Land Rover V8s

Author
Discussion

morebeanz

Original Poster:

3,283 posts

235 months

Friday 4th April 2008
quotequote all
I have an interest in Land Rover V8s brewing, and wanted to know more about their suitability for offroading. I've seen some comments that suggest the RV8s are not the best in this application, and that they're difficult to water-proof.

Could anyone give me some insight? Thanks...

100SRV

2,126 posts

241 months

Friday 4th April 2008
quotequote all
Hi morebeanz, by brewing do you mean overheating? If well maintained with a good cooling system you should have no problems using a Rover V8 in an off-road application. I've used a V8 Bowler for ten years of green laning in all weather conditions - freezing snow to hot summer days and to date it has never seriously let me down. Sure, I've had the odd problem but nothing that has resulted in the need for a tow home. It's not too keen on deep water (i.e. in excess of 1.2 metres but I have crossed quite deep rivers without incident (up to top of headlights which is about one metre). Main problem is that my bum would get wet if I went any deeper and that wouldn't be nice!

100SRV

morebeanz

Original Poster:

3,283 posts

235 months

Friday 4th April 2008
quotequote all
No sorry, my strange use of words - I meant I am developing an interest in LR V8s! boxedin


Thanks for the wading info, that's one of the items I wanted to understand better. I'm not sure I want to get that wet either, but it's always worth knowing where the limits are!!

Edited by morebeanz on Friday 4th April 16:03

SmokinV8

786 posts

210 months

Friday 4th April 2008
quotequote all
Used my series 3 hybrid with 3.5v8 in for 2 years now, greenlaning and playdays. Most common problem is with water and the distributor, mostly it tends to be just condensation inside the dizzy then the v8 missfiring. You can buy waterproof dizzys or a kit (Looks like a 8 fingered rubber glove)that goes on the dizzy and coil, or I have heard that you can drill a hole into the dizzy cap and put a length of hose into it off the air intake to create a constantly moving air flow.
Have enjoyed owning mine but have just bought a 200tdi 90 as replacement, cos my mates never seem to spend anytime on theirs whereas Im always having to do something to the v8! Sounds good through a cherry bomb exhaust tho.

signia

479 posts

223 months

Friday 4th April 2008
quotequote all
Hi morebeanz,

If sensible, you can *almost* as wet, but have a much better sound biggrin Older LRs use a 3.5 carb, whereas mine is a 3.9i. I think early D2s had a 4.0i - and perhaps the Defender 90 Anniversary.

I've not done too much to waterproof mine. Spray the main bits with wd40 and that's about it.

The tdi engines are good. Just slower and noisier than a V8. People say they are better than the TD5 engines. Tdi's have low down grunt which is useful offroad and they are reliable. Whilst they can pull a house from standstill, once going a V8 will get you up steep hill a lot better. I reckon it's horses for courses on this - depends how you like to drive.

I've not done too many miles in mine, so I can't say how they are long term. Servicing on a LR can be pricey and if not serviced regularly, expect big bills. But you'd get the same on a TVR I'm sure smile

The real drawback is fuel. 200 miles to a tank or thereabouts. I've been invited out with a mate and his mate's mate(!) to Wales tomorrow to do the Strata Florida. It's gonna be a long day, but depressing to think I'll need to fill up when I get there to make sure I have enough fuel to finish off the lane!! At the pay and play I was with my mate Rich who owns a V8 like mine, except he's got LPG, which makes it a lot easier on the pocket! If you're tempted by and LPG converted LR, make sure it's got the tank in the boot, not underneath. You don't want that getting damaged on the rough stuff!

Anyway, the sound. A Rover V8 is one of those most glorious sounds I know. Gently revving the engine once warmed up and letting the Disco rock side to side cloud9

morebeanz

Original Poster:

3,283 posts

235 months

Wednesday 9th April 2008
quotequote all
signia (and all)

Thanks for the input, really appreciated. I think the V8 option would have to be a "strictly toy" version, and given that I have a TVR at the moment, it would probably be a stretch too far on the wallet and patience.

If I'm going to enthusiastic about this, I should probably get some miles under my belt with a slightly easier car to deal with! biggrin

Thanks all. bow