Thread: Stage One Safari wagon - Isuzu

I have both a county and a stage 1

the county is alot quieter and my understanding is the engines were changed slightly to do this (timing etc)

steering wise the Stage 1 is nearly identical to the Series 3 and mine was considerably better once skinny tyres were fitted and the bull bar ditched but it's still no daily driver

I've looked into several power steering options and was looking into using 60 series landcrusier parts to do it as it suits the leaf springs.

never ended up completing it as the county came along.

I see you're in WA so you or your old man more than welcome to have a drive of both of mine if you want to compare them.


Cheers

I have an earlier county, which seemed noisier than later models, but still quieter than a stage 1, and even after soundproofing just about everything it's still pretty noisy. The countys do have an acoustic kit fitted to the engine too.
Have seen a Isuzu stage 1 with power steering, and am pretty sure it was off a Land Rover (or Range Rover). Don't know the exact details though - but it can be done. I also have a Stage 1, although it's the V8 model, and the steering box is different to the county style, and also slghtly different to the standard SIII ones too I think?

What sort of fuel economy can be expected from these beasts?

The old boy is looking at it for a prospecting wagon. The long wheelbase and diesel are the main attractions. Plus all that torque to drag home all those nuggets!

I'm getting just under 12 around town in the county unloaded and not flogging it

I usually get somewhere between 10 and 12l/100kms in the County (5 speed though). Closer to 10 on a good trip, maybe up to 12 around town.

My 4 speed County averages 12.26l/100km with 10.85 the best and 14.14 the worst, the day I got 14 was a headwind that kept speed under 90 along the hume, with roof top tent and lots of gear!

My 1984 Stage one LWB normally aspirated 3.9 D has a three bolt range rover box fitted. The power steer pump has hand made brackets and the pump sits to the top right of the engine (driver side). The reservoir is situated to the left forward of the brake master. The steering column is county with 110 spline and universals. The steering is fairly light.
The noise: I fitted a later rocker cover with metal cover. Most 110 isuzu vehicles have this as standard.
I have tried to kill some of the noise with dual layer carpet and foam rubber throughout the inner floors and below the dash. Ideally you would put sound proofing under the air-cleaner and concentrate on the firewall (engine side) especially where the exhaust manifold and exhaust are situated.
I have not done this yet. My efforts so far have lessened the terrible racket (around town) about 1/3 (generous- its still bloody loud).
I'm about to load the car up and drive to QLD with a 5x8 trailer and a half tonne Jacobsen mower- expect fuel to be around 8km to litre. I normally get around 9.5 km to the litre.
A new aircleaner element is worth the investment (I have found). I used to simply blow them out with an air gun but this process is no comparison for new element replacement (fuel wise).
The economy is no where near as good as my old county 110 (five speed) which used to average nearly 800km per 70 litre tank.

You do kinda get used to the noise btw. You get to sit next to all sorts of mardi-gras toyotas, nissans, pajero's and other 'SUV's at the lights, Those things with their little whiz bang go fast engines. I ignore them- none are in the same league as 'the real thing'.

A Stage one 3.9D is not for the faint hearted. My every day 'comfort' car is benz 300 Td. The stage one is great but not as an everyday car. Traffic lines are not a pleasure unless you need the exercise.

One of the most effective things I did was put noise matting under the bonnet. I think it was Bearman that also putdoor sealing rubbers between bonnet and guards, said also stopped a lot of noise.