Hey Gordon, After some research with the guys back home, I can use the engine, but will have to put my inlet manifold, front cover (multi-belts) and EFi gear on it - the plenum etc is all different. Not sure about the gearbox - did you sell the transfer box off it? Let me know if that interests you ...

Cheers Gordon, Monday ok? I'll give you a shout.

Hugo.

Gordon,

Does the 3.9 V8 have a serpentine belt front end or the older style mix of belts? Any chance of a look?

Cheers,

Hugo.

Ha Ha, very true! Thanks Gordon, will keep your offer in mind - looks like I need another stint offshore to get some more pennies saved up!

Thanks Gordon - was looking at a 3.9 block and getting a stroker kit (to make a 4.8L) out of the UK. The 3.5 I have just now has a stump-puller cam that I did recently, so isn't weak, was just thinking bigger! To do the stroker kit, you need a 3.9 block to start with.

No worries Gordon, much appreciated.

Ha, well my wife could certainly refuse!

Would be just after the 3.9 motor - give me a ball park you're after?

Hi Gordon, what would you be after for the 3.9?

Cheers,

Hugo.

Cheers guys,

Shame, the sticker option in the UK is pretty good as it clears up the issue of where to put the thing!!

Will have a rethink then - might just do folding brackets so that if it drags it'll fold up out the way.

Cheers,

Fish.

I was thinking of relocating the number plate on my classic Rangie and know that in the UK you can get a sticker version and stick it to the front of the bonnet - is that legal in NZ?

Hi, I've had this on an old Series and it was the propshaft UJ's that were badly worn and causing some slack. The judder at low speed was the propshafts 'wobbling' and when at higher speeds the force took up the slack and no judder. Cam on all of a sudden as well, not over a long period of time ...

I know the feeling Pete, that happened to me a few times, got to be quick I guess Still, well worth waiting for the right one!

Autos are great, I was a bit sceptical of what they'd be like off road, but they are brilliant. Don't be put off at all.

Keep us posted!

Mentioned most already, but had a few Rangie's so will add my tuppence! Rear BODY crossmember (not chassis) rots away. Can see it better from underneath the rear looking up towards the tailgate. Lift carpets and check boot floor also. Rear seat belt mounts - look up in the wheelarch for rust and ...

Thanks Grumpy, I'll check them out.

Oh, and inner wings at the front, and take it for a good long drive as Steve t647 says, and look for any signs of overheating.

Hope all goes well

Hi, Check sills, rear wheel arches, especially around the rear seatbelt mounts and the rear body (not chassis) x-member. In Disco's, check the rear floor. They rot like hell. If he doesn't let you pull the carpets up, then walk away. Hope it's a good 'un and post some pics! Cheers, Hugo.

Hi Guys,

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement top tailgate for a classic Rangie? Preferably an aluminium one as I don't want to have to shell out for this again!

I've seen a few on trademe who had a new top tailgate, so somewhere in NZ must do them?

Cheers,

Hugo.

Looking good mate , did you order springs from Scorpion direct or through a parts place here in NZ?

Thanks, did you get the piper cam from Ross Calgher?

That looks like a very early Rangie, and looks in very good condition for 1974! Whereabouts are you based?

Also, how did you raise the plenum? A different trumpet base?

Cheers,

Hugo.

I picked up my 'new' Range Rover at the weekend . It's a 1988 3.5EFi instantly nick-named 'Retro' due to the 'Savannah Beige' colour with brown on tan interior! I love it though. Have already been to see Ross Calgher (Rover V8 guru) to get it running better with the view to putting a meatier ...

Looking good,

Where did you get the 2" lift kit?

Cheers,

Hugo.

Thanks Guys,

Furgus, that's great, I'll look him up and give him a call. Seems to be exactly what I'm after!

Cheers again,

Hugo.

Hi, I'm new to New Zealand and am toying with the idea of rebuilding a Rover 3.5L V8. I was part way through one when I left Scotland but didn't bring it over. Question is where can I get parts for it? Things like the bearings/gaskets/rings etc? Anybody any ideas? Thanks in advance, Hugo.

I Had this one as my daily driver in the UK: http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/images/albums/2002_Defender_90_CHT/defender2.jpg Had these to play with on the farm: http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/images/albums/Nevis_to_Garston/Jess_Freelander_next_to_Yellow_Peril.sized.jpg Then this one over here ...

Thanks Elterelo,

Price was a bit steep but it looked very tidy. Did you see anything wrong with it?

Well, gutted. It sat there on trademe for months and then when I get the cash together to go look at it, it goes and sells.

Sold on Sunday.

GUTTED!!!!!!!!

Back to the drawing board.......

Thanks for the replies. Yep, mileage is getting to that stage where a new cam/lifters etc would be on the cards. Depends a lot on what regularity the oil changes have been done!

Will go and have a look and report back. Cheers gents.

Hugo.

Thanks for the replies guys, but am definitely looking for a Rangie. Won't be doing anything super strenuous so diffs should be ok.

Hi gents, Am still looking for a good Rangie but wife has 'suggested' four doors as we now have a wee one on the way, so for eases sake I'm now looking at this: m Has anyone had a look at it? Looks fairly tidy to me, would haggle the price though. If I get it, are there any guys nearby in Taranaki ...

Hi Skiwi!

Wife from the Broch eh? How does she find NZ?

Yes, can't say I'm missing the fact that they're under about a foot of snow at home just now!!!

People don't like folk from Auckland or something?