thinking?
I would def say a good SD1 was a viable proposition as a daily car. For several years I didn't own any modern car, just P6s & SD1s (usually about 2 of each at any one time - plus a P4 for good measure)
Edited by mccrackenj on Wednesday 28th March 10:41
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