Overdrive or no Overdrive?

[eddi]

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

[msggunny]

Originally Posted by eddi

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

High ratio Tcase and an overdrive are not the same.

I have been looking at the same thing for my SIII. I have been advised by several knowledgable people that the Tcase is not good for the stock or even modified 2.25.

Go with a Fairey or Roverdrive.

Unless you are going to do a Merc diesel or Robert Davis engine swap, then the HRTC will work well.

[KevinNY]

I agree with Gunny. A 2.25 never runs hot, they are really almost over cooled stock. You want as many gears as you can with the 2.25. 3rd overdrive is actually very useful when climbing big hills. I am about to install a Hi Ratio case but I am pushing it with a 2.8 turbo diesel. I have a fairey on it now.

[Series 3 guy]

Fairey is the way to go. I just drove 200 miles round trip today with my 109 and it is fantastic. However even without a thermostat in the cooling system the fairey with get the engine to the halfway mark on the temp guage as I am pushing the 109 to about 60 -70 mph with the 2.25 petrol so not too sure about the advantage of the high ratio?? If it's too hot or it was an issue just pull out the thermostat and save $1,800? I run mine year round with out a thermostat and still have plenty of heat. I'm rambling now.....Fairey overdrive is the ticket.

[p76rangie]

A Fairey effectively gives you 8 foward gears instead of 4. That is, you can run all 4 gears with overdrive engaged or disengaged.
The fairey overdrive does usually have lubrication issues and can wear out quickly.

[KevinNY]

A Fairey will last a lot longer with religious weekly oil checks and only using it in 4th gear and occasionally 3rd.

[The Colonel]

listen...i have the OD in my series, and just to travel long distances at 65 MPH is a plus. doesnt run hot...quiet....saves fuel...if you can afford it , do it. it will make a completely different vehicle out of your landy. check out my OD in action!!!

YouTube - 1978 Land Rover Series lll: On The Road

[CliftonRover]

I have both the hi ratio kit and the fairey overdrive. I like the different gears the OD gives but mine is very noisy! I had the hi ratio kit on a stock 88" for a while and it definatly slowed down alot on the hills, but on the flat it was nice not to have the noise. I really like the hi ratio but I can only recomend it for a strong 2.25 in an 88 andt is relatively light, a like soft top. otherwise get an OD and keep it oiled.

[jimfoo]

Get a Roverdrive. Though it costs more than a Fairey, it is quieter and I'm pretty much positive that it will last longer. The input splines WILL wear out on a Fairey and it will have to be rebuilt sooner or later. Or I know someone with an almost new Santana OD that I bet he'd sell though I'm not sure what he'd want for it. It is a way better OD than a Fairey or Toro, and probably better than a Roverdrive.

[01001010]

Although I didnt ask for it (not yet atleast) thanks for all the good info!

Lets talk more about this Santana Overdrive and availability.

[msggunny]

Originally Posted by 01001010

Although I didnt ask for it (not yet atleast) thanks for all the good info!

Lets talk more about this Santana Overdrive and availability.

When are you going to stop mourning your Disco and put up an avatar with your Series?

Its gone, move on.

[01001010]

You know,

I was just thinkin about that this saturday..but the truth is, Im not over it. I still take a look at the truck's To Do List and when im half way down the page, I remember. =(

[The Colonel]

what happened to the disco...???

[01001010]

Its gone man...lol...whre've you been? I got rid of it like three weeks ago.

[Smokey Mountain Man]

Lool dude I hav quite a few over drives at my disposal. And I would be more than willing to part with one. Now that I have done my sales pitch I will tell you this. Instaling an overdrive is cake. All you have to do is hook it up to that piont st the end of the transfer box . The spot rite next to where the rear drive shaft hooks up. If I remember right it should have six bolts to it. If you are interested I have about 5 of them and am willing to talk turkey so to deal. Call me.