Thread: The ultimate RR Classic?

To be honest i think it would come to personal preference..yours being mainly for a play in the bush I'd just buy something solid and the right price and then if/when things break replace them with better (newer) stock or aftermarket bits

NB: with efi go the hot wire set up (later one)

i like my 84, (i like the quarter vents and part of the old dash).

having said that its been modified:
a later gearbox & t/case (R380 and LT230) and running efi system off an 86 (flapper)

future 'updating' plans include the later instrument cluster (for taco and nice look) and changing the seat/ seatbelt mounts to pillar mount, as there the worst part..

For what you want I suspect that the Rangie with the 3.5 engine [less prone to head and or head gasket troubles than the 3.9], coil springs and Torqueflite box may be the most reliable and easily modified of the breed.

Next up would be a coil sprung 3.9 litre Rangie with the ZF tranny - up to 1992 I think. Post 92 [I think] they all had air suspension.

For uniqueness and the sheer pleasure factor go for an LSE. Think of it perhaps as a P38 in a stretched Classic body. Two choices with the LSE. The 92/93 era had the traditional Rangie dash with the box like heating/cooling controlss whereas the 94 had a soft dash and new dash mounted heating/cooling controls.The 92/93 came with painted Classic rangie rims whereas the 94 had polished alloy cyclone alloy rims. The 94 also had some under bonnet updates for better reliability.

Electronic Air Suspension - many bag it for unreliability but it is in reality a lot more reliable than it is given credit for. Yes- there will be additional maintenance/service costs but there's no free lunch with anything. To me the EAS is fantastic and I'll happily wear any extra cost to keep it.

As far as tranny's go, is the 3 speed (pre 85 I think) or 4 speed stronger? Also, I gather it is preferable to have an LT230 over the Viscous transfer, or am I wrong here? The other query was I noticed some models have a red button with the 4WD emblem on it? I gather this is a electronic / vacuum actuator for the diff lock???? Is this a good system if it is? Or if not what is it!?
As far as engines go I actually have a 3.9 injected motor from a 94 disco in the shed so am not to fussed about the engine that comes in the car, as it can be replaced. It's more the toughest driveline that I am trying to achieve. Are there any axle changes over the years as in a stronger diff setup, oil lubed bearings etc?
Another question, in case you haven't had enough, I have access to a Holden VS V8 engine in good nick and was wondering if anyone out there who had done this conversion could give me a bit of info on it? I would be interested in hearing fuel economy (or lack of) figures, suitability for offroad work (ie torque at the right places, sump handling extreme angles) and in general just a bit of an idea of whether its an improvement or not over the standard engine.
The reason I ask is I only have access to this engine for a limited time, and if it is a good mod to do to a Rangey I might just grab it and hoard it until I get a chance to install it. Im getting a Range Rover regardless.
So anyway, I've probably hi-jacked my own thread there and diverted it to another topic altogether, I am still keen on any input from people on which Classic model is the pick??

Thanks again

Originally Posted by jskerm

So anyway, I've probably hi-jacked my own thread there and diverted it to another topic altogether,

You certainly have and beyond my comfort zone. Good luck.

Originally Posted by jskerm

"Which is the ultimate RR Classic and why?"

jskerm

Mine is! Because it's mine!

Seriously though, even though mine is a 4 door, I still think the 2 doors are a better looking vehicle, and maybe one day I will own one...

Apart from that, I probably can't comment too much. Mine is an 86, with LT77 5 speed box. Not the strongest i'm told, but in standard form, it hasn't given any trouble in 268KKM, so it can't be too bad- I guess it depends on what you want to do with it, and how much of a hard time you give it.

Whatever you get, you will love it, as long as you are prepared to put up with its quirks - sort of like being married I suppose...

I've had 4 different model Rangies, 2 of which I still own. First was a 1984 2-door (last 2-door model), 3.5 carbies, 4 speed manual. The weekends that weren't spent trying to get the carbies working were spent trying to get the electrics working. Those great big doors were a handful in carparks as well as in the bush. Very capable off-road in standard form though and the ride was superb.
Next up was a 1988 3.5 auto, EFI=reliability, until the LPG system backfires and stuffs things up. Did several hundred thousand Ks in that car, lots of mountain driving and several big outback expeditions, a few minor hassles but an all-round great car; robust and extremely comfortable. Heating & aircon system useless. Very capable off road.
My current bush car is a 1990 3.9 auto. Viscous transfer is not a good choice for a bush car, have replaced it with LT230. Much like the old 88 model but with the 3.9 motor which has a better EFI system.
The flagship is my 1994 soft-dash classic; nil modifications, air suspension, cruise control, was worth about $105,000 when new- back when that was a lot of money. Still feels like $100,000 even though it is probably now worth about $7,000; too many electronics to be seriously considered for an offroad vehicle though, even though with traction control it would probably be quite capable. Would never take it anywhere near a river crossing in a fit.
My recommendation would be something from 1988 to 1991, not overly ECU infested by then but very capable off-road luxury. The 10-spline diffs & axles are not as robust as the later 24-spline units but you have an excuse to fit a locker when they break.
Hope some of this info is of use.

I love my 94 hard dash classic. Vogue Se, electric heated memory seats, Air Sprung, traction control, absoloutely top spec, and a manual and totally and utterly original with only 80k miles.

I would also love an early 2dr.

Anything without the bogged warner 'Viscious Coupling', and the airbagged model.
EAS is ok if in perfect condition, but my preference would lean (no pun intended) to coils IF the hydomat was working.

The conventional vacuum boosted brakes were more than enough on the '89 that I was driving years ago, and I fear the day that my WABCO system dies... A pox on Traction Control and all its works.... diff-lockers are a more honest and robust approach

Go back as far as possible to Spencer-King's Original Design.... limited only by the (lack of) luxury that you can tolerate!

I agree, the 2 door looks more balanced.

My 2 cents worth

James in Gosnells

95 Vogue SE with working EAS and Cruise control... and only 2 amigoes showing... the TC lamp has burnt out, and the others are hidden by bits of tape...