Thread: Buying a County V8 - why we shouldnt?

LPG. Pat

Originally Posted by BigJon

How long ago was that? Fuel isn't what fuel once was...

2005-2006 - probably still leaded Super?

Hi,

I've had two 1985 petrol v8 County 110's, albeit 5 speeds. Expect 22-25L/100Km @100Km/hr on the open road. It's worse around town. When I say "open road" I mean "from Nyngan to Bourke". I put a performance exhaust on the second of the two and it sounded fantastic. Expect 350 Km per tank. Fortunately mine had an auxiliary 75L tank which gave me a respectable range of 700Km. Expect to have to use premium fuel. I was touring tassie in it and a guy come up to me and asked if I'd dropped a Chevy v8 into it I miss it and I wish I still had that second car, just for fun. Be aware though that the Rover v8 needs to be put in the "small v8" category. It simply doesn't have the horses to keep up with a puma.

Thanks for the feedback, I can't help myself with V8's just love that noise! So can they go on gas with the tank(s) safely under the vehicle (only seen them in the cargo area)?

And realistically, how does a well tuned V8 county on gas stack up against a diesel (were they all isuzu 3.9's?) county? I have always favored the petrol power vs diesel torque but am led to believe the small V8's may not stack up with a county, and besides I am getting older and my driving style is less power dependant these days.

Also, if its easy can you guys throw in some pic's of your various county's please.

I owned a 3.5V8 county for a short time. I also stored a 3.9V8 county for Offender90 for a while (disco 3.9 short motor fitted) - both 4-speeds.

During the same period I also owned a 3.9 ISUZU county. I was impressed at how quick the 3.5 was compared my (then NA) 3.9 diesel. By the time the 3.9 County arrived, I had turbo'ed my isuzu, and I couldn't believe how much of a slug the 3.9V8 was in comparison.

They sound good though. I have often though that a V8 county chopped into a cab chassis with the chassis overhang removed would be great offroad.

We've had our 85 County V8 since 1986 and even now, with over 340k on the clock, it still runs smoothly and is a pleasure to drive. With Genie headers, a 2.5" exhaust and Luminition ignition, the power is adequate. Towing in hilly terrain means lots of changing down. With short runs around town we get about 18l/100km, on the open road 15-17l/100km and towing our Tvan camper trailer it's 19-20l/100km. It runs equally well on E10 or unleaded. Premium, whilst marginally better for power and milage, is too expensive and of course virtually unobtainable out back.

The extra fuel consumption and lower level of torque and power (compared to a TD5 or a Puma) is compensated for by the basic nature of the County. I have never needed rescue or been unable to get home from a trip. The handful of problems we've had with the car have been electrical and fixable using (inexpensive) replacements from my spares box. I now carry a spare Luminition module after the original failed after 20 years of reliable service.

If the chassis and body are sound and the engine and running gear are ok, go for it because IMHO it has to be one of the least expensive Land Rovers to run. And yes, they do sound good!

I had 33's on mine and the v8 was a great little engine, it is very surprising how much torque they have for only 3.5lt. But a turbo on a Isuzu will leave a v8 for dead and although the sound is different it is just as nice when on song

Love mine ... 4 speed V8, dual fuel/LPG ...





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