hi. my 1989 xr3i tops out at 5500 rpm, is this normal? iv read that the max bhp is at 6000rpm yet mine does not reach this, and the red line on the dials is 6500rpm. it doesnt top out as such it just seems like the fuel cuts completly, could it have a rev limiter? and if so how do remove it? cheers.

 

I know some 3i`s have a rotor arm which limits the revs at a certain point, you will tell as the rotor arm is quite big and has a visible spring.

 

was it only certain ones that had this? my xr3i cab doesnt and revs bang up to 6300 near enough ive found out once, never dipped the clutch in so much when i remembered theyre not meant to go above 6000!

 

Yeah it was only some, cant remember which now

 

Rotor arm is usually stamped with maximum revs, Don't think orions were limited but might be wrong its pretty easy to stop working if theres any point

 

It works centrifugally so as the revs rise a plunger comes out and touches a plate at the side of the arm and shorting out the spark going to the plugs hence limiting the revs try a differant arm but not from halfords as i bought one for my old car from there that had 6500 on the side but like yours wouldnt rev over 5k got one from a motor factors back up to 6 1/2k revs.
mark.

 

Just jam the weight, these engines are safe to 6000 all day long, or just get a rotor arm without one, the action of the hydraulic tappets jacking up will cause a natural limit anyway.
tabetha

 

I modified my old mk3 3i's rotor arm (many moons ago)...that night afterwards, I was replacing the exhaust valve that it dropped

 

As said above, it'll be the centrifugal rotor arm type. Just replace it for a normal type and rev to your hearts content

 

anyone got a pic of the rotor arm? cheers

 

Yep many of the XR3i came with a rotor arm that had a in built limiter at 5.5k (but you shouldn't really be reving more on a standard lump)

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