6th Jan 2006, 15:55
No, I did mean engine. From what I am told by experts Rolls Royce had GM design their engine. Rolls did do the manufacturing though.
19th Jan 2006, 06:09
From a third party...
Yes. It is general knowledge about the GM transmission origins of Shadows, Wraiths, Spirits, and Spurs.
15th May 2007, 19:29
Very enlightened by your testimonies, I too have recently purchased a 1982 Silver Spur. By chance, would you know where I might find an original or re-printed owners manual. mrray1948@verizon.com.
25th Aug 2007, 22:52
Here is a good detective story to be solved. I have a 1980 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow 2 with carburators. It has 30,000 miles on it.
When you press down the accelerator and release it, the choke rod drops from 12 o'clock to 6 o'clock and the car starts at a high idle. After 34 seconds the car splutters out like you ran out of gas. It's useless to pump the gas or crank the ignition.
If you swap the fuel pump/ignition fuse on the board with any of the 10 amp fuses on the board, the car starts immediately and runs beautiful, you can drive forever. If you turn the car off for 10 minutes and start it, it runs for 30 seconds and splutters out. If you wait exactly 10 minutes, the car starts and runs perfect.
Now I have been milked to death by Rolls Royce mechanics. First a fuse 13 bypass was requested, but didn't help until it was learned that the board was just cleaned and re-soldered. Then a second request (paid another $98.00) to do the bypass. Still didn't help until it was determined that the ignition was put on a separate fuse block instead of the pumps. Now it appears that the pumps are being electrically disconnected at some point and for some reason
There is a cash reward for the winning suggestion. My car is being used as a cash cow.
njaeger@natejaeger.com
15th Jan 2008, 22:53
I have had my 1982 silver spur for 5 years since my fathers death. I love it,but it is definately a labor of love. such as my Freinds boats, however I will not part with it. in fact looking for more.
19th Sep 2008, 06:06
Regarding the "National Origins" of the famous RR V8 engine, I recommend a few minutes of highly interesting and clarifying reading at this site:
http://rroc.org.au/wiki/index.php?title=History:RR-V8_Designer
18th Aug 2010, 16:16
I have an 82 Silver Spur that is having a quite a few electrical problems in the starting circuits. Any idea where to get useful diagrams?
Thanks.
Brad.
13th Sep 2010, 00:26
Go to www.rrtechnical.info for all manuals, wiring diagrams, spares, tips and the like. It is a library, not a forum.
22nd Jan 2011, 16:58
I'm thinking of buying an 82 Silver Spur. What are some of the things I should ask, or should I just walk? This is a 1 owner RR. It's flawless, looks like brand new.
Scott
19th Mar 2011, 22:51
RR basics-
Ask to see ALL service history details, and ask why the car is being sold. A genuine person will always comply with these requests.
Purchasing can be cheaper than you think, as there are some very dear cars out there that can be purchased for a lot less.
Maintaining is the issue, as they do need regular maintenance in the earlier models, and some work can be done yourself, but a GOOD mechanic is a valuable resource, so ask around to find one that knows their stuff with these cars.
Body repairs and parts can be horribly expensive, so make sure you find one with all good body and undercarriage, as this will also cost the earth to do it properly, as cheap repairs will show straight away.
Drive the car at least once a week to keep it in good order. They were designed to be used in all conditions, so don't be afraid to take it on a gravel road at times; it won't hurt it.
Buy and enjoy, as it is a privilege to own one of these fine hand built cars.
5th Apr 2012, 13:00
I have owned a 1977 Silver Wraith in the past, and it was a wonderful vehicle. It was all original.
I now own a 1982 Silver Spur with a GM 5.7 V8, and it is super. The brake system has been converted to one similar to a GM vehicle, and the suspension has been changed to one similar to a high end domestic vehicle.
I drive this car with confidence. I don't worry about the expensive repairs commonly associated with owning a Rolls. Some people would not even think of changing this vehicle like this, but it has worked out well for me, and I love it. I think that it adds to the car, and does not take anything away from it.
6th Apr 2012, 10:35
Why a gravel road? That's the last place I would take my vintage low mileage car in mint show condition. I actually detail underneath mine.
7th Apr 2012, 07:27
I also saw a Rolls with a GM conversion. I also saw a really nice 60's Jaguar XKE Convertible with a 351 Ford in it, and now its very reliable and fast.
I am in a lot of car shows, and there are those that are purists and they do drive theirs, but if you want to have the capability to drive a lot more, it's your car. I like keeping a car true to its factory appearance, but typically upgrade to disc brakes, power steering, electronic ignition, suspension improvements, tires etc (restification).
13th Feb 2014, 17:39
I'm curious to know if the conversion to GM engine and brake system is easy to convert with available parts, or if has to be specially machined to do so? Was it done by you or by a professional mechanic? Any additional comments that might enlighten me? Thank you.
28th Aug 2016, 04:14
It is sad but very true. The RR engine is a never ending story. But the Lucas electrics and hydraulic and suspension are a nightmare. It is difficult to get a good conversion. But if you have loved these models and cannot spend tens of thousands on mechanics, just save a well preserved body and get your conversion. You will enjoy your car for decades to come. Who did your conversion? Was it the gentleman in South Florida? GEORGE.
29th Dec 2021, 18:33
I saw the car at Hagley annual car show. It’s been a while. I didn’t know there was an expiration of Rolls Royce LS engine swaps on YouTube. I suspect LS1, LS2 or LS3. Based on it being a while. Good luck!
30th Dec 2021, 19:00
I didn't know either that there was an expiration, those are your words. Just asking when you saw it. 15 years ago I saw a 64 DeVille with a Northstar swap. Guess it's not worth mentioning because it was a long time ago.
31st Dec 2021, 19:27
Yes and I spoke with the owner during my 11th year at the same car show. He said he put in a GM V8 engine. Purists probably hate doing so, but it’s likely more reliable and less complex.
31st Dec 2021, 20:15
The LT1 seems like a better option than the North Star to put in the 64 Deville. Those North Star engines had a lot of issues. The original 64 engine was probably more reliable.
10th Dec 2005, 00:53
Ooops, I'm sure you meant transmission. RR had its own engine design and build. The Turbo Hydromatic 400 transmissions were from GM (not exactly Chevrolet).