G'day VK2icj :)
There are a few problems attached to Holden powered Series vehicles, the Holden revvs VERY hard for the given speed if not fitted with an Overdrive, they don't like hard climbs while off roading, they starve, both fuel but also OIL as the oil pump and sump isn't baffled for off road use, an early (pre 94 Range Rover) or a 110 county station wagon V8 can be got for around the 3K mark for a good one, or an early 3 or 5 door Disco 91-97 in V8 form for that, all the Landrover/Range Rover V8's will go over to gas without major engine mods and give good performance and range, you will see lots of them on the road that have a little Red diamond on their number plate, that indicates Gas, there is only one standard of gas type fitting so ther are no problems with refueling, you will see these vehicles advertised as "Duel Fuel" I.E. they will run petrol(Gas) or Gas (LPG) most service stations have gas, in the larger country towns so there are not major fuelling problems, most landies will take the Gas tanks under floor, as I know of a 4 cylinder Series 3 that is for sale that is on Gas and has 60litres under floor between the chassis rails, I would personally go for a 110 or an early Series1 Disco (they have a Range Rover chassis 100inch wheel base.) and are very capable straight off the shelf.:)
cheers
