Newbie, looking to buy - which engine is most reliable?

[superdave]

Hi there,

I've been looking through classifieds and don't know which model is most desirable? 4.0, 4.2 or 4.5? Is there a particular year? Is newer the better or is there a particular yesr to look out for?

Any help is appreciated.


Regards,



Dave Walters

[Allandwf]

Depends what you want to use it for really, best just to trawl through here and read as much as you can.
If concise the 4.0 is more street friendly, the 4.2 and 4.5 in standard tune, not much to choose between them, but the 4.5 is tuneable to 400bhp+ .
Each has pros and cons. I have a 4.2 and thats more than quick enough for me.
Reliability, each has there own issues . Buy on condition and history, even so can still be a bit of a lottery.

Edited by Allandwf on Saturday 8th November 21:24

[brakedust]

Someone on here has over 125000 miles on the same engine if I'm not wrong?

I'm upto 54000 & only using about 1ltr of oil every 3000 miles

[esso]

If you read the forums,generally you will find the V8 more reliable than the speed six,but early versions of both had their own issues.

[superdave]

Thanks for the replies. I think I want a V8 so may go for the 4.2 or 4.5.
I just need to convince the other half that we need one instead of my Saab convertible! Don't want to part with my Esprit just yet.
I will look through the threads and see what issues there are.
Is there a definative list of issues listed on any other site/forum?
Is there another forum?


Dave Walters

[kojak]

brakedust said:

Someone on here has over 125000 miles on the same engine if I'm not wrong?

Simonsparrow

[350Matt]

The AJP V8 from 98 onwards was pretty sorted in either capacity, pre 98 4.2's have been known to snap cranks due to poor castings and earlier engines can also have problems with the auxilary drive shaft breaking leaving you withou power steering or oil pressure or a water pump or all three! Depending on where it snaps.

I'd plump for a 4.5 and get it re-chipped as the standard mapping is terrible, you'll pick up a lot more power , better driveability and consume less fuel.

Matt