Reinstate old and Fit up New

[bruce p38]

Hi All

Keen to fit a dual battery system and reinstate the air cleaner box pre fitting a RAI . Were talking a Gems 95 4.6 HSE on LPG (impco) with extractors, 2 1/2 in. exhaust with HFCats

Ill be fitting a second battery due to purchase of a EVA COOL 12v fridge and of course its nice to have a spare starting battery (JIC)

I think the new battery should be sited in the left hand corner using a battery support plate and clamp from a p38a wreck (if possible) Im not sure about the air cleaner box position as I don't know its original position but I presume it'll have to be reinstated there to work with the RAI (?) I believe the previous owner removed the air cleaner box as it occasionally exploded with LPG system

Anyway Id love any tips or suggestions Ive loaded photos of my engine bay and of new arial base I fitted to a factory bar

Thanks

Bruce P38

[bruce p38]

It would make sense that putting a second battery in would essentially balance the vehicle as the front mud guard gets scrubbed by the DS wheel when turning. My springs are coils and pretty soft and floaty . Not being a mechanical person but a person and a battery on one side would have to have an affect
Had a look at the existing battery plate and clamp and all looks doable although reversed

The arial base is a generic brand base modified to bolt on existing wing fasteners. It actually a little flimsy as one unit so I bought a second to beef it up a bit .

Cheers

Bruce p38

[Robsrod 58]

Hey Bruce,
You really need to install a substantial air cleaner, which will use a lot of that free space you have at the moment.

My suggestion only, but ditch that old gas system, frankly it sucks. Either convert to sequential or rip it out completely.

My second battery is discretely located in the boot RHS, complete with multi stage charger volt meter, multiple outlets and solar input. I'll post up to date photo soon.

good luck

Rob

[bruce p38]

Thanks Rob
I've heard the impco LPG system aren't that good but driving this car on gas or petrol there's actually not any difference. Either fuel it goes like a rocket,
I've driven ten other p38s so had a good feel for what's what. It only a bit harder to start on gas and the exhaust note a bit throatier on petrol
Anyway are you suggesting a bigger than normal air cleaner because of the LPG back fire problem ? The solar panel charging idea sounds interesting But where to locate ?
I guess the roof racks the only place. Is it a good idea to only charge aux battery via SP
If so maybe the cable could attach to the RAI up to the roof rack. What size panel are you using ? I'd be interested to see your photos !
If I can fit the battery and air cleaner under the bonnet I will as the spare wheel well is full with gas tank, jack,spares and soon a compressor Like yours the spares on the back on a kaymar SWC
Thanks for chance to talk this through with some one
My friends seem to glaze over and go and get another drink when I start talking RR
Bruce

[Keithy P38]

Good luck getting a Kaymar SWC Bruce! Non existent product (unless you already own one). They are a no longer manufactured product.

[bruce p38]

Thanks Keithy
Yes they seem as rare as considering Ive been approached 3 time to see if I'd be interested in selling it once at bunnings car park and twice at mechanics I emailed Kaymar re getting a Jerry can holder and telescopic light but they refused my custom!
This vechicle was set up for touring and I want to set it up for a bit more offroading hence the RAI, air filter box and dual battery.
Can anyone post a photo of there engine bay with air filter box in the original position as I assume it'll have to be replaced there to accept RAI ?
Thanks

Bruce

[Robsrod 58]

Bruce,

As promised check this link out of my setup

This is not the latest incarnation of the install as I've added more outlets and a voltmeter but essentially this what I've done.

Rob


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/p38a-range-rover/155237-dual-battery-charger-install-help.html

[TheTree]

Hi

I have installed a dual battery system next to my LPG tank where the spare tyre was, it required running 4AG cable to the rear of the car though.

I used the Traxide SC80 and it is brilliant, lots of aulro members seem to use them.

SC80 Dual Battery Systems (http://www.traxide.com.au/SC80.html)

Sequential Injection LPG is much better than the airbox system for sure, no backfiring issues :p

But if you go sequential injection you can put a real aircleaner back on and you will lose that space you have.

Steve

[benji]

I've got the same impco system on my 96. Occasionally I'll get a little pop in the inlet side of things on start up (courtesey of gems being wasted spark), but never a full on back fire. Previous owner said it never backfired either. Admittantly I'm pedantic about vacuum leaks, plugs and leads, but surprisingly is been very forgiving

I would like to swap for injected lpg though, but only for fuel economy.

If it were me, I'd be putting the battery in the back, as I can't see any other way of geting the snorkel in.

[bruce p38]

Thanks Benji
Ive heard one tiny backfire in 18months on mine
So your saying your 96 gems has Impco LPG and a factory Air Filter Box and its ok ? Thats what I need to know cos the system, for my needs, is fine . Is all works ect.

Can you just secure a battery wherever and connect a solar panel to it? Super simple
with a gauge of some sort.

Thanks for feed back

Bruce

[benji]

Yep factory air filter.
I do make a point of leaving the house clamps loose though, so if it does backfire it'll pop the hoses off.

I don't know a lot pv charging, but you'd need some sort of regulator I imagine.

I'd join it to the battery; you can still camp for 3 or 4 days in the same spot on one aux battery with no charging - we've done it quite a few times. Just fridge and led lights.

[TheTree]

Can you just secure a battery wherever and connect a solar panel to it? Super simple
with a gauge of some sort.

Thanks for feed back

Bruce

Bruce

Yes you can if you don't want to connect it to the rest of the vehicle electrics and the panel has a regulator / charger built in.

Given the way the Traxide turns all the connected batteries into a managed bank I think they are a great addition to a P38 dual battery setup. You cannot have too much battery in this beast :p

Steve