Cheap reliable V8? Can it be done?

[rykard]

Hi,
I am looking into getting an older V8 (with a nice exhaust note). Is it possible to get a good, cheap reliable one or am I barking up the wrong tree?

Current thinking Disco 2(4.0)or P38(4.0 or 4.6)..

[R12HCO]

phase one disco - cheap yes, reliable questionable (depends on how much time you spend under them - everything can be done yourself).

I wouldnt bother with a p38 if you want cheap and reliable. too many electrics your average land rover driveway joe cannot fix.

[psychoR1]

Jeep? Our 4.7 is pretty good...

[W124Bob]

What about an old Merc W126 420/500SE,pick the right car could be a good long term keeper.7series BMW is another classic Range Rover also,avoid V8 Jags (X300)low sulphur petrol stripped the coating of cylinders bores.Merc BMW and Jag were all very good in 6pot guise too Jag X300 has a very good reputation in its 6pot years as does the earlier XJ40.Biggest issue with Discos is corrosion,steel boot floor against alloy panels causes problems,early models have carbs so find a a later EFI engine if you really want one.

[Disco You]

The early Lexus ls v8s are supposed to be good value and reliable v8s.

[anonymous-user]

W124Bob said:

avoid V8 Jags (X300)low sulphur petrol stripped the coating of cylinders bores.

Yeah, 12 years ago. Anything still knocking around at this point is time is almost certainly fine.

You also go on to mention BMW 6 pots being good, seemingly forgetting that they used Nikasil liners for a period too?

Oh, and the XJ8s had the designation 'X308', not X300 .

[Traveller]

All the answers you seek are on the smoker barge thread.

[rykard]

cheers missed that thread

[Gooly]

W124Bob said:

7series BMW is another classic

They can be a bit iffy on the electronics though, and if you get an M62 then VANOS repairs can be costly. But if you get a good one, your set.

[Vulgar LS2]

Nothing wrong with a P38, parts are easy to come by and cheap. I bought a V reg last year for sub 3 grand and it's been pretty good. i've replaced a leaks steering box £40 and the ratio changer motor £20 both were east diy jobs. Most people will tell you to avoid them, wether or not they have any experiance of them.

[Theflyer]

560 SEL?

[eliot]

PM sent, as I have a lovely P38 for sale.

[rykard]

that looks really nice. I am testing the water at the moment looking to buy in the spring, when we have xmas out of the way and prices are more sensible..

[Fartgalen]

You need a late 90's Mustang.

[redgriff500]

As said before Lexus all the way.

LS400 or Soarer V8 both available from £500 if you look hard.

Remove the 4 exhaust boxes and enjoy.

[balls-out]

4th gen camaro. Will sound better than any rover v8

[Jaguar steve]

W124Bob said:

What about an old Merc W126 420/500SE,pick the right car could be a good long term keeper.7series BMW is another classic Range Rover also,avoid V8 Jags (X300)low sulphur petrol stripped the coating of cylinders bores.Merc BMW and Jag were all very good in 6pot guise too Jag X300 has a very good reputation in its 6pot years as does the earlier XJ40.Biggest issue with Discos is corrosion,steel boot floor against alloy panels causes problems,early models have carbs so find a a later EFI engine if you really want one.

It was low Sulphur petrol that stripped Nicasil bore coatings on Jaguar (X300 ) was it? That'll be interesting news for the entire UK motor industry.

If you're going to post in your capacity of self appointed Jaguar internet expert do make a bit of an effort to get the basic facts right.

[*Al*]

I thought it was a high sulphur content which caused problems with nikasil liners? I remember the BMW 328 and similar suffering badly?

[TheD]

Jaguar steve said:

It was low Sulphur petrol that stripped Nicasil bore coatings on Jaguar (X300 ) was it? That'll be interesting news for the entire UK motor industry.

If you're going to post in your capacity of self appointed Jaguar internet expert do make a bit of an effort to get the basic facts right.

[RWD cossie wil]

How cheap is cheap?