Going this weekend to pick up my first RR. It is an 85' Country LWB with 70K original miles. My problem is even after reading tons of articles and combing 20 or so websites, I am over welmed with details and stories on this rig.

I need to address acouple issues asap and could use a little help:

1. Has dual Stromburg carbs, would like to rebuild or upgrade to a single 4bbl. Any suggestions here? It is running rich and sat in a warehouse for a few years, so I'm not sure which route is best?

2. Needs front marker light and tail light on the right hand side, best place to get replacement parts?

3. Spacer lifts, good or bad? I would just like to get a 31" tire on it since I have a new set of MT/Rs sitting here.

Thanks for any help and sorry for being such a fawkin newbie! :rolleyes:

Its an 85, you say? You don't need a lift to fit 31s. You need a sawzall!

I did 2" spacers on my 95 Discovery about a month after I got it. DON'T DO IT!!!! I thought I could just do it to fit 31's, but it sucked. It rode like crap, and wasn't worth anything when I took it off roading. I finally had to take them out and get OME HD coils. It is the difference in night and day. I would just say skip the spacers and save for the coils. You will be much happier.

Chris

Yeah, you gave your new-bie status away when you called it a 'Country'.

When you get it, take a look at the rear tailgate then come grovleling back with an apology.

Until then I don't think you should get any more free advice.

:flipoff2:

Sorry, upon closer inspection...it says "County LWB"...I think?

Sorry for the blatant newbism

You'll pay dearly for almost everything you described, but the lift.

The carbs need some attention, but otherwise, they are worth keeping. Do some research Newbie!

Tail light lenses and turn signal lenses are horribly expensive in the US. I may have one to part out here in the next few weeks, but I'm not sure the turn signal lens is intact on this particular truck.

I've looked in to the Edelbrock manifold swap and Weber/Edelbrock 500cfm carb as well, but it seems like a waste to just junk the stock setup if it can be saved. I have also heard that the Edelbrock swap is screwed up some...a water pasage on the waterneck is incorrect??

Hell, most of the info I find is for 87 and up, I'm not even sure how this rig got in the states?

Hell, most of the info I find is for 87 and up, I'm not even sure how this rig got in the states?

At various times, the regs allowed folks to bring trucks into the US. Not anymore.

They did not make a LWB in '85. Either you have a '93-'95 or it is not LWB.

OK, explains a little. Most of the info I find also says that North American RRCs' are EFI setups, which was kickin my butt since this truck has the dual carbs.

I'm reading as much as I can before I pick it up Sunday. I figured I might as well take my Newbie lumps now..... :eek:

Here is the pic I was sent of the rear, might say LWa?

Its just a sticker, that is a grey market truck.

For better or for worse, Pendy will be your new best friend. You may as well give him a subscription to the Beer of the Month club now.

George @ RoversDownSouth should have the plastic you need.

-Jeff

Bow before me my minion.

A company called Victoria British in Kansas City has parts for the carbs. They were used in the Triumph TR8. Have them send you a cataloug for that vehicle. I have plenty of grey market parts. What transmission does it have?

JP

Auto trans, 3.5 V8....don't know much more than that!

My guess is that Chubster has an '83.

Any other guesses???

It's definitely not a later model US truck (duh...), but speculating on the year might be kind of fun.

:D

These are the rest of the pics I got from the seller, he has been pretty upfront on all the details, he says it is an 85'

looks like exposed hood hinges, what year did they get hidden?

-Jeff

Odd duck. '85 with 4 doors. If you don't mind me asking how much did you pay for that creature?

It's an '85, you all suck balls.

It has one piece front door glass (and the wrong instrument cluster, wrong dash, wrong side mirrors), so no for it being an '83.
While both '83, ;84, and '85 have the vertical slats in the grill, the 83's and 84's have the shoulder belt mounted within the front seats (comes over the seat back); from the front-facing pic, I can see the shoulder belt along the pillar on the passenger side.

Oh yeah...and it has front head lamp washers, found on the '85's and not the 84 or earlier RRs.

:flipoff2:

It's an '85, you all suck balls.

Briggs and I were thinking that it would be you to point out why it is what it is. Either you or Pendy...he must be asleep.

:D

I picked it up for $1600

Looks like a clean -85. Not -84 (Wrong dash and front side door windows) or -86 (wring grille and auto box)
TF727 auto, from the look of the shifters.
The VIN/Chassis number might reveal it's origins.

Tobias

The t-case is desirable for the need more highway speed crowd. Also you could swap in a 1.22 out of a later truck to get gearing back after you go to 32s.

If you decide you want the US spec lenses I have a set of front and rear (no clear part on the bottom of the front marker).

RJ

LOL...look how big the labels on the tach and speedo are.

Yep, definitely an '85 as others have said - don't ever damage the mirrors, it is almost impossible to find second hand ones for that model (even in countries like Oz where those rangies are plentiful) - and new ones are $$$$.

Oh, yeah?
How much for a pair of mirrors. They are in good condition, perhaps some scratches on the front plastic from shrubs.

Tobias

It's an '85, you all suck balls.

It has one piece front door glass (and the wrong instrument cluster, wrong dash, wrong side mirrors), so no for it being an '83.
While both '83, ;84, and '85 have the vertical slats in the grill, the 83's and 84's have the shoulder belt mounted within the front seats (comes over the seat back); from the front-facing pic, I can see the shoulder belt along the pillar on the passenger side.

Oh yeah...and it has front head lamp washers, found on the '85's and not the 84 or earlier RRs.

:flipoff2:

Clean your PM box out.

Clean your PM box out.

Whoops...looks like my red star expired...then kicked my PM storage from 100 down to 50. Should be clean now.

Got any pics of the engine? I say trash the twin carb setup. You will be glad you did. Go with the Edelbrock/Weber system. Although I have heard good things about Holly recently. Here are a few pics of my 3.5 work in progress. When isn't it?

Got any pics of the engine? I say trash the twin carb setup. You will be glad you did. Go with the Edelbrock/Weber system. Although I have heard good things about Holly recently. Here are a few pics of my 3.5 work in progress. When isn't it?

Sweet; RHD!

I haven't seen the motor yet and I am afariad to even touch those carbs. I have heard a ton of horror stories about rebuilding and tuning them!

I switched for ease of service. I couldn't find a shop in the Mojave Desert that sold parts for the twin carbs, imagine that. After the switch power was increased though not a ton but noticable. Very noticable increase in torque. Starts much faster.

I haven't seen the motor yet and I am afariad to even touch those carbs. I have heard a ton of horror stories about rebuilding and tuning them!
Don't sweat SUs. I had them on many of my brit cars over the years. The square bore Edelbrock carbs are trouble off road so stick with the SUs.


My last british car with carbs:

I think the trouble with the Edelbrocks are way over rated. I have had my truck on some pretty extreme angles with the 4 barrel and have never had a problem. On the other hand the twin carbs did leave me hanging on more than a few occasions but that could have been that they were out of tune. In order to get the most potential out of the twins you need the right needle size and there are a ton to choose from. You need to keep the oil level up which is no big deal. I like the Edelbrock because it is plug and play. I have not had to tune or think about the Edelbrocks since I put it on. If you do alot of wheeling I think you are better off with the Edelbrock. If you do have trouble there is a better chance of either fixing it yourself, someone else will know about them, if you need parts most auto parts stores will have them and they are cheaper to fix. When I had twin carbs and I opened the hood most people scratched there heads and said "what the hell are those". If you just plan on cruising malls then by all means stick with the twin carbs :)

I think the trouble with the Edelbrocks are way over rated.
I glad it works for you. A few months ago while I watching traffic thru Winch Hill 3 on Fordyce there was this k5 with an Edelbrock . Ryan made at least a dozen attempts and every attempt the engine would just stop running and the exact same angle.

http://beer.thisdysfunctional.org/kids/albun20/100_9903.jpg
http://beer.thisdysfunctional.org/kids/albun20/100_9905.jpg

Well I can honestly say I wont be doing Fordyce with my D130. Maybe Dusy or the Rubicon. I thought I read somwhere recently that Edelbrock had taken care of that problem. But I cant think where I read it. One of the 4x4 mags recently had a write up on the new Holly Avenger, I think that is what it is called. Had great things to say about it so there is another option. I would bet dollars to dognuts that a ton of other vehicles have tackled the same trail with Edelbrocks and did not have problems. I aint saying they are perfect just that it so far has worked well for me as opposed to the twin carbs.

Man this is tougher than I thought! I understand that it is a "grey market" rig, but the info I'm finding is confusing. Until I get the VIN it is useless to wonder, but I have to ask?

Since it is a 85' LWB, has the Amber/Clear front marker lenes and the dual carbs...is it safe to assume it was never setup as a "North American" version? I'm asking because I worry about emmisions...they are a bitch here in Ohio!

The owner says it has only been plated 3 times, first was by RR of North America till 1987, then again by the first owner in 88' till 96', then finally the seller about a year ago. Story is that it sat in storage for a long time, hense the low milage.

Sounds like a load of shit to me, but I guees I really need that VIN to find out.....

Man this is tougher than I thought! I understand that it is a "grey market" rig, but the info I'm finding is confusing. Until I get the VIN it is useless to wonder, but I have to ask?

Since it is a 85' LWB, has the Amber/Clear front marker lenes and the dual carbs...is it safe to assume it was never setup as a "North American" version? I'm asking because I worry about emmisions...they are a bitch here in Ohio!

The owner says it has only been plated 3 times, first was by RR of North America till 1987, then again by the first owner in 88' till 96', then finally the seller about a year ago. Story is that it sat in storage for a long time, hense the low milage.

Sounds like a load of shit to me, but I guees I really need that VIN to find out.....

First, no it's not a LWB. Period. My '83 has the amber/clear lights, it is a grey market rig, it is stickered as "meeting EPA standards for 1983." Open the hood; above the headlights and in front of the radiator should be a data plate with the VIN number, and there should be an EPA sticker near there. Only the Vogue models in '85 got the fuel injection, so its not a big deal yours has carbs...certainly make sure the emissions inspector knows the difference, not all '85's had EFI.

Is there a title? It should say "non-US vehicle" on it. No big deal, the ins. co. has to look a bit harder for the info to insure it. And because it has been titled, there should be no issues retitling it and registering it. Don't sweat it, it's no big deal.

Ok, another Newbie brain-fart...LWB

Does it refer to Long Wheel Base (4dr.) or to 4 dr. US market rigs?

I won't see the title till I pick it up Sunday, just trying to get a little education before then. :D

Ok, another Newbie brain-fart...LWB

Does it refer to Long Wheel Base (4dr.) or to 4 dr. US market rigs?

I won't see the title till I pick it up Sunday, just trying to get a little education before then. :D

LWB refers to the long wheel base 108" (or was it 110" :mad: ) RR's available in '93 -'94, and early '95.

All other RR's, 2 door or 4 door, have the standard 100" wheelbase.

Thank you sir may I have another....I will be in the Newbie corner with my dunce hat on for the next several minutes.....or until I can think of something stupid to ask again! :D

Actually the LWB (108") was introduced in 91-92, but perhaps not in the US, but since we're talking grey imports anyway I thought it was worth mentioning.

T

Thank you sir may I have another....I will be in the Newbie corner with my dunce hat on for the next several minutes.....or until I can think of something stupid to ask again! :D

When you get tired of fawing with it, call me. I'll two it home and put it out in the back 40 with the rest of them.

"Actually the LWB (108") was introduced in 91-92, but perhaps not in the US, but since we're talking grey imports anyway I thought it was worth mentioning."

No. INtroduced as a 93 model year vehicel everywhere (of course 93s come out in 92 if that is what you mean)

"Actually the LWB (108") was introduced in 91-92, but perhaps not in the US, but since we're talking grey imports anyway I thought it was worth mentioning."

No. INtroduced as a 93 model year vehicel everywhere (of course 93s come out in 92 if that is what you mean)

Anybody want to see a P38 with a 1994 build date?

I have seen a couple P38as with 94 build dates. They have been among the very worst rovers.

I have seen a couple P38as with 94 build dates. They have been among the very worst rovers.

Number 735 belongs to one of our clients, along with three others made in the first 2,000. Of them, one has had a new BeCM, HeVAC controller, engine, etc...

Even though the SU carbs are a pain to tune (but once you get the hang of it, it's not too bad) they are easy as hell to rebuild/clean on the trail if you ever need to do that sort of thing.

Actually the LWB (108") was introduced in 91-92, but perhaps not in the US, but since we're talking grey imports anyway I thought it was worth mentioning.

T

That's why I said "available" in 93,94, and early 95 :flipoff2:

chubster....disregard anything you see on your tail gate....it was likely replaced...as they rust quite easily...someone probably replaced the original with the one that it on there....and it was probably from a county lwb.
You have a short wheel base rangie(SWB).

Maybe the lettering was added at a later time, but that tailgate is not off a LWB from the early/mid 90's, or any other RR after 1987 from what I can tell.

Verdict...original tailgate; some bloke added the "County LWB" decal to it.

Seller is going to get me the VIN tonight, that should tell me alot....or just confuse the shit out of me even more! :shaking:

You may want to ensure (via pictures) that the VIN on the dash matches the VIN on the engine, etc.

Seller is going to get me the VIN tonight, that should tell me alot....or just confuse the shit out of me even more! :shaking:

It should read "SALLHAMV4BAxxxxxx" the last 6 positions being the serial number.

Maybe the lettering was added at a later time, but that tailgate is not off a LWB from the early/mid 90's, or any other RR after 1987 from what I can tell.

Verdict...original tailgate; some bloke added the "County LWB" decal to it.


Ohio....an 85 rover.....this guy would be lucky to find any original steel left on it.

Maybe the tailgate is from a 89 hunter edition.....then they repainted and stenciled on the text?

Maybe the tailgate is from a 89 hunter edition.....then they repainted and stenciled on the text?

Nope...it's not from anything that new.

Nope...it's not from anything that new.

Yea, its one of those lever action jobs.

-Jeff

You may want to ensure (via pictures) that the VIN on the dash matches the VIN on the engine, etc.

Engine number is unique and not the same as the VIN. Somewhere, there may be a magic decoder ring to tie engine numbers and VIN together, but I sure don't know how to do it.

Also, it's a Rover, there's no guarantee it has the original engine.