Group A Rover Vitesse - Andy Rouse race car

SydneyRoverP6B

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I came across this amazing car quite by chance. Hardcastle (1990) stated that the 3.5 litre Rover Vitesse engine built to group A rules developed 300+ BHP running reliably to 7200rpm with a rev limit of 7500 rpm. It powered the rear wheels through a Getrag 5 speed gearbox. The Group A cars used factory Vitesse stiff blocks with Andy Rouse using Mahle forged pistons running a compression ratio of 11:1. The engine was fitted with factory Vitesse cast iron exhaust manifolds that had been extensively worked internally to increase exhaust flow. The rims are 11" wide, manufactured by Ronal featuring centre locking. The discs are 12" in diameter with 4 pot calipers fitted.
Rover 3500 (1984) for Sale - Classic Trader (classic-trader.com)
Ron.

Andy Rouse Rover Vitesse.JPG
 
Cool. Must have some custom valve gear to run at 7.5k too I'd have thought..

Hi Peter,

The hydraulic lifters had internal modifications so that they would function as if solid. The rockers were adjustable which were mounted on shafts with a larger diameter, all supported by steel pillars (Hardcastle, 1990).

I remember attending a NSW Rover Owner's club meeting (my first actually) which was held within the grounds of the University of Sydney in 1987. I was talking to a gent with a very non-standard Rover 3500. I don't recall if it was an SE or a Vitesse, (the latter would have been a private import). It was fitted with TWR stage 3 heads and a dual exhaust system. The owner was involved with TWR and the TWR Rovers that won the Group A category at the Bathurst 1000 in 1984. He said that the Rovers were running close to 180mph (300kph) down Conrod straight.
Rover Vitesse in Motorsport Australia – Rover SD1 Australia

Ron.
 
And I was THERE!
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Went up as a cook's dogsbody with the Jansen team. The TV people broadcast real time stuff over a special band, and many had small tvs tuned to it. One driver was caught as he came back from a qualifying run, given his time he responded "F... me is that all!".
 
It was a terrific week - driving up with a mate, being inside the track, access to all the pits, lots of BBQs, drinking, chatting with drivers etc. I might have had a Rangy at that time, my memory isnt what it used to be. Nor is nostalgia! Early Ochre/Bahama Gold 2 door, which I rebuilt from a rollover wreck.
 
Correction - I would have had my first SD1 5 speed then, hence my interest in going to the mountain - silver, AWQ583.
 
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