If it is as nice on the insde as it appears thru the dirty windows, then I don't know that I'd want to pimp it. Maybe restore it, flog it to someone who collects them or hires them for weddings etc then hunt for a 190 Cossie!! I'd love to find a SII RST or an XR2 MkII, or a Granada MkI 2.8 I think.
Bad Influences....
- Thread starter jamie_duff
- Start date
I think i've got the right pics
(Red one is E300 coupe, Black one is a 300Ce 63 AMG!)
Beast Master:smilewinkgrin: :ihih:
(Red one is E300 coupe, Black one is a 300Ce 63 AMG!)
Beast Master:smilewinkgrin: :ihih:
Good one mate, there are some nice examples around (although i'm not sure on the granny) I fancied either a Mk4 Escort Cab or another Orion Ghia I mk2 like I used to have
A friend of mine, had a rover 220 coupe for years, I believe it’s the same engine you have in your rover Jamie? Had a couple of engine mods, and a bit more boost than standard. It would pull like a train! Would also go through tyres just as quick!
Another friend had an s13 Nissan 200sx at the same time, both had similar power around 230bhp, the rover always felt quicker. Don’t know if it was because the rover would pull you where the Nissan would be pushing, but probably down the rover having a steeper torque curve.
He ended up scraping the rover; shame there was nothing much up with it. Body work was good and it had a newish turbo. He just had no time for it once he bought a rice runner.
Another friend had an s13 Nissan 200sx at the same time, both had similar power around 230bhp, the rover always felt quicker. Don’t know if it was because the rover would pull you where the Nissan would be pushing, but probably down the rover having a steeper torque curve.
He ended up scraping the rover; shame there was nothing much up with it. Body work was good and it had a newish turbo. He just had no time for it once he bought a rice runner.
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That's right Chris, it's the same engine 
The 220 is a bit lighter than my car though, so I imagine it would have been hitting 60 in the mid-6s? It has the Garrett T25 turbo as standard which is quite small. Rover chose to use that at the limit of it's capabilities to eliminate turbo lag as far as possible. To get up to the 230bhp mark means an increase in boost pressure and the T25 just blows hot air beyond the 11.5psi it produces in standard form. That just means a less dense charge despite the increase in pressure so the same power output at higher inlet and head temperatures, usually ending in melted pistons.
A T28 nicked from a S14/14a 200SX or Pulsar fits straight on though and can, at the expense of a little more lag, blow in a bigger charge at nearer standard intake temperatures Obviously a bigger intercooler would help too as the standard one is quite small (shared with the 105bhp diesel). There's so much you can do with the T16 engine if you're willing to spend some money
The 220 is a bit lighter than my car though, so I imagine it would have been hitting 60 in the mid-6s? It has the Garrett T25 turbo as standard which is quite small. Rover chose to use that at the limit of it's capabilities to eliminate turbo lag as far as possible. To get up to the 230bhp mark means an increase in boost pressure and the T25 just blows hot air beyond the 11.5psi it produces in standard form. That just means a less dense charge despite the increase in pressure so the same power output at higher inlet and head temperatures, usually ending in melted pistons.
A T28 nicked from a S14/14a 200SX or Pulsar fits straight on though and can, at the expense of a little more lag, blow in a bigger charge at nearer standard intake temperatures
Obviously a bigger intercooler would help too as the standard one is quite small (shared with the 105bhp diesel). There's so much you can do with the T16 engine if you're willing to spend some money
The later Escort Cosworths ran with a T-25 to reduce Lag, they are the quickest of the breed for acceleration, but yeah if you want big power you need BIG turbo (like the earler T-4)
My brother had the Coupe 220t, i never remember having a lift in it though, so i cant say how quick it was
My brother had the Coupe 220t, i never remember having a lift in it though, so i cant say how quick it was
When I got my second 600 (a 37k mile L-reg 620SLi Auto - for £540!!!) it was, like most 600s, absolutely immaculate but for one rusty back wheelarch. When I went to tackle this the steel was thinned for a long way around the actual perforation, from the inside as we all know. This prompted me to pull the boot liners out of my R-reg iSD which didn't have rusty arches - I was horrified at what I found inside.
Similarly, this white 620 has little rusty bubbles on one wheel arch, so I knew what was going to be lurking inside. There's no such thing as a 'tiny bubble' on a 600 rear arch - so forget the power washing - if you haven't already done so, pull the boot liners out and get inside!
Doesn't look too bad eh?
Try inside:
After ages with the Dremel, a file and some emery paper the remaining still was thick enough to save (I hope). I plastered it with Kurust. This will hopefully keep the rot from advancing any further, and if I'm lucky will mean just a little bit of filler and paint to fix the outside. I left the iSD too late and had to weld it.
It's uncomfortable work.
The passenger side is worse, with the electric arial and a cut-out missing from the inner wing, as well as the filler neck in the way. Fortunately here, whomever was sealing my car in the factory managed to get some sealant all over his hands - which he smeared all over the inside of the wing and prevented much spread of rust. Pity they didn't all do that!
These rear wheel arches are the only part of the 600 series that's prone to rust. Apart from dents and scratches which one can hardly blame the car for, the bodies are usually spot on on these cars - apart from just above the bumper at the back of the wheel arch and at the bottom down by the door. An Achillies heel almost!
Similarly, this white 620 has little rusty bubbles on one wheel arch, so I knew what was going to be lurking inside. There's no such thing as a 'tiny bubble' on a 600 rear arch - so forget the power washing - if you haven't already done so, pull the boot liners out and get inside!
Doesn't look too bad eh?
Try inside:
After ages with the Dremel, a file and some emery paper the remaining still was thick enough to save (I hope). I plastered it with Kurust. This will hopefully keep the rot from advancing any further, and if I'm lucky will mean just a little bit of filler and paint to fix the outside. I left the iSD too late and had to weld it
.
It's uncomfortable work.
The passenger side is worse, with the electric arial and a cut-out missing from the inner wing, as well as the filler neck in the way. Fortunately here, whomever was sealing my car in the factory managed to get some sealant all over his hands - which he smeared all over the inside of the wing and prevented much spread of rust. Pity they didn't all do that!
These rear wheel arches are the only part of the 600 series that's prone to rust. Apart from dents and scratches which one can hardly blame the car for, the bodies are usually spot on on these cars - apart from just above the bumper at the back of the wheel arch and at the bottom down by the door. An Achillies heel almost!
Well the Merc was a no go, too far gone really for a "small" project, plus it turned out that it was the guy's daily driver and was sat there as he was waiting to find 2 tyres for it! I dread to think what his next MOT bill will be!!
Funny you mentio that, I have noticed a 96 535i sat under a car cover on a driveway. I have noticed it many times infact over the last couple of years, just that I never looked at it as "potential". Whilst I was pondering on the Merc, it stirred up some "old skool" passion
I'm going to pop a card through the door with my number on!
I'm going to pop a card through the door with my number on!
I saw THAT Rover 600 again Jamie
GT stripes in black (you know like the GT-40)
Spoiler on back...looked non standard Rover 600 spec (if there ever was a standard spec) :skep:
"Rover 600" in ittalics down the side.....about 5" high letters :smilewinkgrin:
It was white too
GT stripes in black (you know like the GT-40)
Spoiler on back...looked non standard Rover 600 spec (if there ever was a standard spec
) :skep:"Rover 600" in ittalics down the side.....about 5" high letters :smilewinkgrin:
It was white too
It's not mine! Honestly!
There was a standard 600 spoiler fitted to the 623iS models - it was just a lip spoiler though. I'm reliably informed that the same age Honda Accord spoiler is a straight fit too - that's a more common low-rise wing type one.
Another 600 chav favourite is getting the lower bumper valences from an Accord, turning them upside down and rivetting them onto the bottom of the 600 bumpers as splitters... oh dear.
My view is that if you're going to have one of these then it's because you get some amusement from ignorant jibes and finger pointing - followed by embarrassing them in front of their mates.
It's never had the sort of street cred needed to make "ROVER 600" in 5 inch letters a good idea.
Far better act all innocent
There was a standard 600 spoiler fitted to the 623iS models - it was just a lip spoiler though. I'm reliably informed that the same age Honda Accord spoiler is a straight fit too - that's a more common low-rise wing type one.
Another 600 chav favourite is getting the lower bumper valences from an Accord, turning them upside down and rivetting them onto the bottom of the 600 bumpers as splitters... oh dear.
My view is that if you're going to have one of these then it's because you get some amusement from ignorant jibes and finger pointing - followed by embarrassing them in front of their mates.
It's never had the sort of street cred needed to make "ROVER 600" in 5 inch letters a good idea.
Far better act all innocent
Hows this coming on Jamie always liked the 600ti There was a fixer up on ebay last week. I was very tempted but we need to shift a few vehicles at the mo.!
It's coming along Charlie.
I'm having a few - erm, laughs getting primer adhesion to the back bumper, and discovered a power steering leak I need to fix. I've been distracted by other things recently to be honest, although I have refurbed the 17" Rover Vitesse alloys and got them fitted.
I'm having a few - erm, laughs getting primer adhesion to the back bumper, and discovered a power steering leak I need to fix. I've been distracted by other things recently to be honest, although I have refurbed the 17" Rover Vitesse alloys and got them fitted.
We have just sold a nice xr2. Pretty original the guy who bought it gave full asking price and drove away a very happy man. Only3 more to get rid of them it all starts again!.ut:
ut:
I've still not actually had that ti out on the road yet...
Life has been on double quick time recently (and well on it's way to getting a lot busier!) but just as we were toying with the idea of actually taxing and insuring the beast it wee-weed it's power steering fluid all over the driveway.
As my fellow rum-loving role model Captain Jack Sparrow might say, BUGG*R!
Well to get to the culprit corroded pipe the radiator, intercooler and air-con condensor assembly needs to come out. It's absolutely not difficult at all but it was one of those things I just couldn't be @rsed doing. I'd much rather be playing with model aeroplanes than faffing about fixing cars these days. It wasn't going to fix itself though, and it's an opportunity to fix a previous water hose bodge (got a receipt from a garage in all the paperwork for this marvel of British Engineering Incompetance).
Thine Holy PAS Pipe:
And this beauty is a "professional" job. W@nker...
The new pipe is here now, but guess what? I haven't had a chance to fit the poxy thing yet! Stroll on...
Tonight I have mostly (rather, WE) been cleaning the Jag for a special occassion this weekend. It involves driving all the way into Englandshire where this car came from. Anyone know where "BN" plates come from?
Anyway, we've even been cleaning resin polish out of the parking sensors for this, so birds be warned - keep your backsides sealed when flying near my car - at least until after the weekend!
I should really start living 36 hour days...
Life has been on double quick time recently (and well on it's way to getting a lot busier!) but just as we were toying with the idea of actually taxing and insuring the beast it wee-weed it's power steering fluid all over the driveway.
As my fellow rum-loving role model Captain Jack Sparrow might say, BUGG*R!
Well to get to the culprit corroded pipe the radiator, intercooler and air-con condensor assembly needs to come out. It's absolutely not difficult at all but it was one of those things I just couldn't be @rsed doing. I'd much rather be playing with model aeroplanes than faffing about fixing cars these days. It wasn't going to fix itself though, and it's an opportunity to fix a previous water hose bodge (got a receipt from a garage in all the paperwork for this marvel of British Engineering Incompetance).
Thine Holy PAS Pipe:
And this beauty is a "professional" job. W@nker...
The new pipe is here now, but guess what? I haven't had a chance to fit the poxy thing yet! Stroll on...
Tonight I have mostly (rather, WE) been cleaning the Jag for a special occassion this weekend. It involves driving all the way into Englandshire where this car came from. Anyone know where "BN" plates come from?
Anyway, we've even been cleaning resin polish out of the parking sensors for this, so birds be warned - keep your backsides sealed when flying near my car - at least until after the weekend!
I should really start living 36 hour days...
Jamie you asked:
Anyone know where "BN" plates come from?
The answer is Bolton - Lanc's. Hope this helps.
ps. Nice Jag - thinking about buying an X-Type Sport 2.3 Diesel next year to replace my Toyota Avensis - just something I'm toying with...
Anyone know where "BN" plates come from?
The answer is Bolton - Lanc's. Hope this helps.
ps. Nice Jag - thinking about buying an X-Type Sport 2.3 Diesel next year to replace my Toyota Avensis - just something I'm toying with...
Bolton? Oh well
My blue Rover is a Brummy, and my Jag is from a couple of hours up the M6 then...
The white Rover is a FJW. Never heard of that before either, and it's definately not a native since all old style Scottish plates had a letter "S" somewhere in the last 3.
I do miss my X-Type from time to time. It was probably a bit easier to drive quickly on smaller roads purely because the S-Type is so wide. You can't really chose your lines on corners despite the extra power. That's not what the S-Type is about though, and it's not why I bought it. It definately is a driver's car though. It's just so rewarding to drive. It's just so smooth and quiet driving along normally, yet so composed, taught and gruff sounding when pushing on. The quality of the ride just blows my friends' Audis and BMWs into the weeds. Obviously I'm bias because I like Jaguars, but the Audis and BMWs achieve the same level of body control, perhaps a gnat's whisker's better cornering ability but at the expense of significantly worse rides. The S-Type is just so good at making bumps go away without handling like a boat. The X-Type drove well too, but it was a bit rougher and noisier. There wasn't as much feedback to the driver either.
If or when I do lose the blue Rover I'd be very tempted to (read "I'd definately") buy a diesel X-Type to replace it.
Buying the S-Type was a really hard decision actually because there really was nothing at all wrong with the X-Type. The S-Type is built to a higher quality for sure, and it has a lot more toys and a lot less milage than my X-Type had, but even still there was no aspect of the X-Type I thought was lacking. Had I bought a 3.0l X-Type instead of a 2.5, I'd probably still have it. I'd happily go back. The 4 wheel drive was brilliant. Shame the diesels are only FWD, but it would replace the Rover nicely as my cheap-to-run commuter car.
My blue Rover is a Brummy, and my Jag is from a couple of hours up the M6 then...
The white Rover is a FJW. Never heard of that before either, and it's definately not a native since all old style Scottish plates had a letter "S" somewhere in the last 3.
I do miss my X-Type from time to time. It was probably a bit easier to drive quickly on smaller roads purely because the S-Type is so wide. You can't really chose your lines on corners despite the extra power. That's not what the S-Type is about though, and it's not why I bought it. It definately is a driver's car though. It's just so rewarding to drive. It's just so smooth and quiet driving along normally, yet so composed, taught and gruff sounding when pushing on. The quality of the ride just blows my friends' Audis and BMWs into the weeds. Obviously I'm bias because I like Jaguars, but the Audis and BMWs achieve the same level of body control, perhaps a gnat's whisker's better cornering ability but at the expense of significantly worse rides. The S-Type is just so good at making bumps go away without handling like a boat. The X-Type drove well too, but it was a bit rougher and noisier. There wasn't as much feedback to the driver either.
If or when I do lose the blue Rover I'd be very tempted to (read "I'd definately") buy a diesel X-Type to replace it.
Buying the S-Type was a really hard decision actually because there really was nothing at all wrong with the X-Type. The S-Type is built to a higher quality for sure, and it has a lot more toys and a lot less milage than my X-Type had, but even still there was no aspect of the X-Type I thought was lacking. Had I bought a 3.0l X-Type instead of a 2.5, I'd probably still have it. I'd happily go back. The 4 wheel drive was brilliant. Shame the diesels are only FWD, but it would replace the Rover nicely as my cheap-to-run commuter car.