MODEL SX ROVERDRIVE
LAND ROVER OVERDRIVE and ACCESSORIES
FOR LAND ROVERS SERIES I, II, IIA and III
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Model SX ROVERDRIVE was introduced in 2004. Over 1000 of these units are in service worldwide and are giving outstanding reliability.
The shift lever is fitted to the R.H. side of the transmission tunnel in the same way as older designs of Series overdrive. Exposed lever components and trim are made of stainless steel. A dipstick assembly is provided to monitor transfer case oil level. This dipstick screws into the oil filler aperture and a convenient alternative filler plug is provided in a new top cover plate.
The SX ROVERDRIVE has little in common with earlier designs of overdrive for classic Land Rovers. The ROVERDRIVE is the only Series overdrive to use epicyclical gearing and share oil with the transfer case. Other earlier designs tend to become very noisy at higher mileage, require constant maintenance, and suffer from weak internal couplings.
APPLICATIONS
This SX ROVERDRIVE will fit all Land Rover Series I, II, IIA and III, four and six cylinder models, with the exception of those fitted with one ton transfer cases. It will also not fit the Stage 1 V8 model.
On six cylinder models, the ‘L’ bracket to which the lever mounts must be extended forward by 50mm.
The open architecture design of the current model SX has improved cooling oil flow and is capable of working well in Series vehicles equipped with the later 200 Tdi engines and other engine transplants.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you use the SX ROVERDRIVE with a non-standard engine the DX-COV oil cooling transfer case cover MUST be fitted.
ACCESSORIES FOR MODEL SX ROVERDRIVE - SX-COV
A useful accessory for any Series Land Rover is our oil cooling transfer case cover. The cover is a billet cast plate with cooling fins that replaces the flimsy steel plate normally fitted under the transfer case. Fitting this plate not only cools the transfer case oil but also completely eliminates the leaks from the original cover that are caused by differential expansion between the original plate and the housing. The plate should be installed if you are using a non-standard higher horsepower engine. Part # is SX-COV.
Note that the threaded hole for the drain plug in the corner of the cover plate accepts the inch standard plugs used by Land Rover up to 1980. If you have a later than 1980 Series III Land Rover you must order an inch threaded plug kit when you order a cover. The kit consists of a recessed plug and copper washer. Part # is SX-COVBD.
DRIVING WITH AN SX ROVERDRIVE
To engage the ROVERDRIVE when on the highway, wait until you are travelling at about 50 mph (80 kph) in fourth gear. Depress the clutch and move the actuating lever forward exactly as you would when changing gear. When the clutch is released the engine RPM will drop by 28% and the noise level in the cab of the Land Rover will drop significantly. As changing traffic and gradient dictate, you can engage and disengage the ROVERDRIVE.
You will find the ROVERDRIVE very useful as a splitter gear between normal third and normal fourth. This allows you to climb long hills where normal fourth would be too high and normal third too low.
You cannot damage a ROVERDRIVE by using it in all gears.
In off-road conditions, when driving in low range, the ROVERDRIVE is useful for raising the ratios making it unnecessary to engage and disengage the high range lever.
Driving a Land Rover with a ROVERDRIVE is a pleasant experience as it is possible to have a normal conversation at relatively high motoring speeds.
The inclination to drive faster with the ROVERDRIVE negates considerable fuel savings to be had if one retains one’s original driving patterns. Our experience shows that drivers who use the ROVERDRIVE at moderate speeds will save up to 15% on their fuel costs. Long-term reduction in wear and tear of engine and drive line components is also considerable. Bear this in mind and your ROVERDRIVE will pay for itself quickly.