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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: venom on 02 February 2014, 18:40:51

Title: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: venom on 02 February 2014, 18:40:51
I've got myself a new project.........which I bought after having an evening down the pub drowning my sorrows after the Mrs left then coming home & going on ebay & remembering my first modified V8 SD1 & the smiles I always had with it....so thought I'm having another one of those  :D :D but of course being a little bit drunk didn't read the description properly all I read on the item was
 
I brought this 8 Years ago but since then it has been in a bone dry lock up garage in storage as I brought a genuine Twin Plenum Vitesse for myself instead.
This would be ideal for someone to reshell a rotten Vitesse into as it is very solid............................YEAH RIGHT it needs boot floor,outer sills both sides & possibly inner sills,both rear arches,both front wings,O/S inner front wing,front headlight panel & that's what's obvious without digging around :'(  >:( >:( & didn't read the part about no engine or gearbox  :-[ ;D

So as it wasn't as described I got it for £200 but this is what I'm up against...

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130407_143354_zps98469a50.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130407_143354_zps98469a50.jpg.html)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130407_143402_zps6f399735.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130407_143402_zps6f399735.jpg.html)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130407_143426_zps9abc1ffa.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130407_143426_zps9abc1ffa.jpg.html)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130407_143438_zps6cefe667.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130407_143438_zps6cefe667.jpg.html)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130407_143506_zps919badda.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130407_143506_zps919badda.jpg.html)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130407_143511_zps44fd4a32.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130407_143511_zps44fd4a32.jpg.html)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130407_143525_zps5bb24ea5.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130407_143525_zps5bb24ea5.jpg.html)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130407_171110_zps0a61d7f9.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130407_171110_zps0a61d7f9.jpg.html)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130407_171121_zpsf246a5cd.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130407_171121_zpsf246a5cd.jpg.html)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130407_171201_zps1a692dbc.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130407_171201_zps1a692dbc.jpg.html)

So I've needed to buy a Mig welder

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130906_212713_zps365ca758.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130906_212713_zps365ca758.jpg.html)

(http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y117/kenmacritchie/20130906_212645_zpsda86f063.jpg) (http://s4.photobucket.com/user/kenmacritchie/media/20130906_212645_zpsda86f063.jpg.html)

I now need to findout how to weld  ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: TheBoy on 02 February 2014, 18:46:17
As said on another thread, as a lad, I wanted one of those
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 02 February 2014, 18:47:45
Lordy lordy that's going to keep you busy!!  :o  Still those long dark winter nights will fly by!!  ::)  ;D

I believe that Gixer is a welding ace so maybe he'll give you some tips!!  :-\  ;)

Good luck with the project though and keep us posted!  :y :y :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: omega3000 on 02 February 2014, 18:58:07
What no engine  :D ;D ;D Never mind welding just yet , get the plasma cutter out . Nice project .
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: venom on 02 February 2014, 19:02:28
What no engine  :D ;D ;D Never mind welding just yet , get the plasma cutter out . Nice project .

I've been looking at plasma cutters  :y......got another engine it's a non serpentine 3.9  :) :)
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: YZ250 on 02 February 2014, 19:10:55
I had a Moonraker Blue Twin Plenum Vitesse back in the day.  :y

A couple of guys at work have fully restored Vitesse's. They stripped them back to a bare frame and chassis and have new panels fitted (from India I believe). They have spent thousands on them to get them in tip top condition.  :y

Nice welder Ken.  :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: venom on 02 February 2014, 19:29:26
I had a Moonraker Blue Twin Plenum Vitesse back in the day.  :y

A couple of guys at work have fully restored Vitesse's. They stripped them back to a bare frame and chassis and have new panels fitted (from India I believe). They have spent thousands on them to get them in tip top condition.  :y

Nice welder Ken.  :y

Yeah all the panels are available from Rimmer brothers & your right they bought all the stock from India when the Standard motor company stopped selling their version of the SD1  :y   
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: cam2502 on 02 February 2014, 19:38:56
Always liked the SD1. That'll keep you busy! :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 02 February 2014, 19:58:06
I had a SD1 for about 4 weeks.....years ago....i killed the 2.3  ::) bottom end knocked like a gud un.....traded it in for a 2.5 senator
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Olympia5776 on 02 February 2014, 20:15:03
As someone who's been restoring my car for the last six months I can tell you you've got a lot of work there ........ but that's a much better welder than the one I have so you'll soon ( ? )  get through it .
I was about to post a link to the Ex police SDi being restored on Retro Rides but I see your on there too so will probably have read it .
Good luck . :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: venom on 02 February 2014, 20:21:33
As someone who's been restoring my car for the last six months I can tell you you've got a lot of work there ........ but that's a much better welder than the one I have so you'll soon ( ? )  get through it .
I was about to post a link to the Ex police SDi being restored on Retro Rides but I see your on there too so will probably have read it .
Good luck . :y

Funnily enough I haven't so I'll have a look for it........what are you restoring & I guess your posting on Retro Rides :y :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Olympia5776 on 02 February 2014, 22:55:46
 Nope  I haven't done a thread on it anywhere .
 It's a 1981 635 BMW . When I bought it I knew it needed both rear arches but soon discovered a bit more .....
(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/olympia5776/BMW%20Various/40d89094-2ce7-4e54-848f-b58f2ea304e5_zps41551bc1.jpg) (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/olympia5776/media/BMW%20Various/40d89094-2ce7-4e54-848f-b58f2ea304e5_zps41551bc1.jpg.html)

(http://i162.photobucket.com/albums/t261/olympia5776/BMW%20Various/2e968ceb-4b62-43f1-98dc-23f298966dcc_zpse105032c.jpg) (http://s162.photobucket.com/user/olympia5776/media/BMW%20Various/2e968ceb-4b62-43f1-98dc-23f298966dcc_zpse105032c.jpg.html)
But I have to say that I'm enjoying it , maybe a bit too much as it's becoming difficult to know where to stop . It's going to end up like a new car by the time it's finished . ::)
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 02 February 2014, 23:08:57
Something so evocative about the SD1. Love it.
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: chrisgixer on 02 February 2014, 23:48:49
Good stuff, looking forward to more of this. :) :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: venom on 03 February 2014, 00:19:02
Nope  I haven't done a thread on it anywhere .
 It's a 1981 635 BMW . When I bought it I knew it needed both rear arches but soon discovered a bit more .....

But I have to say that I'm enjoying it , maybe a bit too much as it's becoming difficult to know where to stop . It's going to end up like a new car by the time it's finished . ::)

I must take my hat off to you as that is a lovely bit of work there  :y :y & I'd love tosee some more of the work you've done :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: venom on 03 February 2014, 00:23:04
Good stuff, looking forward to more of this. :) :y

You might regret saying that as I've been told your a bit of a demon when it comes to welding so I might need to pick your brain on where i'm going wrong or how would be best to do something  ;D ;D :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: chrisgixer on 03 February 2014, 00:31:32
Good stuff, looking forward to more of this. :) :y

You might regret saying that as I've been told your a bit of a demon when it comes to welding so I might need to pick your brain on where i'm going wrong or how would be best to do something  ;D ;D :y

;D Christ, who told you that ;D
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: venom on 03 February 2014, 00:34:04
Lordy lordy that's going to keep you busy!!  :o  Still those long dark winter nights will fly by!!  ::)  ;D

I believe that Gixer is a welding ace so maybe he'll give you some tips!!  :-\  ;)

Good luck with the project though and keep us posted!  :y :y :y


 ;) ;)
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 03 February 2014, 00:37:54
You really should read these threads properly you know Chris!  ::) ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: chrisgixer on 03 February 2014, 00:38:49
You really should read these threads properly you know Chris!  ::) ::) ::) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

It's just yours I skip. ;D
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: chrisgixer on 03 February 2014, 00:42:19
Lordy lordy that's going to keep you busy!!  :o  Still those long dark winter nights will fly by!!  ::)  ;D

I believe that Gixer is a welding ace so maybe he'll give you some tips!!  :-\  ;)

Good luck with the project though and keep us posted!  :y :y :y


 ;) ;)

Yep, he's talking rubbish again. ;)
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 03 February 2014, 11:22:15
Is it me or is that SD1 lacking a large under powered lump of aluminium with its random selection of Whitworth, AF and metric bolts under the bonnet?
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: chrisgixer on 03 February 2014, 13:00:43
Apart from the empty engine bay? The front suspension is riding very high, so yes, I'd say engine missing. :)

I wonder what might fit in there then? A certain over powered, over capacityed, very metric v8 alternative Perhaps? :)
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Varche on 03 February 2014, 15:01:02
As they say, good luck with that then.

Keep us posted with photos. That is some project!!
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: TheBoy on 03 February 2014, 17:13:07
I had a SD1 for about 4 weeks.....years ago....i killed the 2.3  ::) bottom end knocked like a gud un.....traded it in for a 2.5 senator
Was it the 2300 or 2600, both straight 6, that had the desperately bad reputation for engines needing replacement?
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: henryd on 03 February 2014, 17:14:20
I had a SD1 for about 4 weeks.....years ago....i killed the 2.3  ::) bottom end knocked like a gud un.....traded it in for a 2.5 senator
Was it the 2300 or 2600, both straight 6, that had the desperately bad reputation for engines needing replacement?

Both,heads warped often :-\
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: TheBoy on 03 February 2014, 17:14:47
Apart from the empty engine bay? The front suspension is riding very high, so yes, I'd say engine missing. :)

I wonder what might fit in there then? A certain over powered, over capacityed, very metric v8 alternative Perhaps? :)
Given its live axle setup, I think you need to be a bit sensible with powerplants. Or grow balls the size of the sun ;D
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: omega3000 on 03 February 2014, 19:07:59
Have you got a garage to work in  :-\
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Keith ABS on 03 February 2014, 19:15:25
  Empty engine bay, V6 3.2 with manual box? Way more powerful than the standard engine I belive but stand to be corrected
Keith B
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Kevin Wood on 03 February 2014, 19:17:23
  Empty engine bay, V6 3.2 with manual box? Way more powerful than the standard engine I belive but stand to be corrected
Keith B

Yep, that'd be a major improvement. :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: venom on 03 February 2014, 19:21:23
Have you got a garage to work in  :-\

Nope  :'( :'(
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: omega3000 on 03 February 2014, 19:22:20
Nearly bought one of these last month , a running project ..  :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: henryd on 03 February 2014, 19:51:39
  Empty engine bay, V6 3.2 with manual box? Way more powerful than the standard engine I belive but stand to be corrected
Keith B

It might produce the goods but falls well short on the noise :D ;)

If thinking V6 why not the Honda/Rover 2.7v6,at least that one is oil tight ;D
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 03 February 2014, 20:23:55
I had a SD1 for about 4 weeks.....years ago....i killed the 2.3  ::) bottom end knocked like a gud un.....traded it in for a 2.5 senator
Was it the 2300 or 2600, both straight 6, that had the desperately bad reputation for engines needing replacement?

Both,heads warped often :-\

With that wanky cam setup it was no wonder it was a disaster of an engine
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: omega3000 on 03 February 2014, 20:32:26
No wonder the baddies got away with that body roll  :o

(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTnIm5qDg5mRQPWIwjaBCTrKalObQzffrTR_-Oh8EFpemIQy5Lezg)
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: venom on 03 February 2014, 20:39:12
  Empty engine bay, V6 3.2 with manual box? Way more powerful than the standard engine I belive but stand to be corrected
Keith B

Depends on what model you have the Vitesse has the 3.5 V8 putting out 190 hp & 220 lb·ft & weighs 139 kg & the curb weight is 1440 kg's.....The GM 3.2 does produce 220hp & 218 lb·ft but weighs 180 kg & saloon curb weight of 1,530 kg's.......& as said you don't get that beautiful V8 rumble  :y :y :y 
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Stemo on 03 February 2014, 20:41:47
I had a SD1 for about 4 weeks.....years ago....i killed the 2.3  ::) bottom end knocked like a gud un.....traded it in for a 2.5 senator
Was it the 2300 or 2600, both straight 6, that had the desperately bad reputation for engines needing replacement?

Both,heads warped often :-\

With that wanky cam setup it was no wonder it was a disaster of an engine
I have googled for a wanky cam set up but there is no info. ;D
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Vamps on 03 February 2014, 20:44:50
No wonder the baddies got away with that body roll  :o

(https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTnIm5qDg5mRQPWIwjaBCTrKalObQzffrTR_-Oh8EFpemIQy5Lezg)

And that was an improvement over the P6.......... :D :D :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 03 February 2014, 22:08:14
  Empty engine bay, V6 3.2 with manual box? Way more powerful than the standard engine I belive but stand to be corrected
Keith B


Depends on what model you have the Vitesse has the 3.5 V8 putting out 190 hp & 220 lb·ft & weighs 139 kg & the curb weight is 1440 kg's.....The GM 3.2 does produce 220hp & 218 lb·ft but weighs 180 kg & saloon curb weight of 1,530 kg's.......& as said you don't get that beautiful V8 rumble  :y :y :y
The trouble is most of the V8's made never met the quoted figures and after a few tens of thousands of miles were well down.
Plus the weight you quote is without ancillaries, add them in and there about on a par
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: omega3000 on 04 February 2014, 14:33:54
Have you got a garage to work in  :-\

Nope :'( :'(

 :(

These projects are quite time consuming , ideal for you to test out the welder .. sure you will get the hang of it eventually  :y
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: ajsphead on 05 February 2014, 10:44:12
It's about in the same state as the one I had before the previous owner restored it. Mine did have running gear though. After he stopped counting at £6600 of bills, some of which were self inflicted, restoring it, the same as any car, from that condition isn't going to be cheap. Also, think about every join, weld, panel condition, seams, sealant, rubbers and rustproofing and inherent bad design (rear light clusters for example). Just because you've done a panel once, doesn't mean in a few years you won't have to do it again. SD1s can be rustproofed, don't believe what people say, but you have to think and plan and use very good quality materials.

As for an engine, remember that the 3.5 is the most robust, then the 4.2, 3.9 and lastly the 4.6. depending on what you want to do, you can get more than adequate power out of a 3.5 if you talk to the V8 tuning guys. Lastly, join the SD1 club and be confident that you're doing the right thing, restoring what is a pretty rare car now.
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 05 February 2014, 10:50:08
  Empty engine bay, V6 3.2 with manual box? Way more powerful than the standard engine I belive but stand to be corrected
Keith B


Depends on what model you have the Vitesse has the 3.5 V8 putting out 190 hp & 220 lb·ft & weighs 139 kg & the curb weight is 1440 kg's.....The GM 3.2 does produce 220hp & 218 lb·ft but weighs 180 kg & saloon curb weight of 1,530 kg's.......& as said you don't get that beautiful V8 rumble  :y :y :y
The trouble is most of the V8's made never met the quoted figures and after a few tens of thousands of miles were well down.
Plus the weight you quote is without ancillaries, add them in and there about on a par

You could always use the 3 litre V8 from the Triumph Stag if you don't mind waiting for the AA/RAC to turn up. ;) ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 05 February 2014, 11:19:55
I have googled for a wanky cam set up but there is no info. ;D

as used in the straight six SD1's, this:

(http://www.roversd1.nl/sd1web/techtalk/6valveclearance.gif)

So double the wear rate on the camshaft and a compromised camshaft profile as the same lobe does inlet and exhaust......this was stoled from Tirumph who used this to enable a 4 valve per cylinder head design to be produced.....but Rover forgot to add the extra two valves per cylinder  ;D
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 08 February 2014, 20:09:43
I have googled for a wanky cam set up but there is no info. ;D

as used in the straight six SD1's, this:

(http://www.roversd1.nl/sd1web/techtalk/6valveclearance.gif)

So double the wear rate on the camshaft and a compromised camshaft profile as the same lobe does inlet and exhaust......this was stoled from Tirumph who used this to enable a 4 valve per cylinder head design to be produced.....but Rover forgot to add the extra two valves per cylinder  ;D

That's similar, but much less reliable, than one I heard of today - Mitsubishi Galants, instead of having a drain plug in the fuel tank, have a threaded, sealed bolt that pulls the fuel pump into position in the bottom of the tank, holding it tights...
Title: Re: New project Rover SD1 Vitesse
Post by: Andy H on 08 February 2014, 21:55:01
I have googled for a wanky cam set up but there is no info. ;D

as used in the straight six SD1's, this:

(http://www.roversd1.nl/sd1web/techtalk/6valveclearance.gif)

So double the wear rate on the camshaft and a compromised camshaft profile as the same lobe does inlet and exhaust......this was stoled from Tirumph who used this to enable a 4 valve per cylinder head design to be produced.....but Rover forgot to add the extra two valves per cylinder  ;D
I have spent 20 minutes trying to work out who is being taken for a fool by that image :-\

The Otto cycle runs Suck, Squeeze, Bang, Blow.

The inlet valve opens during 'Suck' (induction)
No valves open during 'Squeeze' (compression) approximately 180 crank/90 cam degrees later
No valves open during 'Bang' (power stroke) approximately 180 crank/90 cam degrees later
The exhaust valve opens during 'Blow' (exhaust) approximately 180 crank/90 cam degrees later
and repeat
The inlet valve opens during 'Suck' (induction) approximately 180 crank/90 cam degrees later
etc.....

That image shows the inlet and exhaust operating 180 cam degrees apart :-\