Overdrive or no overdrive?

eddi · 03-11-2008, 12:41 PM

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 · 03-11-2008, 02:59 PM

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 · 03-12-2008, 06:43 AM

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 · 08-25-2008, 03:04 PM

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 · 11-26-2008, 05:25 PM

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".

samysmith24 · 01-09-2010, 04:12 PM

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

03-11-2008, 12:41 PM	#1
eddi Roverito Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	Overdrive or no overdrive? 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

03-11-2008, 02:59 PM	#2
danshepp RoVerified Join Date: Oct 2007 Posts: 56	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 __________________ You know when your series 3 is running fine, when it rattles, whines,clunks,knocks, smokes and leaks.:

08-25-2008, 03:04 PM	#4
MRover72 Roverito Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 3	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

11-26-2008, 05:25 PM	#5
antichrist Rover Guru Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 130	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". __________________ Tom Rowe Four wheel drive allows you to get stuck in places even more inaccessible. 62 88 reg 67 NADA x2 74 Air Portable - The Antichrist (tag 6A666) 95 D1 - R380 95 D90 - R380 97 D1 - ZF Last edited by antichrist : 01-12-2010 at 05:24 AM.

01-09-2010, 04:12 PM	#6
samysmith24 Roverito Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 5	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 __________________ Jeep LED Tail Lights

03-12-2008, 06:43 AM	#3
eddi Roverito Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 3	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