|
0 members (),
338
guests, and
85
robots. |
|
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Wales
by Joske Vermeule, September 1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums39
Topics49,869
Posts837,666
Members9,596
| |
Most Online1,063
Jun 14th, 2026
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 62 Likes: 1
Just Getting Started
|
OP
Just Getting Started
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 62 Likes: 1 |
Hi. I am considering buying a 1970s four speed plus eight just pondering on the pros and cons between these and slightly more modern ones. Any views gratefully received.
Thanks Steve.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,904 Likes: 352
Salty Sea Dog Member of the Inner Circle
|
|
Salty Sea Dog Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,904 Likes: 352 |
The slightly later 5 speed will give you a more relaxed cruising speed, without too much extra car width...
My model of choice in +8...
Cheers,
Graham (G4FUJ)
Sold L44FOR 4/4 Giallo Fly
'11 MINI Countryman Cooper D All4
'90 LR 90 SW
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,366 Likes: 354
Roadster Guru Member of the Inner Circle
|
|
Roadster Guru Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,366 Likes: 354 |
The trouble is........ Those narrow early Plus8's are the best looking by far. 
DaveW
'05 Red Roadster S1
'16 Yellow (Not the only) Narrow AR GDI Plus 4
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,904 Likes: 352
Salty Sea Dog Member of the Inner Circle
|
|
Salty Sea Dog Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,904 Likes: 352 |
Yeah, I know.
I think the early 5 speeder is only a couple of inches wider though... Need to confirm that.
Graham (G4FUJ)
Sold L44FOR 4/4 Giallo Fly
'11 MINI Countryman Cooper D All4
'90 LR 90 SW
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,366 Likes: 354
Roadster Guru Member of the Inner Circle
|
|
Roadster Guru Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 22,366 Likes: 354 |
A 'cheap' narrow Plus 8 "needing work" might tempt me away from a Lotus Elise....................... 
DaveW
'05 Red Roadster S1
'16 Yellow (Not the only) Narrow AR GDI Plus 4
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 37,434 Likes: 978
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
|
|
Tricky Dicky Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 37,434 Likes: 978 |
Hi Steve
Having run a 93 +8 with wide body with the 5 speed box it's a relaxed drive.
The early narrow body model is lovely but they have the Moss 4 speed box which can be an expensive rebuild, if that seems good go for it, because you'll enjoy it so much.
Enjoy your miles.
Richard
2009 4/4 Sport Henrietta
1999 Indigo Blue +8
2009 4/4 Sport Green prev
1993 Con Green +8 prev
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 62 Likes: 1
Just Getting Started
|
|
OP
Just Getting Started
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 62 Likes: 1 |
I was wondering about the lower bhp for the rover four speed box ones. From what I can understand they are 143bhp but slightly higher geared so perhaps acceleration is preserved at the expense of fuel consumption?
Steve.
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 27,816 Likes: 749
Member of the Inner Circle
|
|
Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 27,816 Likes: 749 |
JohnV6
2022 CX Plus Four
2025 Renault Scenic Alpine etech "Yvette"
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,904 Likes: 352
Salty Sea Dog Member of the Inner Circle
|
|
Salty Sea Dog Member of the Inner Circle
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28,904 Likes: 352 |
I've driven a late model ('75/'76 - P reg) Rover 4-speed +8 and very briefly a Moss box car from '69.
I've not driven the Rover 5-speed in a +8, but a number of years ago in discusion with Ben Duncan and others 5th is a taller ratio than 4th in the 4 cog - an 'overdrive' gear.
The Moss gearbox was replaced in the early '70s ('72 rings a bell) by the Rover...
As John says, there's lots of info. out there. Not at home this week to look up my 'library'. Also have a look at Hermen Pol's web site.
Cheers,
Last edited by Graham, G4FUJ; 07/09/11 05:54 AM.
Graham (G4FUJ)
Sold L44FOR 4/4 Giallo Fly
'11 MINI Countryman Cooper D All4
'90 LR 90 SW
|
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 62 Likes: 1
Just Getting Started
|
|
OP
Just Getting Started
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 62 Likes: 1 |
Thanks everybody for your info. Just been to look at and drive the car I was thinking of 1974 plus 8 in pretty good, fairly original condition. The gearbox felt quite nice to use the clutch and the steering weren’t too heavy, which were things that were slightly worrying me although the steering being the early box type was a bit wander hopefully it could be changed for a gemmer one?
The upshot is, I am looking forward to picking it up next week.
Thanks again Steve.
|
|
|
|
|
