Buying a D4 - prices reduced?

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Originally Posted by aaardvaark

My remaining doubts are 1) how to get proper 17" wheels and tyres and the more economical bigger engine on the same vehicle.

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I will soon be fitting the 2.7 D4 brakes to my 3.0 D4 with new discs and callipers already ordered (under $1800 new). An engineers certificate will be required to make the vehicle roadworthy as LR didn't apply for ADR approval for the 3.0 with 2.7 brakes (no such vehicle available for testing so couldn't anyway). My insurer (NRMA) only requires that the vehicle be roadworthy and will not even note the policy. I will use 17x7.5" BMW X5 rims and LT245/70 tyres.

I don't know about the 3.0 being more economical however it is very relaxing but quite quick in manual mode keeping the revs low and using its torque and goes like the proverbial scalded cat when pressed. I look forward to fitting at least an upshift "paddle" switch to avoid having to go into sport mode first to use manual mode to get the best out of the engine and g/box combination.

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Originally Posted by Jesse B

Thanks Mowog. Just done a quick and dirty measure and, while it ain't easy to get an accurate fix without dropping the spare out, it seems most unlikely they will fit - without being let down that is. This backs up info I've received from someone who has them on a D3 - he lets all the air out and then has to do some shoving to get a reasonable fit (and pump up again when required of course). Not surprising really, given the extra 35-40 mm diameter over the stock size, but a bit disappointing nonetheless :(. Size is legal in WA, which is some sort of blessing. More thinking required, it seems.

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If Cooper did the Zeon in a 255/60/18 I would be a happy man...

I will be going for the ContiCrossContact AT in 255/60/18 it will have the same rolling diameter as my 20's.

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Originally Posted by chuck

19" wheels & tyres will limit your off road ability although usually only in the medium to harder tracks.

Usually it is rocky terrain that causes the problem.

I have only ever had two punctures off road & these were with 19" MTR's aired down to 20lb on hard rocky steep tracks.

I have now tried 17", 18" & 19" on my D3 & found the 17's to be the best off road combination. In addition I have now found the LT 17" MTZ tyres to better on road than stock 18's.

I am sure the 19's are fine if you do not plan on particpating in harder trips.


Some people are now optioning 20's rather than 19's as there is more off road tyre options.

Regards

Chuck

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Sorry Chuck,

I've got to ask...LOL....how/why were the 17s a better combo and are you saying the MTRs wouldn't have punctured if they had bigger sidewalls? If so, why?

Cheers,

Kev.

Ozscott and discojools -

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Originally Posted by ozscott

Unless you are towing very heavily all the time why not got the 2.7 and hold onto 11 grand or so to pay for accessories (or put it in a fund to pay for after warranty repairs...).

Cheers

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I'll be honest in the interests of good advice. The only reason I was going for the 3L engine was because this will be my only car so I want to use it around town and for on-road trips as well as offroad. Currently I have a Golf for town+road and the old D1 for bush, but want to replace them with a single car that will do the bush but is still enjoyable and reasonably economical to drive at other times. I enjoy driving so as well as off-roadability wanted good performance, reasonable fuel consumption, plenty of space and a nice driving environment. It's not an easy combination in one car but afaics the SVD6 does it better than any other vehicle on the planet. My only alternatives are luxury versions of utes - Triton-like or the new VW which are cheaper but...

The 2.7 seems to have two disadvantages for me - not as good fuel consumption especially around town and less guts=fun=enjoyable driving. I haven't actually driven either of them yet (don't know anyone who owns one and the dealer doesn't seem keen to actually sell cars) so will have to try them before deciding but at this stage I think I want the 3.0L, partly to make up for losing the V6 Golf.

About the brakes and 17" wheels - I know people will predictably say no no no, but my question is - 'is there actually a problem with using the smaller brakes in the 3.0L?'.

The vehicles (2.7 and 3.0) have the same gvm, they tow the same loads, get driven at the same speeds, have the same max speed .... why would the brakes that are suitable for the 2.7 not be satisfactory for the SE? I realise the bigger brakes would be better in the same way as $1,000,000 is better than $900,000, but are they necessary? Someone pointed out that the Landcruisers use smaller brakes. Ah - as I'm about to post this I see Graeme's post... and ... later ... I've read a few more threads on the topic.

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Originally Posted by Graeme

I will soon be fitting the 2.7 D4 brakes to my 3.0 D4 with new discs and callipers already ordered (under $1800 new). An engineers certificate will be required to make the vehicle roadworthy as LR didn't apply for ADR approval for the 3.0 with 2.7 brakes (no such vehicle available for testing so couldn't anyway). My insurer (NRMA) only requires that the vehicle be roadworthy and will not even note the policy. I will use 17x7.5" BMW X5 rims and LT245/70 tyres.

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Thanks Graeme, it seems a very sensible thing to do. I'd trade the bigger brakes any day for significantly better tyre reliability and suitability. But only because it is obvious the 2.7s brakes are up to the job. Please keep us posted as to how this goes re approvals etc. I guess the ACT authorities will be harder to convince. (had an argument with them for months about dark glass on a Delica that was ok everywhere else. In the end they agreed, but it really messed me around for a long time).

Somewhere there was a post that I can't find in which a purchaser got the dealer to agree to removing his 3.0 wheels and brakes and replacing them with the 2.7 versions before delivery, I think at no cost. Has anyone managed to get this done?

If you're going to be doing a fair amount of city and freeway driving, the 3 ltr with the larger brakes is a _much_ nicer experience. With my 2.7 ltr D3's there was always that typical 4WD feel to the brakes - the 3.0 ltr stops like a sports car!

Also note that the traction control uses the brakes - one reason the D4 TC is quieter and less prone to overheating the ABS system is the bigger brakes.

Cheers,

Gordon

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Originally Posted by aaardvaark

Somewhere there was a post that I can't find in which a purchaser got the dealer to agree to removing his 3.0 wheels and brakes and replacing them with the 2.7 versions before delivery, I think at no cost. Has anyone managed to get this done?

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This very thread has a similar post. I suspect its my plan that's been around for several months but passed through many mouths and got enhanced a little. I can't imagine a dealer doing any such thing.

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Originally Posted by aaardvaark

Please keep us posted as to how this goes re approvals etc.

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Sure will. There's another thread on the topic so probably there. I didn't order the parts until an engineering signatory said he'd happliy approve the change and to go ahead and do the change then ring him when its done to arrange an inspection and probably a brake test to satisfy the RTA. Maybe a NSW precedent can help you if you wanted to do the same.

In future your engineer may be able to sign off on the mod with just an inspection of the work and using your test results? :BigThumb:

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Originally Posted by gghaggis

Also note that the traction control uses the brakes - one reason the D4 TC is quieter and less prone to overheating the ABS system is the bigger brakes.

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Is the 2.7 D4 TC as noisy as the D3?

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Originally Posted by Graeme

Is the 2.7 D4 TC as noisy as the D3?

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Not sure if it's as noisy as the D3 (haven't had them side-by-side), but the 2.7 D4 is noisier than the 3.0 D4 (I've had those side-by-side).

Cheers,

Gordon