Shopping List & To Do's

[Darley81]

Hi all, while searching the forum and being in the market for a P38 (1995 to 2000-pending on price). I have started making a list of items I will need/want quite urgently. I believe in getting ready before the attack instead of during the 'possible' assault. My shopping list is as follows, no particular order and with a little help from the HRA website. Thanks for that.

Faultmate with USB to serial Converter (1)
EAS Unlock Software (1)
EAS Bypass KIt (1)
EAS kicker Lite (For just in case purposes)
EAS onboard Air Kit (1)
EAS unlock Cable
EAS Repair Kit (1)
Breather Kit
Tee piece for Compressor (1)
Brake Modulator Repair Kit (1)
Heater Core O Rings (1)
Fast Flex Sway Bar Links
Hose Kit (1)
RAVE CD (1)
Compressor Rebuild Kit
Replacement Belts (1)

Now with all that, I know that certain items are not priority and can be bought down the track but the ones with a (1) next to them I believe to be top priority. In saying all this, what else should be on my initial shopping list for either replacement or as a spare. Eg Fuses, relays etc
I would intend on replacing the hoses, belts during the first service which I would do the 2nd day I own the beast and keep the existing ones as spares. During this service the obvious things like oils (all) and filters will be changed. Should I consider the fuel filter to be a priority change as well? Just thinking for piece of mind.

I would also be looking at invesigating the radiator and cooling system to ensure no possible over heating.

It is going to be a very expensive festive season but boy am I looking forward to owning a Rangie P38.

Is there anything else I should be adding to my high priority list or sub future purchase list? (this is all assuming that I bought a well serviced, no existing issues P38 inspected by State Roads).

Thanks in advance for your worthy opinions.

Dave

[Junosi]

If you're planning on going offroad then factor in tyres or a spare set of offroad wheels. IMHO correct tyres are the single biggest offroad improvement you can make. Some deflators maybe too - Staun or tyre buddies etc

You might have a little overkill on the EAS stuff too, if you get a faultmate (highly recommended) then you don't really need unlock software, kicker lite or unlock cable - unless you wanted the extra convenience. If you end up renewing the radiator throw in a water pump and thermostat too.

Battery might be on your list too - too many woes come from having a sick battery (i'd recommend an AGM type - Optima or Odyssey)

[Fish78]

A low coolant alarm could be added, they are fairly cheap i think.

As i see it there are 3 main areas of concern, many minor ones also, but 3 things that can stop the vehicle.

1. loss of engine cooling, which almost always results in loss of engine.

2. EAS, air suspension faults, not always as serious but not good if your off-road.

3. Slipped engine liner, can be linked to loss of cooling but can happen for other reasons.


From your list i think your looking ok,

The Faultmate is essential IMO, it can be a help in all 3 areas above, Manual bypass EAS kit is a great idea too, in the event of #2 it could save the day.

The slipped liner problem, im not sure that anything can be done to prevent this other than having the engine 'Top Hatted' which involves removal of engine and rebuilding, a costly problem to avoid and a very costly problem if the engine has to be replaced.

Im far from an expert, those are just my thoughts

[PaulP38a]

I like your list... funny, I can help you with almost every item on it except the belt and hoses (must fix that) We also have oil, air and pollen filters... just hadn't got around to putting them on the site yet.

I'd question the on-board air kit as a (1). It is more a convenience than a necessity. I still carry a portable air compressor in the boot, just in case.

EAS Bypass Kit is definately a (1) to get you out of trouble even if you don't have the other EAS diagnostic bits.

If you change your air-springs over to Gen III's one day, keep one of the old front and rears as an emergency spare for trips.

Glad to see the Sway Bar Disconnects are not a (1)... we are having supply problems from the US at the moment. These have limited benefit unless you have swapped over to Gen III air springs anyway.

Consider a TEFBA (sp?) coolant filter. I changed the water pump on my P38 today and the TEFBA makes burping after a coolant change much easier as it becomes the highest point in the cooling system.

A handful of yellow and green realys (engine bay fuse box) and a selection of blade fuses is a wise move.

Occy straps, cable ties, ropes, WD-40 and 100mph-tape, couple of tarps, gloves, safety glasses, extension bar for the wheel nuts, tyre repair kit... maybe even a tool-roll

FaultMate EXTREME is pretty good in stand-alone mode for reading and clearing faults. On a long trip or off-road, take a laptop as well plus the car charger for said laptop. I still prefer the convenience and ease-of-use of the EAS Unlock Suite over the FaultMate for playing around with my EAS.

Cheers, Paul.

[Keithy P38]

That's a mad list you've got there!! I wish I had half of that stuff! Of your list i've got the Faultmate (MSV-2), the hose kit and the Rave CD. I lived without EAS bypass and cords forever and am yet to run into strife!

Have been-there and done-that with the water pump too. Once i've found the time i'll be flushing my cooling system though.

I'd consider my kit to be close to the minimum you'd need until you got your head around what the P38's brain does and how your car works!

Tyres are a good point made by Junosi also. Nothing beats using the right tyre for the right conditions!

Despite the reputation, each P38 is different, and not all will experience the problems that some here have experienced! If you buy post '99 you'll probably do without the Brake Modulator kit, they upgraded this (correct me if i'm wrong here guys). My last one was a gem, good bags, good everything, it's only problem was one of the blend motors was cactus.

The new one is mickey mouse, only thing i'm suss on is the coolant (the reservoir is no longer see-through), so i'll be replacing this when I do my coolant flush.

It'll take you about a month to really go-over yours and know what you'll be up for! Other than that, good luck with your (future) car!!

Cheers
Keithy