RR370

Yeah! hahahah I remember doing that with mini's etc. Ah the good old days! was quite funny to be working with carbs after a 10year break!!

Well I finally fitted those hedman headers, got a new 2.5" system made and got the RR through the Costa Rica MOT type test. I had the screw up the mixture screws so the engine was running on vapours to pass! but once it did I backed off the mixture. I have now the headers and K+N cone airfilters on each carb. What I notice is good bottom end power until around 4000rpm when the engine starts the split and cough, pulling the choke out seems to help so I figure I need to change the needles in the carbs. Anyone done a similar set up and can recommend which needle from standard to use?

Just goes to show "G" string undies stretch a long way!

The Headers are for right hand drive! Summit racing do not mention this and you would think seeing as they are in the USA they would sell left hand drive headers. Anyway lifting the block off the engine mounts about 2" gave me enough to clear the brake servo/booster. then the header fitted OK. Of course it did not line up with the original exhaust but I'm changing that anyway so that's not important but maybe for some folks.

Jeff, I checked the part number with another forum and it's correct. It's a this http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hedman-3980...sspagenameZWDVW from Summit racing. The right side looking form the front hits the chassis and block were the 4 pipes go to one. I need about another 2cm to clear. The other side I didn't try yet. Plus now it's raining hard so I can't do the work as the car is outside and it's dark when I get home. I'm going to try again at the weekend. So did the headers make a difference in performance? what carb are you running?

Anyone fitted them to a 83 V8 RR left hand drive? I tried last night but no way without raising the engine.

I started to fit the tbular manifold last night. The origninal cast manifold was fitted with no gaskets and were of different designs left and right. Maybe this is normal but looked strange to me. Any comment on what cast manifolds should be there? also I have a tubular manifold for a V8 LR will this fit the RR?

Well than was an experience last night. I've worked on the 83 RR for months, got it running really well and it failed on the CO level. should be 4.6% but was 10.0% Their test is similar to the UK MOT but the sniffer test is only at idle with no rollers test. I didn't have a timing light or CO tester to check before so I took pot luck and lost. They also said my exhaust was too much noise...hahahah So I've worked with SU/Stombergs for years but I'm always willing to learn more. Any tips? My exhaust is a mish mash of different pipes so I have a tubular manifold and system to fit which should help. I also have K+N cone filters on the carbs as the filter box was damaged. I guess the carbs are worn a little but if I can get them to give a good figure at idle that's all I need. Thanks

Phil, Just the info I need. I'm stuck with US parts unless I go order from the UK which works out very expensive. If I get from Costa Rica it's even more!! So my understanding is the retaining pins that run through the calipers are bigger on the 87's on? could I use my pins and machine a spacer insert? I adapted the 91 steering box so a little extra work is fine.. Failing that I will have to get them from the UK. Thanks for your help.

I have KC daylighters and Hella's plus 100/80 H4 headlight bulbs on my RRC. Try Ebay for used Hella's/Cibie's and other lights. http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll...o%3D2&fgtp= http://search.ebay.co.uk/search/search.dll...p=32&fsoo=2 I've rallied with Cibie oscars and KC daylighters with good results.

I have a 1983 RRC with solid disks all round. Do the 87 upwards vented disk pads fit? I ask this because my car is in Costa Rica and I live in the USA. The RRC only came into the US in 87. Thanks

Yes that's mine!! except mine is falling apart and is very dirty. The other one looks like the US version minus the cruise controls. Actually I prefer one like in your photo. Thanks for the information.

Just an up-date of the rebuild of my 4 door 83 RR based in Costa Rica. I fitted a US 91 steering box which required some pipe work redesign but now it works. I modified the seals which now don't leak...A first? Then there were all the silly electrical issues and sticking doors. Fitted some rally spot lamps. Fixed the front crank seal oil leak. The swivel pins leaked bad. So as suggested here I checked for play and they seemed fine. I reviewed the removal proceedure and figured just remove the caliper and pipes then un-doing the 5 axle end bolts and pulling out the half shaft would be quick way to change the seal. Took me around 45mins a side. Now no leaks. Engine runs good now with added K+N filters. I wanted to change the front lenses but the US lenses are different and all amber. So I'm taking the lenses home to modify them to accept the US amber units. Oh I bought some 245/70-16 tyes which was better than the Kojak ones I had on. Next month it should be ready to do the Costa Rica MOT type test. Anyone know if an 91 steering wheel will fit a 83? Yeah for a laugh I painted the whole of the roof with the union jack!!!

Streaky, I'd love to do it and would jump at the offer but sadly ...well sort of I work 2 weeks in the states and 2 weeks in Costa Rica. Experience wise I've rallied and built my own rally cars since 1989 . Done national and international events. I drive and do my own service....which is a chalendge. At present I'm rebuilding an 1983 RR in Costa Rica and run a Subaru Rally car in the states. Believe or not I rallied an MG Maestro Group 'N' in the middle east.. Al Tayer motors of Dubai backed me with service. The deal was to put their name on the car for free in return for service. They provided 2 techs and 2 disco's. Maybe you can approach them? Stuart Mc dougall was the Manager in those days.

Let me know if you get stuck for service I lived in Dubai for 2 years. Actually I did the Middle East Rally Championship and ended up staying. Dubai I s fab place and there are tons of Europeans and US guys living there. I know quite a few folks out there. Just make sure you carry plenty of cold water. The raid is awesome. My friend ran a 700bhp V8 power boat engined 110 pick up!!!