V8 Economy on a trip

[Andych]

While economy and Discovery V8 dont normally go together I thought I would post up how my stock 200,000km 2000 V8 ES with ACE, SLS etc went on the weekend...

We had to do a quick trip from Penrith to the Gold Coast and back towing an 8x5 single axle caged trailer (empty on the way up) weighing 350kg.

Fuel consumption on the trip up was 15l/100km which gave me a range of 600km. We arrived on the Gold Coast... filled the Rover and the trailer with about 500kg of my sons belongings and headed back to Penrith...

Fuel consumption on the trip back... 15l/100km.. seems the added weight made no differnce.

I did sit mainly on 90kph with cruise control on... this ensured hills didnt send the Auto into kickdown too aften...max revs would go to about 3K but she held on without any effort on most hills...

There was not the slightest bit of trouble with her (Rosie) during the trip.. temps were all good... Auto changed perfectly.. seats were comfy... which was appreciated when you spend the best part of 2 days in them...lol

While 15l/100km isnt exactly frugal... it is better than I thought it migh be and above all .... it was consistent...

[stimpy]

Hi Andych,
As you stated, the V8 figures will never be "Fantastic" in this day and age, especially when modern diesels return 8-9L/100km...But....they can be bearable when driven sensibly and on a good run. Let's face it the V8 makes for effortless, quiet, smooth as silk driving and as an added bonus, they sound great!
I love my V8 and drive it as my everyday commute. I could have a frugal diesel, but I wouldn't enjoy it as much (yes I have driven a TD5).
I look at it this way, I don't smoke and I rarely drink (social only) and these habits could cost $100+ / week, so I spend a little extra in fuel - that's my vice, :)
Just as a comparison, I have a rebuilt " T-lined" 4.6L which gives me great low down torque for towing my van.
* Running to work and back on main roads (80km round trip) = 15.3L / 100 average.
* Long highway trip (Frankston to Sale) = 14.2L/100 with 4 adults in car.
* Towing 16ft vintage caravan fully loaded plus car loaded and 2 adults (Frankston to Bright) = 19.1L/100 both ways on Hume Fwy and Alpine Rd. We sat on 90km's and selected 3rd when not on the freeways. We only use 95RON for daily use and 98RON when towing.
I think these figures are quite good and manageable and trust me it tows like a dream.
Keep enjoying the leisurely life of owning a Rover V8 - Love 'em! :)

[vnx205]

seems the added weight made no difference.

I found that towing a small, empty box trailer gave me worse consumption than having the trailer full. My theory is that it had something to do with aerodynamics or wind resistance.

Maybe you had a similar situation on the way up with turbulence spilling off the vehicle and into the empty trailer causing drag. That might have offset a small increase in consumption caused by the extra weight.

Of course if your son's belongings included a couple of wardrobes and a fridge, that theory might not hold water.

[Andych]

I found that towing a small, empty box trailer gave me worse consumption than having the trailer full. My theory is that it had something to do with aerodynamics or wind resistance.

Maybe you had a similar situation on the way up with turbulence spilling off the vehicle and into the empty trailer causing drag. That might have offset a small increase in consumption caused by the extra weight.


That is what we figured as well.. The packed trailer was well below roof height and flat... after re-arranging a couple of times to eliminate tarp flapping.

There was substantially more weight as it could be felt when braking...

All up I am pretty happy with how she went on the trip... blew out a few cobwebs too as she is running much nicer around town since we got back..

[benji]

We towed a 7x5 box trailer down to ballarat last year. On the way down we had a 90-100kph head wind. When a heavy gust would come along you could feel it grabbing the trailer.

We then put a bullbar and spa in it and it made a huge difference; it was like the trailer wasn't there.

Still managed to stay at 100k up the hills though :D

[Alex 110]

Your 15l/100km isn't much worse than the 14l/100km combined I get from my td5. Mind you, its running oversize muddies, 2 inch lift, full roofrack & it's usually fully laden & worked hard, but I still reckon there's something wrong with mine

Sent from my GT-I9505 using AULRO mobile app

[DiscoKym]

I have just done a quick trip to the eastern states.

Adelaide, Sydney, Newcastle, Coffs Harbour and back to Adelaide.

2001 TD5, TRS Chipped, CEM treated, lifted suspension, STD tyres, front factory brush bar.

So for the 3828.8 Km trip I averaged 9.96 L/100km or 15.9 cents per kilometre. I mainly stuck to the speed limits and climbed hills without slowing down much.

I love the sound of the V8.... But I like the economy of a Diesel... Maybe a V8 Diesel???? :-)

[PhilipA]

2002 EU3 TD5. 2inch lift, 31inch tyres ,snorkel and awning,towing camper trailer weighing about650kgs.
Over blue mountains from central coast to Wyalong 12.2 l per 100,at about 104 true in 110 zones and 100 true in 100.
Hay plains Wyalong to mildura 11.1 l per 100.
This is about 40% better than my RRC 3.9
Engine completely stock,with EGR
I am a convert
Regards Philip A

[Spence]

What the? How the? Mines 2001, v8, auto, always serviced tuned well and I do 19/100 carrying nothing. What gives

[clubagreenie]

Well mines running 38/100 at the moment.

[ozscott]

What tyres and other added weight Spence...what tyre pressures?
Cheere

[mrapocalypse]

When mine (2001 v8 Auto) gets to empty I fill it up.

I can't afford a new car so it's a moot point.

And I just spent $4200 getting it fixed.

You cant give them away at the moment so it's lucky we love them eh?

I.

[Spence]

What tyres and other added weight Spence...what tyre pressures?
Cheere

No extra weight ozscott, 32's with 4:11 ratios which should send it back to stock ratio.

[Spence]

When mine (2001 v8 Auto) gets to empty I fill it up.

I can't afford a new car so it's a moot point.

And I just spent $4200 getting it fixed.

You cant give them away at the moment so it's lucky we love them eh?

I.

I know how you feel... Just spent $6000. But I do love it and wouldn't have it any other way.

[mrapocalypse]

$6K!!!!!!!!!

OK I'll stop complaining.

I'm having issues with the love right now. :(

[schuy1]

Yeah, but have you worked out how little 6k will bring with a new 1? interest, deposit, changover and deprecation? the amount you lose on a new 1 just driving it out of the dealers is more than that! :o :D then have you looked at the number of recalls lately? :D
At least we can blame it on a 12yo car!! LOL
Cheers Scott

[Spence]

Yeah, but have you worked out how little 6k will bring with a new 1? interest, deposit, changover and deprecation? the amount you lose on a new 1 just driving it out of the dealers is more than that! :o :D then have you looked at the number of recalls lately? :D
At least we can blame it on a 12yo car!! LOL
Cheers Scott

My brother has a d4... It just doesn't feel like a land rover to me, don't know why.

[ozscott]

Spence I don't know why. Maf, air filter and O2's usual suspects. Coil packs and leads perhaps.

Cheers

[Andych]

Mine gets around the 19/100 mark around town... but I am hauling a 500kg box trailer (and it is a box... as tall as the Disco with opening sides and back... I am a mobile detailer).
The around town economy.. (or lack of ) has improved since I serviced it a week or so ago... the Air Filter didnt look too bad and the oil and filter were what you would expect from a 200K Disco. She now runs on Shell H7 oil with Ryco filters.. it had a new MAF before Christmas and had new plugs then as well.... She has 3 new HT leads with 5 still to go on... (maybe over Easter) but that is it.
I know she is running better because I used to use Sport mode most of the time to ensure it didnt hunt around... now I can just leave it in normal mode and she pulls really well...
I have been tempted to replace the engine pipes and central muffler to let out a few ponies and some more noise... but I think that might lead to an increase in fuel use... just to hear the sound...lol
Maybe fuel consumption has something to do with the right foot...

[Spence]

Mine gets around the 19/100 mark around town... but I am hauling a 500kg box trailer (and it is a box... as tall as the Disco with opening sides and back... I am a mobile detailer).
The around town economy.. (or lack of ) has improved since I serviced it a week or so ago... the Air Filter didnt look too bad and the oil and filter were what you would expect from a 200K Disco. She now runs on Shell H7 oil with Ryco filters.. it had a new MAF before Christmas and had new plugs then as well.... She has 3 new HT leads with 5 still to go on... (maybe over Easter) but that is it.
I know she is running better because I used to use Sport mode most of the time to ensure it didnt hunt around... now I can just leave it in normal mode and she pulls really well...
I have been tempted to replace the engine pipes and central muffler to let out a few ponies and some more noise... but I think that might lead to an increase in fuel use... just to hear the sound...lol
Maybe fuel consumption has something to do with the right foot...

Hmmm 19 with a trailer. Might have a word with my mechanic. I baby it when I drive too.

[Andrew D]

I have found if you overfill your engine oil the fuel economy goes noticeably bad.

I put 6litres in the V8, so 200 ml extra, and the fuel economy went through the roof. Dropped the oil back out and back to about 16l/100 city travel, which is normal for a 2003 model.

Regards
Andrew