How well does a good 3.5 V8 go in a 110?

**mark2** · 23rd January 2007, 08:42 PM

My 110 is currently fitted with a twin carbed 3.5 ex range rover and LT95 Compression is down a bit on a few cyls ie a couple about 90-110 and the rest around 140-150 psi but it runs OK. The 110 is also fitted with RR x/fer gears so its doing about 2650 rpm @100km/h with 7.50 R16 tyres - appx 31". Its fitted with a set of extractors and electronic ignition .
I feel this gearing is a bit tall for the motor - it seems happier in 3rd around town than 4th

Its also now about 200kg lighter than a standard County wagon as I've converted it to a styleside ute using a tub from a Defender hardtop and a Defender ute cab.

There are a few options I'm considering:
1. Returning to standard 110 x/fer gearing - appx 3200 rpm @ 100km/h
2. and/or top end rebuild with new cam shaft

I dont need a rocket but I want it to cruise easily on the highway and have reasonable pickup - is a 3.5 going to be happy cruising at 3200-3300 rpm? I know everyone has different opinions on whats adequate but basically I dont want it to feel 'gutless'.

I dont really have any experience with a fresh 3.5 and would like opinions on whether I'm likely to be happy with this or if I should consider:
3. Fitting a 3.9i ex Disco - basically is this going to give that much more power to justify the extra $$$$$ and the fitting hassles than a fresh 3.5 with the right gearing? (probably couldnt afford to rebuild it so would be the best second hand 3.9 I could find)
4. Am also considering sourcing a 4.4 ex P76 but have heard warnings about overheating from several sources. Again, probably couldnt afford to rebuild it after sourcing it, so would be looking for the best one I could find.

**rangieman** · 23rd January 2007, 08:48 PM

Go the 3.9 option or bigger the 3.9 has heaps more power than a 3.5 , you will notice the difference no probs

**Tank** · 23rd January 2007, 08:51 PM

Geez, your revs at 100klm/h sound excessive, I've got a 4L in a 93 Disco with 4.11 diffs with 33's and it is pulling around 2250rpm at 100klm/h, I'm assuming your top gear is an overdrive, Regards Frank.

**D110V8D** · 23rd January 2007, 09:48 PM

I'll swap you an LT77/LT230 from my 110 (ex rangie) for your LT95.

**mark2** · 23rd January 2007, 10:34 PM

Originally Posted by Tank

Geez, your revs at 100klm/h sound excessive, I've got a 4L in a 93 Disco with 4.11 diffs with 33's and it is pulling around 2250rpm at 100klm/h, I'm assuming your top gear is an overdrive, Regards Frank.

No, its a 4 speed manual box and 4th is not an overdrive.
Your Disco x/fer gearing, overdrive top and tyre size, would account for the difference.

**UncleHo** · 23rd January 2007, 10:45 PM

G'day Mark2

Sounds like your 3.5 is just in need of a cam and some lifters, that will probably restore a lot of the life, on the cyls that are down if there is no compression loss from leaking valves, it could be that the valves are not opening enough,(cam-lifters) muddy has just replaced his 3.5 "Tired" with a low Klm 3.5 and it is a different vehicle, Lt95, O/drive on gas, full roofrack, fridge, and spares. Over the "Gateway"bridge in Brisvagas in top at 90+ kliks,

used to struggle in top and looking for 3rd I would say go the Cam and Lifters first, you will notice a big difference.

cheers

**mark2** · 23rd January 2007, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by UncleHo

G'day Mark2

Sounds like your 3.5 is just in need of a cam and some lifters, that will probably restore a lot of the life, on the cyls that are down if there is no compression loss from leaking valves, it could be that the valves are not opening enough,(cam-lifters) muddy has just replaced his 3.5 "Tired" with a low Klm 3.5 and it is a different vehicle, Lt95, O/drive on gas, full roofrack, fridge, and spares. Over the "Gateway"bridge in Brisvagas in top at 90+ kliks,

used to struggle in top and looking for 3rd I would say go the Cam and Lifters first, you will notice a big difference.

cheers

Now this is what I want to hear! If a 3.5 in good condition will do the job adequately, I'm more than happy to keep it, even if a 3.9i has a fair bit more power.
Any thoughts on the optimal gearing for a 3.5 in a 110? Early rangies with the 4 speed manual (28" tyres) were doing about 2900 @ 100km/h. Seems like a lot but standard 110 gearing with the 4 speed box was 3100 rpm at the same speed. Should I restore the original gearing to improve driveability?

**Pedro_The_Swift** · 24th January 2007, 06:20 AM

My 3.5 in BUB91 seems happiest in fifth over 3000,,
no lack of power, sings along,

**muddy** · 24th January 2007, 09:45 AM

mark
send you a PM
Maurice

**Frenchie** · 24th January 2007, 11:51 AM

I had a 3.5 110 County LT95 on gas and it was quite happy at 110km/h in 4th. (Just as happy as my Td5 in 5th, and quieter). Used to set off in 2nd too, only used 1st offroad or starting on hills.

Replaced it with a 3.9 when it blew (at 300,000km) which had a bit more torque but wasn't hugely different.

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