The Range Rover Rover V8 3.5L is a 3,528 cc, V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1970 and 1986. It features an overhead valve (OHV) pushrod layout with 16 valves and electronic or carbureted fuel delivery depending on model year. In standard form it delivered 92–103 kW (125–140 PS) and 230–260 Nm of torque, providing robust low-end torque suited to off‑road and utility applications.
Fitted to the Classic Range Rover (1970–1986), the Rover V8 3.5L was engineered for durability, simplicity, and ease of service in remote conditions. Emissions compliance was achieved through basic exhaust catalysts and, from 1986, electronic fuel injection in select markets, meeting early Euro 1 precursors in later production but largely predating formal EU standards.
One documented concern is cylinder head warping due to the aluminum block and head design under sustained high-load or overheating conditions, referenced in Land Rover Service Bulletin LTB00022. This issue stems from thermal expansion mismatch between the iron liners and aluminum structure. From 1982, revised head gasket materials and improved coolant flow reduced—but did not eliminate—failure risk.
Production years 1970–1985 predate formal EU emissions regulations; 1986 models meet early Euro 1 precursor standards in select markets (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105).
The Range Rover Rover V8 3.5L is a 3,528 cc OHV V8 petrol engine engineered for full-size utility SUVs (1970–1986). It combines a pushrod valvetrain with cast-iron cylinder liners in an aluminum block to deliver rugged, low-maintenance performance. Designed before formal Euro standards, later variants incorporated basic emissions controls for evolving regulatory environments.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,528 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, post‑1986) | |
| Configuration | V8, OHV, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 88.9 mm × 71.1 mm | |
| Power output | 92–103 kW (125–140 PS) @ 4,000–4,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 230–260 Nm @ 2,500–3,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Twin SU carburetors (pre‑1986); Bosch L‑Jetronic EFI (1986) | |
| Emissions standard | Pre‑Euro (1970–1985); Euro 1 precursor (1986) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.13:1 (carb); 9.35:1 (EFI) | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with mechanical fan | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, single roller) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil (API SF/CC) | |
| Dry weight | 144 kg |
The OHV V8 delivers robust, torquey performance ideal for off-road and towing but is highly sensitive to overheating due to its aluminum construction. SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil is essential for bearing and camshaft protection under load. Coolant must be maintained at correct concentration to prevent corrosion of the aluminum block. Cylinder head warping is a known failure mode—any overheating event requires immediate inspection. Revised head gaskets introduced in 1982 (per Land Rover TSB LTB00022) should be used in all rebuilds. EFI models (1986) require functional oxygen sensor and catalytic converter for emissions compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W‑50 mineral oil meeting API SF/CC (Land Rover TIS Doc. L322‑HIST‑12). Synthetic oils not recommended for early pushrod valvetrain.
Emissions: Pre-1986 models predate EU emissions regulations. 1986 EFI variants meet early Euro 1 precursor standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2105).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE gross (pre-1972) and net (post-1972) standards. Figures verified in Land Rover PT‑1985 historical records.
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs L322‑HIST‑05 to L322‑HIST‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2105)
SAE International: J245 Engine Power Standards (Historical)
The Range Rover Rover V8 3.5L was used exclusively in Land Rover's Classic Range Rover platform with longitudinal mounting and no external licensing during this period. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts and bespoke intake manifolding—and from 1987 was enlarged to 3.9L, creating hard interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on the left-hand front face of the block near the timing cover (Land Rover TIS L322‑HIST‑03). Carbureted engines (1970–1985) feature twin SU carburetors and cast-iron intake manifold; 1986 EFI models have a black plastic intake plenum and Bosch fuel rail. Critical differentiation from later 3.9L: 3.5L has smaller bore (88.9 mm vs. 94 mm) and lower deck height. Service parts require production date verification—head gaskets for engines before 1982 use early composition incompatible with post‑TSB revisions (Land Rover TSB LTB00022).
The Rover V8 3.5L's primary reliability risk is cylinder head warping due to its aluminum construction, with elevated incidence in sustained high-load or desert use. Land Rover internal service data from 1984 indicated a notable share of engines requiring head replacement after overheating events, while UK DVSA records show cooling system faults as a common MOT failure in preserved examples. Coolant neglect and incorrect mixture ratios accelerate thermal stress, making maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1970–1986) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about RANGE-ROVER ROVER-V8-3-5L.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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