Performance/sluggish Freelander 1.8 petrol

[Jason1980]

Hi,

I have a 2001 1.8 Freelander petrol and surprisingly in the 3 years I have owned and driven it daily I have not had any issues with it. I recently changed the head gasket, clutch cable, shocks and a few other bits for precaution as I emigrated from the UK to South Africa and took the car with.

Being in South Africa though (Johannesburg) I am just not getting the performance from the car as I used to in the UK. I have been told the onboard computer set's itself with the change in altitude but anything over 70MPH the car now vibrates and sounds as if I need an additional gear? I have changed the spark plugs and thinking of getting the timing checked but do you perhaps have any other suggestions?

Much appreciated

[300bhp/ton]

Did it run ok after the work but before moving?

What sort of altitude and do you know what grade petrol you are running on?

I take the vibration is from the engine and not something else?

[Jason1980]

Hi, yes it ran great after the UK service. No issues in the vehicle or performance.
Johannesburg sits at 1730m above sea level according to google. I am running on 93unleaded but I think I used the same or very similar in the UK.
Vibration is from the whole vehicle on getting near to 70mph and above.
Thanks

[300bhp/ton]

Jason1980 said:

Hi, yes it ran great after the UK service. No issues in the vehicle or performance.
Johannesburg sits at 1730m above sea level according to google. I am running on 93unleaded but I think I used the same or very similar in the UK.
Vibration is from the whole vehicle on getting near to 70mph and above.
Thanks

I'm not sure what octane rating they use over there, however if that's 93 RON fuel, this will likely be part of the issue. Lowest grade of fuel in the UK is 95 RON. But there are different octane scales, so it might be ok.

If the whole car is shaking, then that sounds like it could be something else though. VCU or something maybe.

[Jason1980]

I HOPE it's not the VCU.... :-(

[camel_landy]

Jason1980 said:

I HOPE it's not the VCU.... :-(

Disconnect the rear prop & go for a drive...

FWIW - The altitude won't be an issue but the 93RON fuel won't be helping.

M