Buying Spare Parts

[alanrichey]

As my Superspec (Rover 'T' 2000cc DOHC, circa 1995-1998) gets on in years I am aware that getting spare parts will become more and more difficult, so I am thinking I should pre-purchase anything 'unique' that might be needed in the future.

 

This ECU (http://www.ebay.co.u...-/191014702359?) seems to be the right part (looks identical to my preset one) at a good price.

 

A logical purchase ? Anyone know if it would be 'plug & play' or would it need to be programmed ?

[richyb66]

Should be plug and play and worth a punt for a tenner. Just swap it for yours when it arrives to confirm it works.

[alanrichey]

OK, seems good, so bought that. Any other suggestions for 'future-proofing' for a Superspec ? I have a spare fan belt and a spare clutch cable. My only immediate thought was brake pads, I assume they just standard Sierra parts ?

[Al Milton]

Alan,

Some of the Rover engined Superspecs suffered from an original 'achilles heel' with the ECU, which was centered around the immobiliser.

The ECU was sent away to have the immobiliser circuit disabled within the unit, costing upwards of £250ish I think. (The engine would crank, fire then die).

 

However, on mine I didn't do this. Looking at the revised wiring diagrams supplied by a member, and some Goooogling, it was apparrent that the ECU could have been from an Auto gearbox model (?) and the 'immobiliser problem' was nothing more that the ECU looking for a closed circuit from the gearbox inhibitor switch. So a quick check, by cuting the cable from pin 17 (I think) and taking it to earth, and the problem was solved! Inhibitor switch or not, it resolved the problem, (may have just been lucky!).

 

So, in part, this ECU may be working, but you could end up with a potential headache. But for a tenner, it's got to be worth a punt.

Just a heads up really, something to consider for the future.

 

 

For info, I future proofed by Rover engine Superspec by changing it to a Zetec (completed by GBS, but there's another story).

[alanrichey]

Looking at the revised wiring diagrams supplied by a member, and some Goooogling, it was apparent that the ECU could have been from an Auto gearbox model (?) and the 'immobiliser problem' was nothing more that the ECU looking for a closed circuit from the gearbox inhibitor switch. So a quick check, by cuting the cable from pin 17 (I think) and taking it to earth, and the problem was solved! Inhibitor switch or not, it resolved the problem, (may have just been lucky!).

Thanks, very useful to know. Although on the wiring diagram I found (http://the-superspec...t-services.html) the Immobiliiser is Pin 13 (Pin 17 is the 'knock' sensor) ?

 

For info, I future proofed by Rover engine Superspec by changing it to a Zetec (completed by GBS, but there's another story).

Good scheme, one for the future, when I look at the thrust bearing clatter

[Al Milton]

It could have been pin 13 Alan, it was quite a few years ago! (The grey matter isn't what it used to be).

 

The whole thrust bearing issue was one of the major contributoring factors for going to the Zetec, plus the clutch pedal was enormously heavy, so much so that the car was tiring to drive in traffic.

All sorted now though, nice and light(ish) clutch

[alanrichey]

I had the same problem, but based on advice in the forum I replaced the clutch cable and redesigned the connection and it is now fine and very easy to operate. See http://the-superspec-journey.blogspot.co.uk/2013/12/the-clutch-cable.html

 

I am also going to try fixing a weak spring between the clutch arm and bell housing to keep it under tension as I understand that was a standard fit on the Escort when it used that gearbox.

 

What fun

[alanrichey]

Still picking up spare parts to 'future-proof' my Superspec. Still thinking of brake shoes. Are they standard Sierra parts ? Anyone know the exact part number to save me buying the wrong ones ?

[Guest Ian & Carole]

Alan, rear brakes are not really a problem but there are 2 sizes dependent on your doner car, so if you do decide to "Stock up" it might be worth you having a look at what size yours are.

Rear shoes should last you many years unless you are doing star ship mileage.

[alanrichey]

No, very low mileage at the moment (car has only 7000 and I am doing about 2000/year), so maybe only stock up on front ones ? Could still do with a part number ?

[Guest Ian & Carole]

so maybe only stock up on front ones ? Could still do with a part number ?

 

Like I said Alan at least two different sized rear and IIRC three + fronts 240mm 260mm + cossie ones then vented or solid disc so you need to know what you have to start with.

[alanrichey]

OK, thanks for that. Need to take them out I guess

[alanrichey]

Next spare part on my list is the lower Universal Joint at the bottom of the steering column as it has some play in it and I suspect it will fail at the next MOT. I can see various ones for sale, including one from Kit Spares, but they have different fittings. Some have 'Escort Standard', some are 9/16 splines for both ends, some have 3/4 splines and the Kit Spares one has 14mm/36 spline and one end and 17mm hex for the other end.

 

I have also seen posts here saying that the column actually has a plain end and the splined UV joint is simply jammed on and another post that had a plain end on the joint.

 

Most confusing

 

I assume the Superspec uses the standard Sierra column and steering rack like all the others ?

 

Anyone have a clue what the specification should be ?

 

Thanks

[Guest chris brown]

 

 

I assume the Superspec uses the standard Sierra column and steering rack like all the others ?

 

Anyone have a clue what the specification should be ?

 

Thanks

Don't bet on it some used escort some lhd metro fitted upside down these had the lower uj pressed on as the splines didn't match but Tricky bought a job lot cheap. Some may have had the Sierra rack BIIRC it was too wide.

[alanrichey]

Thanks. Nothing is simple is it ?