Why is it called an R8

[timmy toad]

Hiya i had an H reg 214 for a number ofyears and found it excellent reliable transport, except when the head gasket failed, but they all do that. LOL.

Anyway all i am asking is why do you call these motors R8's When the bubble shape Rover 200 came along i always thought they were called Rover 200 (89 to 95) similar with the Saloon model Rover 400 (89 to 95).

Just curious thats all, as for a start i thought R8 stood for the Rover 800 model (bloody ugly arent they eh LOL)

Now i see the addition of the description "Wedge shape" in comparison with the "Bubble Shape" it all makes sense well done.

[cjmillsnun]

R8 was a code name within Rover for the 200/400

The one for the Bubble was R3

[Ian]

Yes, R8 was the development code for the Rover 200 Series Mark 2.

R3 was the development code for the Rover 200 Series Mark 3, and HHR was the development code for the Rover 400 Series Mark 2.

[red_rover]

Mk1 Rover 200 - SD3
Mk2 Rover 200/mk1 400 - R8 - And no, they' don't 'all do that'
Mk3 Rover 200 - R3
Mk2 Rover 400 HHR
Rover 800 Mk1 - XX
Rover 800 mk2 - R17 - And no, its not bloody ugly.

[Stu]

There were then sub projects of the R8.

Tomcat = Coupe
Tracer = 400 Tourer

[Stu]

For more info:

http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/index.htm?coderoverf.htm

[timmy toad]

Originally Posted by red_rover

Mk1 Rover 200 - SD3
Mk2 Rover 200/mk1 400 - R8 - And no, they' don't 'all do that'
Mk3 Rover 200 - R3
Mk2 Rover 400 HHR
Rover 800 Mk1 - XX
Rover 800 mk2 - R17 - And no, its not bloody ugly.

Thanks for all that info lads, and i appreciate your extra comments red_rover, the Ford Granada is more ugly LOL. I also think the Rover 400/45 Saloon also look ugly, but then as with the Rover 800, that is just my honest opinion

from my personal experience of Rovers over recent years i have two head gaskets go on two motors and know of one other person who has also suffered the same fate, he will never get another Rover, but i never learn, I just got another one ! LOL.

Has anybody heard of a ROCKY ?.
this is the official factory name (and nickname) for a Daihatsu Four Track

tim

[timmy toad]

Originally Posted by Stu

For more info:

http://www.austin-rover.co.uk/index.htm?coderoverf.htm

Thanks Stu, that all looks very complicated indeed. I used to work at Vauxhall motors in the 80's, where i remember the Chevette, not many left now !, was known as the "T" car, god knows why.

tim

[empsburna]

Originally Posted by Stu

There were then sub projects of the R8.

Tomcat = Coupe
Tracer = 400 Tourer

cant leave out the best car they ever made!


(and a clue is that its not the tourer!)

[Stu]

Originally Posted by timmy toad

Thanks Stu, that all looks very complicated indeed. I used to work at Vauxhall motors in the 80's, where i remember the Chevette, not many left now !, was known as the "T" car, god knows why.

tim

The "shove it" was a good little car.

Last one I drove was after we had just dropped a 2 litre Pinto engine into it. Great fun

[Rover_King]

I dont think its a good idea having the mk2 200 and mk1 400 listed under "R8" because who is gunna know that their car is an "R8"? I new quite a bit about the mk2 200 hatch when I joined up.....but I diddn't know it was known as the "R8". Im just thinking of new people when they join up coz they need help with their rover.

[empsburna]

good point - it should be a bit clearer - although "wedge" does give it away?

[Rover_King]

But some people might think "Wedge" is Rover 800, perhaps even the Metro - both a bit "wedge" shaped. Allthough there is the small writing underneath I suppose.

[X10Rich]

When wedges are mentioned, I think Leyland Princess, TR7....

[michael.baker69]

Hi STU, your shoveit didnt happen to be a little red one with bodykit ?

[mercodus]

Originally Posted by timmy toad

Thanks for all that info lads, and i appreciate your extra comments red_rover, the Ford Granada is more ugly LOL. I also think the Rover 400/45 Saloon also look ugly, but then as with the Rover 800, that is just my honest opinion

400 saloon looks ugly ?

[Rover_King]

400 saloon can look very nice. I would be inclined to say the 400 hatch can look ugly in base spec...has to have a spoiler.

[empsburna]

the coupe is the only nice looking one

[chrismm27]

Bit common though...

[empsburna]

Originally Posted by chrismm27

Bit common though...

ouch.