V8S Gearbox

[Ren Dao]

I have read that the gearbox on the V8S is not the car's strongpoint - were they ALL fitted with the Rover 3500 SD1 or was it improved upon in later years?

[HarryW]

The gearbox was the Rover vitesse one, LT77 (?) or somesuch, this was also fitted to the Griff and Chims of the day. Later on the griff and Chims moved on (late 94 I think)to the Borg Warner T5 box is suppposed to be stronger.
The only problems I'm aware of for the LT77 is that the synchro can go, some say that it has a smoother change than the T5.
Not sure at the exact figures but I think the LT77 is rated at 300bhp more than enough for most.
Peter H I think may have a T5 in his soopped upo V8S, but then again thats far from standard.
Obviously AIMHO.

Harry

[greenv8s]

I have read that the gearbox on the V8S is not the car's strongpoint - were they ALL fitted with the Rover 3500 SD1 or was it improved upon in later years?

The LT77 has a reputation of being very strong and reliably takes over 300 lb-ft. Mine is running a toughened version with uprated output bearings but essentially still an LT77. It also has a pretty good gear change as long as the synchros are OK. I know people who have getting on for 500 bhp through these. In my experience the V8S transmission is generally OK but if you increase the engine torque substantially the diff and rear half shafts will be the main limiting factor. Also the trailing arm pivots and the arms themselves. And ... and ... and... But it depends how you drive of course, everything lasts a lot longer if you are a smooth driver.