New to Rover ownership
Discussion
Welcome to the wonderful world of SD1 ownership 
. This article may be of use to you, it lists all the common faults ( http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/cars/rover/sd1-rover/buying-guide-rover-sd1/). The only recurring problem I've had with mine is its appetite for suspension bushes, however Rimmer Brothers offer full polybush kits (as well as stainless steel exhaust systems and suspension upgrade kits).
They're pretty simple old things really, if they're rustproofed and looked after they'll plod on forever without any major problems.
The reader's car thread for mine is here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1310863&mid=395031 (apologies for shamelessly plugging
).
. This article may be of use to you, it lists all the common faults ( http://www.aronline.co.uk/blogs/cars/rover/sd1-rover/buying-guide-rover-sd1/). The only recurring problem I've had with mine is its appetite for suspension bushes, however Rimmer Brothers offer full polybush kits (as well as stainless steel exhaust systems and suspension upgrade kits). They're pretty simple old things really, if they're rustproofed and looked after they'll plod on forever without any major problems.
The reader's car thread for mine is here: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=1310863&mid=395031 (apologies for shamelessly plugging
). Congratulations, very nice SD1!
Have a SD1 myself, not Vitesse, not Rover V8 but running a TVR with a Vitesse engine...
Tuning is endless, information on Rover V8 forums and also on the TVR forums on here that are running Rover V8s. Simple things I have done: K&N air filter, rising rate fuel pressure regulator and proper setting of the overrun valve that is located at the back of the plenum. Had to replace the flywheel when changing the clutch and the lightened one makes the engine revs up and down more quickly (instead of having a lazy V8 characteristic). The rest is to keep it well maintained and the use of good parts (plugs, caps, ignition leads, coil etc).
One remark on the gearbox, it is normally ok, but many have ATF in it. This is too thin and I would replace it with Mobil 1 0W30 or 5W30. Used to run engine oil in them since a long time, then the advice became Castrol SMX, but now Mobile 1 is considered to be best.
Other test is to see if you can lift the gear stick up and down. If yes the rubber bushes on the remote linkage are gone. And if the linkage is hitting the prop-shaft you get a noise that it sounds as if the box is disintegrating. Replacement is not too difficult.
The box needs a bit of warming up, but after that it is very good, only it is not built for fast gear changes and the clutch needs time to be fully engaged as well. It is quick enough for its age and enjoy the very nice noise it makes.
Rob
Have a SD1 myself, not Vitesse, not Rover V8 but running a TVR with a Vitesse engine...
Tuning is endless, information on Rover V8 forums and also on the TVR forums on here that are running Rover V8s. Simple things I have done: K&N air filter, rising rate fuel pressure regulator and proper setting of the overrun valve that is located at the back of the plenum. Had to replace the flywheel when changing the clutch and the lightened one makes the engine revs up and down more quickly (instead of having a lazy V8 characteristic). The rest is to keep it well maintained and the use of good parts (plugs, caps, ignition leads, coil etc).
One remark on the gearbox, it is normally ok, but many have ATF in it. This is too thin and I would replace it with Mobil 1 0W30 or 5W30. Used to run engine oil in them since a long time, then the advice became Castrol SMX, but now Mobile 1 is considered to be best.
Other test is to see if you can lift the gear stick up and down. If yes the rubber bushes on the remote linkage are gone. And if the linkage is hitting the prop-shaft you get a noise that it sounds as if the box is disintegrating. Replacement is not too difficult.
The box needs a bit of warming up, but after that it is very good, only it is not built for fast gear changes and the clutch needs time to be fully engaged as well. It is quick enough for its age and enjoy the very nice noise
it makes.Rob
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