Commonwealth Classics' 1991 Range Rover Classic Hunter Edition V8 Build
Commonwealth Classics – The Hunter's Performance 3.9L V8January 17, 2023
Read the full write-up at Commonwealth Classics – The Hunter's Performance 3.9L V8 ↗
Photo: Commonwealth Classics – The Hunter's Performance 3.9L V8Commonwealth Classics' 1991 Range Rover Classic Hunter gets a 280bhp V8 rebuild
Commonwealth Classics is giving their own 1991 Hunter Edition Range Rover Classic a frame-off restoration built around a reworked 3.9L Rover V8. Engine specialists TWS Motors are reworking the heads, valves, pistons, injection and ignition to lift output well above standard, while the truck gets a galvanized chassis and upgraded suspension and brakes. The write-up is a mid-build progress piece rather than a finished reveal.
Specs
As stated in the original write-up.
- Engine
- 3.9L Rover V8, reworked heads, valves, pistons, injection and ignition by TWS Motors; output raised from the original 178 bhp/220 lb-ft to a stated 280 bhp/220 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- Automatic transmission, restored
- Chassis
- Hot-dip galvanized frame
- Suspension
- Upgraded, with added front and rear sway bars
- Brakes
- Upgraded
- Wheels
- Original tri-spoke wheels
- Paint
- Original Eastnor Green, being restored
Parts used
Parts named as used in the original write-up, grouped the way the Parts page groups them. Where one of the shops we index lists the same thing for this car, it is shown underneath with a link to the shop.
Engine 2
- 3.9L Rover V8 engineTWS Motors
Rebuilt with reworked heads, valves and pistons to raise power from 178 bhp to a stated 280 bhp
- Intake plenumTWS Motors
Restored as part of the engine rebuild
Fuel & Ignition 3
- Throttle bodyTWS Motors
Restored and fitted as part of the performance build
In the shops
Throttle Body ↗
Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $1,145.63 USDThrottle Body, X-Type ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $454.77 USDGASKET MINI SPI THROTTLE BODY ↗Motaclan Limited· £0.55 GBP
- Fuel injection systemTWS Motors
Reworked to help boost power and improve responsiveness
In the shopsUpgraded 2-Pole Fuel Injection System Wired Connector (75-89 280Z/280ZX/300ZX) ↗Motorsport Auto (The Z Store)· $14.95
- Ignition systemTWS Motors
Reworked as part of the engine upgrade package
Gearbox & Drivetrain 1
- Automatic transmission
Restored for use behind the upgraded V8
In the shopsAutomatic Transmission Fluid ATF 402 (5 Litres) ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $80.75 USD
BW-8 Automatic Transmission ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $0.00 USD
DG250 Automatic Transmission ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $0.00 USD
Suspension & Steering 1
- Front and rear sway bars
Added to help control the vehicle with the increased power and torque
In the shopsAnti-Roll Bar Link Front & Rear ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $8.50 USDAnti Roll Bar Kit Front/Rear with Yellow Poly Bushes ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $549.00 USD
Anti-Roll Bar Link Front & Rear (Genuine Land Rover) ↗Moss Motors – Triumph TR6/TR250· $45.75 USD
Brakes 1
- Upgraded brakes
Fitted to cope with the higher-output V8
Wheels & Tyres 1
- Original tri-spoke wheels
Retained from the car as found during restoration
Other 1
- Hot-dip galvanized chassis
New frame intended to resist rust long-term, onto which the restored body and drivetrain are being fitted
Photos
15 pictures collected from the write-up, in the order they were posted, shown from Commonwealth Classics – The Hunter's Performance 3.9L V8. A picture opens larger here, with the way through to the page it is on.
How it was done
Starting condition
The Hunter Edition Range Rover Classic spent its whole life in Virginia and still wore its original, by-now faded Eastnor Green paint and its original tri-spoke wheels when the shop build began. Commonwealth Classics took it on for a full frame-off restoration.
Build concept
The shop drew inspiration from classic Range Rover tuning and coachbuilding houses of the 1980s and 90s, such as Shuler, Overfinch, Lichfield, Oselli and TWR. Rather than chase a wild conversion, they chose to keep the Hunter's original 3.9L V8 recipe but extract more performance from it.
Engine work
TWS Motors of Taunton, Massachusetts, who have specialized in Rover V8 rebuilds since 1988, reworked the heads, valves, pistons, fuel injection and ignition. This combination of parts raised output from the standard 178 bhp and 220 lb-ft to a stated 280 bhp and 220 lb-ft, described as a 57 percent power gain and a 27 percent torque gain.
Chassis and running gear
The body and running gear are being fitted onto a hot-dip galvanized frame intended to resist rust for decades. Front and rear sway bars have been added, and the suspension and brakes are being upgraded to help manage the extra power and torque.
Progress so far
At the time of writing, the rebuilt engine and galvanized chassis were sitting at Commonwealth Classics' Marshall shop while paint and bodywork continued, alongside a restored automatic transmission. TWS Motors had also finished restoring the intake plenum and throttle body.
A summary in our own words. The full account, with all its detail, is in the original write-up: read it at Commonwealth Classics – The Hunter's Performance 3.9L V8 ↗