Overdrive or no overdrive?

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eddi

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Hi all,

I have a 1970 Serie IIA and I am in the process of getting some work done. The restoration place strongly suggested I consider adding a Rovers North transfer case for $1,800 (parts and labor); their justification is that even over short distances it helps the engine by allowing it not to run as hot. I drive the rover every weekend, but I do not drive it over long distances often at all.

I have to be honest, I am not familiar with the concept of an overdrive and therefore don't know if it is a good investment. I am already spending a significant amount, no where near a full restoration but still a pretty big dent in my pocketbook, and I am not sure whether I should go for it.

Comments, ideas??

Thanks,
Eddi
 

danshepp

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Re: overdrive

Hi eddi.

An overdrive is a good idea for long journeys!
IMHO i would purchase a fairey or toro overdrive both are easy to fit by the average land rover enthusiast! also for cooling purposes i would fit a kenlowe type electric fan in front of the radiator and keep the existing viscous fan, this will give you all the cooling a series engine should ever need. It may also be prudent to have the existing radiator re cored and the engine water jacket flushed out.

dan
 

eddi

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Hi Dan and thanks for the reply.

I am having the radiator re cored, so that's a step in the right direction. I simply do not take the Rover on long trips often; the most I would ever do is drive about 50 miles one way to go see my brother, and that's not very often. I don't see enough benefits to warrant an $1,800 expenditure.

Eddi
 

MRover72

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overdrive

Definately invest in an overdrive if you plan on taking the highway anywhere. I bought my series with an overdrive and move well at 60-65 mph. But my top speed not using overdrive is only 45 mph
 

antichrist

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The Rovers North transfer case is not an overdrive, it's called a "high ratio transfer case". It's raises the high range (only) gearing by about 31% and is always "engaged". An overdrive, by comparison, is selective and raises all gears by about 27%, effectively giving you 16 fwd and 4 reverse gears. The transfer case conversion is generally considered to be more rugged than an overdrive.
I've been driving Series Rovers for over 30 years and never had a problem with overheating without an overdrive, even when driving 60+ on the highway

edit to fix typo in "ratio".
 
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samysmith24

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Ya overdrive is really good for long travelling like i use it i travel a lot and travelling is my passion being a photograper by profession i need to travel a lot its not for people who dont drive much
 

Thomas1968

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I purchased and installed a RoverDrive now called RoamerDrive this past spring and so far I like it alot, however, if I take it anywhere, it's all highway. In the city I keep the RoverDrive engaged and it makes driving in stop and go quite a bit easier as the old rover is geared quite low. Although you could take off in 2nd gear too! On the highway it's a little quieter as it's not screaming at the highest revs but I won't claim you can listen to your stereo still at high speeds! (I know.....what stereo....)
 

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