Please be aware that ECR is now a Defender repair and modification shop only.
We no longer work on Range Rovers, Discos or Series Rovers.
These pages are from work we did in the past and left up for your enjoyment.
Series IIA 88 V8, 5 speed, Coil sprung
This 88 has come to us from New Jersey for a full mechanical rebuild and upgrade. The options will include a galv. coil chassis with 4 wheel disc brakes, a Rover 3.5 V8, and a R380 5 speed gearbox. In this image we see the 88 being torn down for the build up. The rusted doors and door tops will be replaced, along with the wiring, and much more.
Here the body is being removed for later install on the new coil chassis. The bulkhead with also be removed for some major rust repair work, and modifications to fit the V8.
Now with the new galvanized coil chassis set up we will start the rebuild. Notice that the new 16" rims are now painted and installed with new Cooper 7.50x16 radials. The 88 will also have 3.54 differentials, so it will really fly on the highway!
The new driveline is now installed. A rebuilt M.O.D. 3.5 liter Rover V8 from a 101 forward control will be the heart of this conversion. We have installed unleaded heads and a Weber 4bbl carb for long term reliability and performance as well. Also notice the new R380 5 speed to complete the package. The best of both worlds... A series Rover with coils, and a V8!
Next it is on to the rust in the bulkhead. Yes, there is a bulkhead in this picture! This one is very rusted and all panels will need to be replaced, and work done on the top section as well. Thankfully the ECR bulkhead jig will mean that the repairs to this bulkhead will be correct and back to factory specs.
Here you can see the completed bulkhead back after work at the ECR paint shop and all the systems are starting to be put back together. We also did the minor mods needed to fit our V8 conversion.
In this image you can see that we have installed the test fenders and the rear body. We use test fenders to make sure that the 88's bulkhead is perfectly lined up before we build the rest of the Rover. A correct bulkhead means doors that fit and close easy, door tops that seal and floors that are tight and is crucial to the rest of the project, especially in the V8 5 speed 88s because they go so fast.
In this image the body is going back together and the systems are being set up one by one. Here you can notice the new doors and Defender style door tops, as well as the power brake system and custom steering for the V8 install.
Here is the completed Rover V8 install. A nice clean job can be made of it and all system can work well together. In this image you can see the upgraded heater, the 3.5 Rover V8 and all the mods needed to fit the V8. This 88 is now ready for any highway, and any hill.
The list of updates for this 88 include the interior as well as the coil chassis and V8. Here you can better see the Defender door tops and Defender door trims with the Rockford Fosgate speakers and map pocket, a great update to the SIIA.
