Buying a County V8 - why we shouldnt?

[DT-P38]

Hi,

This is not my usual AULRO hang out but we might be getting an opportunity on a unreg'd (but running) V8 county soon. It would make the perfect starting point for a replacement for the mrs landcruiser and should leave me change to fund a 101 itch I have been wanting to scratch for a while...

Anyways , I'm hoping informed regulars here might be able to tell me why we should or shouldn't take a chance on it?

And also what things I need to look out for if we want to spend minimal money re-registering it and setting it up as an 8 seater.

Any comment appreciated.

[justinc]

Do it. They are a fantastic drive, quieter and smoother than a diesel one but fuel range is the main reason they aren't popular. The little 3.5 pulls well actually as they are geared lower than the 4bd1 models.

Is it a 5 spd or 4spd?

I would just look carefully for rust in the bulkhead, rear crossmember and outriggers and door frames etc, mechanicals are pretty much under no stress with that engine but lack of maintenance can kill anything...

They sound great climbing dunes at 5000rpm too


Pics yet??

JC

[DT-P38]

Is it a 5 spd or 4spd?

Pics yet??

JC

Yeah, have decided if I do add more LR's to the garage then they have to be V8's. Love the burble!

It's only a 4 speed, but thought there might be an elec OD avail. perhaps? Does 4 speed limit comfortable cruising speed? We often do interstate trips at 100-110km/h... do they drink a lot as a result?

Sorry no pic's... haven't even had a chance to go and eyeball it yet. Been told there is rust in the doors, would that indicate it might have issues underneath and in the firewall too?

Also wondering what would be a reasonable price for a low-ish kay's example? Remembering it is not reg'd or RW and has signs of cancer.

[BigJon]

... do they drink a lot as a result?

.

If you have to ask how much fuel they use then you probably can't afford the fuel!

[DT-P38]

Thanks BigJon,

Glad you got a giggle, I probably could have worded that better hey?!?

SOOOO.... Do they drink a lot in comparison to the 5 speed when touring at say 100-110km/h?

We currently run a GEMS P38A (one of the reasons she has the word Pig in her name is due to her appetite) and a 100 series 4.5l petrol six (which often goes at it - petrol that is - harder than the P38). Both are on Dual Fuel LPG as a result, because I don't like throwing my money away!

The thing is, I had heard that the smaller rover V8's (the 101 I really want has a 3.5l too) could be quite economical in comparison... perhaps its a matter of tuning or something. I don't know or have experience with defenders, etc which is why I came here for some knowledge sharing.

Hope someone can help with "real world" experience.

[Avion8]

Hi Dave,

The Autocar test for the County V8 (109") in Nov 1982 lists fuel consumption as 20.3 ltrs/100kms overall 13.9 MPG - on road 15.7 MPG. Not too bad for a vehicle weighing in at 1800kgs or so. 0-60 mph in only 26.1 secs, to a top of 81 mph. I want one as well. LPG will sort the running costs out & it only needs 91 unleaded in anycase.

[justinc]

if it is an original 1985 engine still it will be a high compression one, much better on fuel and more torquey. Still expect a bit of fuel consumption but i reckon better than the LC 4.5, they ARE heavy on fuel. Should see mid teens (15 to 16l/100) on highway cruise, down to 20l/100 pushng it a bit.

4 spd high comp engine etc is a good combination, you can change high range ratio easily enough to suit your intended use IE highway vs heavy towing, from 1.4:1 to 1.113 and even 1:1 but that WILL be too high. I'd recommend the 1.127 or similar.

You'll find yourself driving it more than the LC as it has way more character

JC

[Sly]

Just buy it ! .
You know you want to

[lambrover]

When i had my old county I was getting 25lt per 100k, that's why I pulled it out and put the Isuzu in it.

[p38arover]

I just checked my records and my 4-speed 3.5 V8 County averaged 20-21 l/100km. I wanted another to fit my spare 4.6 to.......

You'll find yourself driving it more than the LC as it has way more character

It's true. I only sold mine because I couldn't justify having two Landies. Mine was set up for trips away, the plan being to come home from work, put the food in the fridge and just go - everything else already being in the car. I now have my eyes on a 2-door Rangie which would suit me even more.