Simplfying a P38a

[Bilbo]

Before I take the plunge and trade my 88 RR and my 02 D2 for a P38, I would appreciate some comment on the following observations:
1. A P38 is much quieter on and off road due to a more modern body structure
2. The interior is more roomy and comfortable than a classic RR
3. The standard P38 suspension is more comfortable than a D2 on and off road and no worse than a coil Rangie. Gen III bags are even better than a standard coil Rangie.
4. Someone, somewhere, can help me eliminate or bypass electric glitches as and when they arise eg replace the whole locking system with something from Dick Smith or a Ford Falcon
5. There's a good chance it will drive me mental and broke - until I have ironed out the gliches.
Thanks

[Scouse]

1. A P38 is much quieter on and off road due to a more modern body structure Compared to my '87, yes in most ways but there's a lot more plastic that can creak.
2. The interior is more roomy and comfortable than a classic RR Roomy, yes. More comfortable, hmm - more seat adjustments but I think both are pretty good.
3. The standard P38 suspension is more comfortable than a D2 on and off road and no worse than a coil Rangie. Gen III bags are even better than a standard coil Rangie. I prefer the standard suspension in the Classic.
4. Someone, somewhere, can help me eliminate or bypass electric glitches as and when they arise eg replace the whole locking system with something from Dick Smith or a Ford Falcon I doubt it. The electrics involved with the locks are built into the latches & everything communicates together with the rest of the car.
5. There's a good chance it will drive me mental and broke - until I have ironed out the gliches. Most definitely.
Thanks

My thoughts in red.

[bee utey]

If you study the RAVE diagrams on the P38 you will see that the BECM is connected to nearly everything. Some of the basic functions (like engine running) are relatively easy to disconnect from the BECM. Recent research (by me) indicates there is even a harness plug specifically designed to disable the engine kill function. This was a subject in a recent thread on P38 malfunction. However most of the rest of the car's functions will be meaningless without the BECM's support. Possibly doable but you may end up with a P38 shaped Classic which is potentially unregisterable. Mind you in SA we don't have regular roadworthy checks so it is possible you could get away with it here... (except in an accident!)

Try reading and understanding the RAVE electrical diagnosis first.

[jsp]

I think there's a bit wider leg room in a classic, but then they changed the trans tunnel in the softdash classic and its much less.

My P38 creaks and squeaks like you wouldn't believe, the plastics in it are positively stuffed and brittle, very disappointing compared to the quality of the plastics used in my classic. Then again I have only had mine half its life and the first 8 years it may be been in the sun every day.

Road manners though the P38 is very nice, I prefer its suspension (stock no gen3's) to the classic, but I did love the non anti sway bar classic suspension on my 88 the most and wish I never sold that car. It just had that floating on a pillow feel. But the p38's ability to soak up railway crossings and dirt roads at speed in excellent.

One thing I can say for the P38 over the hard dash classic, AIR CONDITIONING that works!!

Just as thirsty petrol wise.

As beeutey says, its just too hard to get past the BECM, realistically to eliminate just the alarm/imobiliser function you would need to gut a late classic/disco and rebuild the car.

The only piece of advice in terms of central locking systems is cut the superlock wire to the drivers door, so you can always unlock it no matter what with a plain old key and at least get into the car easily to put the fuse in to put it in neutral for towing to get the becm replaced when its gone nuts and pop the bonnet to disconnect the battery and stop the alarm.......it saved me heaps