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Unlike many other manufacturers who used numerical model naming systems, Rover never settled on a permanent standard for the majority of their cars. However, for the following designations are an approximate guide:

* 820 – 4-cylinder 8-valve carburetted models (Rover O8)
* 820e – 4-cylinder 16-valve single point injected models (Rover M16e)
* 820i – 4-cylinder 16-valve multi point injected models (Rover M16i) Came in naturally aspirated form and turbocharged (Turbocharged model fitted to later Vitesse)
* 825i – pre-1988 6-cylinder models (Honda)
* 827i – post-1988 6-cylinder and US models (Honda C27)
* Sterling – for most markets (except North America); luxury flagship model
* Vitesse – for most markets; sports flagship model

Following the 1992 R17 facelift, the convention was simplified to:

* 820i/Si/SLi/sterling – 4-cylinder 16-valve multi point injected models (Rover T16) Came in naturally aspirated form and turbocharged (Turbocharged model fitted to Vitesse)
* 825D/SD – 4-cylinder diesel models (VM Motori 425)
* 825i/Si/SLi/sterling – 6-cylinder models (Rover KV6)
* 827i/Si/SLi/sterling – 6-cylinder models (Honda C27a)
* Sterling – for most markets (except North America); luxury flagship model
* Vitesse – for most markets; sports flagship model

In 1994 the vitesse model line up was increased with the introduction of the Vitesse sport which had 200ps (standard vitesse only had 180ps)and a torsen differential. The sport models also included 17 inch alloy wheels and lowered and more uprated suspension as well as fully colour keyed bumpers. A lux pack could also be ordered with the car (factory fitted only) which gave full leather seats and climate control with air con and a powered drivers seat.

In 1996, the engine size designations were dropped, and the model badges simply read "800" except for the Sterling and Vitesse models. The honda engines were dropped for the newly developed KV6 which gave a much smoother power delivery. coupe models were now available with the 200ps vitesse sport engine as well as a normal 136ps t series as fitted to the 820 models

Related : MG Cars ~ The Rover Group Classic MG Cars Parts 1

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Classic MG Cars

The Rover KV6 engine in the 800 series was hampered by reliability issues and head gasket failures. MG Rover at the time, with no understanding of the problems simply replaced the engines. In many cases repair would not have been an option due to liner problems. The modified version of the KV6 fitted into the 75 is not an easy swap.

The KV6 engine was in most cases mated to a JATCO gearbox which also in some cases suffered from reliability issues. This was sometimes due to incorrect gearbox fluid changes.

The Rover 820 Vitesse in most guises suffered from problems with gearbox bearings because of the large amount of power from the 2-litre turbo engine. The bearings can be replaced with more durable steel caged bearings.

On 6 June 1990 Tony Pond completed the first ever lap of the famous TT motorcycle course on the Isle Of Man at an average of over 100 mph (160 km/h) in a car — a Rover 827 Vitesse, standard apart from safety features and racing tyres. ~ MG Cars