Is there anybody using this overdrive in their series land Rover?
I'm very interested in puchasing one, but I would like to hear from some people that actually have one, used it and have an opinion, from experience. How does it perform ? Was it worth it? etc.....
Many thanks in advance,
Todd.
Roverdrive Overdrive
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tuko
43 views and no reply.........mmm... :(
Makes one wonder, that I'm obviously not the only one that think that they are rather expensive.
But, then again, look at the alternative, reproduction Fairy overdrives from the States are even more expensive!
Next question guys,
Is there anyone using this overdrive?
Cheers,
Todd.
Makes one wonder, that I'm obviously not the only one that think that they are rather expensive.
But, then again, look at the alternative, reproduction Fairy overdrives from the States are even more expensive!
Next question guys,
Is there anyone using this overdrive?
Cheers,
Todd.
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DaveB
- Defender of the World
- Posts: 1749
- Joined: Mon Feb 09, 2004 7:45 pm
- Location: Vernon, BC
They are few and far between here in the lower mainland. I've only seen a couple installed. I think this is because Ray has concentrated most of his marketing efforts across the pond(s) and not here.
Also, most of us with series rovers here are not of the wealthy variety. If we are, we already have a defender with a 5 speed.
From my own viewpoint, I have one more job on the list before an overdrive comes to the top. But when it does, I'm leaning towards the Roverdrive cuz I really like the concept of continually meshed planetary gears. Whether that really makes it better in use on my truck than a used or knockoff Fairey has yet to be seen...
Dave
Also, most of us with series rovers here are not of the wealthy variety. If we are, we already have a defender with a 5 speed.
From my own viewpoint, I have one more job on the list before an overdrive comes to the top. But when it does, I'm leaning towards the Roverdrive cuz I really like the concept of continually meshed planetary gears. Whether that really makes it better in use on my truck than a used or knockoff Fairey has yet to be seen...
Dave
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bclandrover
- Out of Africa
- Posts: 401
- Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:21 pm
- Location: North Vancouver
- Contact:
Hi,
I had a brand new superwinch overdrive a few years ago.
I sold it as soon as I heard Superwinch was not going to make them anymore. Never liked it anyways, lots of gear whine where it meshed to the transmission and it sucked oil from the transfer box and spat it out all over my driveway.
Now with a properly built engine, diff's, wheel bearings (transmission is next) and no overdrive, I figure I have way more power, less drag, far less slopp in the driveline, one less oil leak and I can cruise at 110 on the flat. Of course the 33" tires are like having an overdrive on there own!
No overdrive on my to get list.
Anyways, that's my viewpoint!
Later,
Don
I had a brand new superwinch overdrive a few years ago.
I sold it as soon as I heard Superwinch was not going to make them anymore. Never liked it anyways, lots of gear whine where it meshed to the transmission and it sucked oil from the transfer box and spat it out all over my driveway.
Now with a properly built engine, diff's, wheel bearings (transmission is next) and no overdrive, I figure I have way more power, less drag, far less slopp in the driveline, one less oil leak and I can cruise at 110 on the flat. Of course the 33" tires are like having an overdrive on there own!
No overdrive on my to get list.
Anyways, that's my viewpoint!
Later,
Don
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twotter_lad
Roverdrive...
Don,
I could have sworn that when the first roverdrives came out that Ray at Wiseowl told me that you were one of a few people that had one of his Roverdrives and you were testing it out. If that is true how was the Roverdrive while you had it and if I am wrong, then maybe Ray meant someone else.
Jason
I could have sworn that when the first roverdrives came out that Ray at Wiseowl told me that you were one of a few people that had one of his Roverdrives and you were testing it out. If that is true how was the Roverdrive while you had it and if I am wrong, then maybe Ray meant someone else.
Jason
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John
- Cylinder bore
- Posts: 469
- Joined: Tue Mar 23, 2004 8:37 pm
- Location: Langley, BC
Other options are high ratio transfer case gears. You don't get the split gear option which the overdrives provide but they can be very robust and no gear whine as with the Fairey. When my overdrive packed it in I went with the offering from Ashcroft. I was very happy with it behind my 2.25 Rover diesel. I think Rovers North have a pretty good deal on complete t-cases with this gear set installed.
John
John
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ceresone
overdrive
Dear Todd,
Like yourself, I am also very interested in obtaining an overdrive for my series one so that I might be able to one day at least be able to reach the posted highway speed!
I have had a fairey overdrive in a series three and while it did reduce engine noise, the overdrive seemed to increase the overall noise factor quite significantly...different noises but about the same overall volume.
I visited Wiseowl and had a look at one of their overdrives that was on hand and overall I thought that I was quite good although I never heard one in action. My biggest problem with the unit is the price. I realize that they have to recover their development costs and also make a profit on the units but for now the overdrive is just too expensive for my use.(I drive about 2500 miles a year and the ROI would be somewhere in the 15 year range.)
I realize that I would get higher speeds and lower revs but I can't justify
purchasing an accessory for my series one that costs more than the truck itself!
From a marketing point of view, I think that Wiseowl could sell more units locally(Canada) if they could devise some sort of purchasing plan to spread out the costs associated with the unit. Something like a $500 down payment and monthly payments of say 100 per month or some kind of combination thereof. I know that this causes other issues for Wiseowl, such as credit worthyness of the customer, recovery of the unit due to non-payment, etc. but the only way to really lower the costs is to increase the volume of sales to recoup their development/start up costs.
Just my thoughts. Let me know what you find out. Chris
P.S. If they came down somewhat more in price I'd would need two units.
Like yourself, I am also very interested in obtaining an overdrive for my series one so that I might be able to one day at least be able to reach the posted highway speed!
I have had a fairey overdrive in a series three and while it did reduce engine noise, the overdrive seemed to increase the overall noise factor quite significantly...different noises but about the same overall volume.
I visited Wiseowl and had a look at one of their overdrives that was on hand and overall I thought that I was quite good although I never heard one in action. My biggest problem with the unit is the price. I realize that they have to recover their development costs and also make a profit on the units but for now the overdrive is just too expensive for my use.(I drive about 2500 miles a year and the ROI would be somewhere in the 15 year range.)
I realize that I would get higher speeds and lower revs but I can't justify
purchasing an accessory for my series one that costs more than the truck itself!
From a marketing point of view, I think that Wiseowl could sell more units locally(Canada) if they could devise some sort of purchasing plan to spread out the costs associated with the unit. Something like a $500 down payment and monthly payments of say 100 per month or some kind of combination thereof. I know that this causes other issues for Wiseowl, such as credit worthyness of the customer, recovery of the unit due to non-payment, etc. but the only way to really lower the costs is to increase the volume of sales to recoup their development/start up costs.
Just my thoughts. Let me know what you find out. Chris
P.S. If they came down somewhat more in price I'd would need two units.
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bclandrover
- Out of Africa
- Posts: 401
- Joined: Wed Feb 25, 2004 11:21 pm
- Location: North Vancouver
- Contact:
Jason,
I did have a roverdrive overdrive, but only for a few days.
Unfortunately, there was a problem with it and I decided not to continue testing.
Later,
Don
I did have a roverdrive overdrive, but only for a few days.
Unfortunately, there was a problem with it and I decided not to continue testing.
Later,
Don
Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2004 7:44 pm Post subject: Roverdrive...
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Don,
I could have sworn that when the first roverdrives came out that Ray at Wiseowl told me that you were one of a few people that had one of his Roverdrives and you were testing it out. If that is true how was the Roverdrive while you had it and if I am wrong, then maybe Ray meant someone else.
Jason
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rick.m
rover drive
I would suggest you look at GUNS AND ROVERS forum there is some conversations on it there. i think many have been sold south. all the best. rick.m
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tuko
Another alternative is to install a 5 speed from a 90/110. the LT77's used the shorter input shaft and bellhousing, making the conversion easier to do. the Series T-case is a direct bolt on also.
Checking ECR, they are using the R380 tranny and they get their adapter plates from Ashcroft's in England. So knowing this, this is a doable conversion for the handy. ( I'm sure it wouldn't be hard :wink: )
The reason why I brought up the tranny conversion is because, they cost less (recon units) than the overdrive. Why install a new part on a tired, worn out tranny, when you can have a slick 5 speed in your series LR. Also, thanks to Suffield, there are many used 90/110 vehicles and parts avilable in the west.
BUT still, strange, is there not anyone using the roverdrive overdrive in BC? :?
BTW, guys, many thanks for the comments, still on the hunt for the illusive overdrive owner, who may have an opinion.
Cheers,
Todd.
Checking ECR, they are using the R380 tranny and they get their adapter plates from Ashcroft's in England. So knowing this, this is a doable conversion for the handy. ( I'm sure it wouldn't be hard :wink: )
The reason why I brought up the tranny conversion is because, they cost less (recon units) than the overdrive. Why install a new part on a tired, worn out tranny, when you can have a slick 5 speed in your series LR. Also, thanks to Suffield, there are many used 90/110 vehicles and parts avilable in the west.
BUT still, strange, is there not anyone using the roverdrive overdrive in BC? :?
BTW, guys, many thanks for the comments, still on the hunt for the illusive overdrive owner, who may have an opinion.
Cheers,
Todd.
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N Hamelin
I have installed one of Rays roverdrives in my '61 series II 109, and can say that so far I have been happy with the results. With that being said though, I have only had the truck on the road for 2 weeks and have had to use the overdrive a limited number of times. I should also add, although not being new to the four wheel drive and truck building scene, this is my first series truck and I never drove it before I installed the overdrive.
The overdrive engages and disengages nice, and is quiet when operating(there is no discernable noise between engaged or disengaged). I do however have gear whine at the top end of third and bottom end of fourth(overdrive disengaged). This goes away in fourth at around 3000rpm. I have been told this could be due to the new mainshaft gear mating to the old intermediate gear and will go away with time.(again I never drove without overdrive installed and can't comment on wether that noise is o/d related or not)
I will admit that the overdrive is expensive, but it is a quick and easy fix for highway drivability. I can easily keep up with traffic on the highway, and have actually, believe it or not, passed someone!
I hope some of this might help
Neil.
The overdrive engages and disengages nice, and is quiet when operating(there is no discernable noise between engaged or disengaged). I do however have gear whine at the top end of third and bottom end of fourth(overdrive disengaged). This goes away in fourth at around 3000rpm. I have been told this could be due to the new mainshaft gear mating to the old intermediate gear and will go away with time.(again I never drove without overdrive installed and can't comment on wether that noise is o/d related or not)
I will admit that the overdrive is expensive, but it is a quick and easy fix for highway drivability. I can easily keep up with traffic on the highway, and have actually, believe it or not, passed someone!
I hope some of this might help
Neil.
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roverdevin
- Junkyard Master
- Posts: 160
- Joined: Sat Feb 28, 2004 11:02 am
- Location: Squamish, BC
- Contact:
Roverdrive
I have a very early Roverdrive installed on my daily driven IIA 88. It's been on for three years, and many thousands of miles. Over 15,000Mi, I would guess.
If you have stock or near stock tires, it really makes a difference at highway cruising speed...I settle in at somewhere near 60mph, and the engine is working at a comfortable pace.
I haven't noticed any significant increase in noise between engaged or disengaged. I think one of the main factors in the noise level is how worn your transfer case gears are...worn gears meshing on a brand new overdrive gear will likely whine a bit.
The only problem I have ever had with it was displaced synchro springs when it slipped out of gear due to a linkage adjustment problem.
Overall I've been very happy with it. It certainly made more sense to me than going for a unit with limited/non-existant parts availability.I do a lot of highway driving, and having driven mine for 2 years without the overdrive, I can definately say it would be hard to go back to stock!
Devin
If you have stock or near stock tires, it really makes a difference at highway cruising speed...I settle in at somewhere near 60mph, and the engine is working at a comfortable pace.
I haven't noticed any significant increase in noise between engaged or disengaged. I think one of the main factors in the noise level is how worn your transfer case gears are...worn gears meshing on a brand new overdrive gear will likely whine a bit.
The only problem I have ever had with it was displaced synchro springs when it slipped out of gear due to a linkage adjustment problem.
Overall I've been very happy with it. It certainly made more sense to me than going for a unit with limited/non-existant parts availability.I do a lot of highway driving, and having driven mine for 2 years without the overdrive, I can definately say it would be hard to go back to stock!
Devin