Thread: Classic Range Rover engine replacement

I suppose we persist because they are cheap to replace and if looked after can last 40+ years.
I would suggest going for an LPG conversion?
Nice RRC those soft dash

we don't persist with the buick v8, we dump it and slide in an isuzu 4bd1t

I would venture to say that NO engine replacement into a well running 3.9 V8 could ever be justified financially unless you have access to a free engine/transmission etc and will do a zillion Ks per year.

At even say 20KKM per year a difference in consumption of even 10Litres per 100Km only works out at $2400PA. I would venture to say that most RRCs are now not daily drivers so would not do 20k per year but 10K.
I also believe that the difference is NOT 10 Kilos per litre.

Let's take my case. Mine is used for long trips towing my say 600Kg camper trailer. I get about 14.5L per 100Kms on the flat and 17 in hilly country for an average of say 16 l per 100Kms ( conservative) at usually 100 to 110 Kmh. Around town in the extremely hilly area that I live I get 20l-22l per 100Kms.

Reports I have seen on this forum suggest that on the highway an AUTO diesel 300 or TD5 with air on will get about 11-13l per 100KMs towing 600KG with the TD5 a bit worse than the 300Tdi .

Now to me in the real world the price difference is negligible and can be negated by just one mechanical /electrical problem with a diesel.

You could point to the fact that a diesel does FAR better consumtion off road than a petrol in low range going, but how often do you do that and for how many ks?
Admittedly, I have done a lot of work to my 3.9 to get good consumption but all this added up to less than $2000 over the last 6 years.

With respect to the 4BD1T guys, have you ever heard or felt one of those things in an RRC???? I have and I was amazed that my friend would accept it, although he had no choice after having spent 10K on it, only to have it overheat regularly. It is a truck engine.
Regards Philip A

Agreed Philip

I had a 4.6 and upgraded brakes fitted to MY Disco I which cost more than the car is worth. So I didn't do it for financial reasons I did it because I wanted to, I also got Bee Utey to fit LPG to it and I love it but I will have to live to abot 200 to cover the cost of it.

fuel consumption is vastly superior now on LPG driving it like I stole it I get the equivilant of 10l per 100km

Originally Posted by superquag

Has there ever been a consensus, or even a 'universal choice' about what are suitable and better engines for older, gas-guzzling Classics ?

I've just begun my slide into bankruptcy with the purchase of a 94 Vogue SE (soft-dash). Have always wanted one since I started using one to tow a 1.5 tonne trailer setup... but the way it gobbles up petrol at around 5 km/litre (14 mpg) is way toooo high when compared to a 30+ year old VOLVO diesel 49 seat bus that gets by on 2.5 km/litre or 7 mpg.

A more modern HINO with manual gears and a few metres longer does 3.5 mpg. (9.8 mpg)

But the bus is a mobile brick, weighs dunno how many tonnes, also runs a 4 speed ZF box.... behind a 10 litre 6 cylinder diesel that still keeps up with most traffic...up to its max speed of 82 km/h.

Either a 300 Tdi or even a 'foreign' engine, such as the current Ford as used in Transit vans ?

And why do we persist with the Buick Abomination ?????

Cheers, James

1994 Vogue SE 'soft-dash' 3.9 V-8

Hey mate and congrats-What a great car.
If your motor is running well, I say don't touch it and put gas on.
Not sure where you are but a simple system with tank in back or underslung will not cost the earth.
Will half your fuel bill make you smile.

If looked after, the 3.9 will do very high kms. Just don't overheat it, change the oils and do a tranny service every 40k km's.
Fit a low coolant alarm and get radiator flushed.
Thats been my experience with them and i had 5 of them.

Not sure where you live but if in SA, get Bee utey to do the Gas, he has done 3 for me and severel others on here.
Cost very little after rebate and it will tow till the cows come home.

Keep the car original, its worth it.
Once you try a 300 tdi or similar conversion it will be a $10k exercise and the fuel savings will be recouped after about 20 years.

The isuzu although a great motor is an antique and also a truck motor.
It will run long after a all panels will have dropped off but at the exspense of your hearing and comfort.