Newbie after advice

[Jonsey]

Hi all,   :D

I'm new to off roading (except for a few experience days) and can't wait to get into in properly.

My question is, i'm after a V8 Discovery, i've seen a 1997 model but it's got 145k on the clock, is this anything to be worried about with a V8? I'm only going to be using the vehicle for pleasure (once kitted out!) so not racking up miles commuting.

Also i live in Macclesfield, Cheshire does anybody know good clubs ect... close to me?

Cheers,

Chris

[extreme90]

if you get a v8, your not offroading with us lot  :lol: :lol:
get a tdi, far better  ;)

[Disco Matt]

145k isn't a problem so long as the current owner has looked after it. Check for rust (sills, boot floor, rear body cross member seem to be the usual places) and obviously look for any leaks.

[corrosiverob]

Drop us a email or log on to the web site below and you will be informed of the events we currently attend.

Rob

[boss]

a v8 will deliver more torque but at the top end of the rev counter but a diesel will do you far better. also there is no way(that i know of) to fully waterproof a v8 like you can a diesel. and have you seen the mpg figures for them.....

[Jonsey]

if you get a v8, your not offroading with us lot  :lol: :lol:
get a tdi, far better  ;)

So is the general thought that diesels are better for off roading than the V8's? or is that a question that will cause all hell to break loose?

[boss]

they both have there strengths. i prefer diesels but thats me. if you want a v8 buy one,appart from the water thing there is nothing wrong with them. in doubt just look at what evereyone else is using 9/10 thatll be the best option.

[corrosiverob]

As long as you can afford it and you don't mind getting the WD40 out when you see water they are great

[GreedyGibson]

My friend has a V8 and theres nothing like the sound they make when roaring up a hill but i just plod up after him in my tdi :)

[BK]

Nowt wrong with V8,s (as long as its gassed) but they dont like water,but saying that my mate has waterproofed his 3.9 range and he has no bother wading, as long as you are sensible you shouldnt have any bother....but dont do a jacque cousteau :lol:

[Jonsey]

Thanks for the responses.


Think i'm still liking the V8 idea, if i have time tomorrow going to go and have a look at the one i've seen advertised.

Think it's more the power and sound i like! But i do want to do wadding so will have to read up on the preparation when it comes to that.

[L90OOK]

You'll get more usable power from a Tdi less likely to break components due to low end torque.

[Skibum346]

Don't let the dieselheads talk you out of a real engine matey! I have a 3.5 V8 on carbs in my disco (1990). I have no problems wading. Good ignition is very important and anyting that diverts the power of the spark will be excacerbated by water. As long as the rotor arm, dizzy cap and leads are good quality and you take some fairly basic precautions... you'll do fine!

Only thing to note, as far as I'm aware, V8's should have the camshaft replaced around 100,000 miles, basically that's a top end rebuild. If your going to invest in one it might be worth checking whether it's had that done.

That sai, we have a 1994 rangie with 255K on the clock and it still drives... it's a bit lazy up hills (arctics can catch it!) cuz the valves no longer get opened fully by the camshaft.

As for local clubs... **loks left... looks right...** your here aincha?!

Skibum

[Range Rover Blues]

So is the general thought that diesels are better for off roading than the V8's? or is that a question that will cause all hell to break loose?

Nope.  I've got a V8 and it's fine.  I don't go into water above my sills because it damages far more things than engines.  It's definitely worth an LPG converion, that'll put your running costs slightly worse than a TDi but then you don't get vibration white finger on the motorway ;)

Serioulsy though, either a V8 or a TDi will be a good truck, buy on condition (particulary body) rather than age or mileage.  Sure at 145,000 it won't be in it's first flush of youth but then it's alos past the worst age for wear, so either most thing swill be good, or they'll be newish.

Biggest thing of all is the engine (if the box drives ok, then it''s ok) so check for regular servicing, a nice oil filler, no smoke, no filth in the water, definitley no noises from the camshaft etc etc.  A compression test is a good idea but as a rule if a V8 is chugging rather than smooth it's not one of the best.

What's your budget anyway?

[BK]

Waterproofing?chain wax on leads and silicone on dizzy cap ......bingo,but dont expect it to be a submarine,at least with a V8 if you do drown it youve got a fair chance of it running again,just undo plugs and crank her over and water will shoot out of cylinders and there ya go,one engine ok,do that with a diesel and its bye bye engine or a large repair bill,

[Jonsey]

What's your budget anyway?

The one i looked at today is £2,250 but wasn't that impressed, engine and engine bay seemed to have a lot of oil about it and there's a terrible screeching coming from the altinator that gets loader the higher the RPM, inside was very nice and clean tho.

Will have to keep a look out a little longer, trying to find one trade ideally because this is going on the old credit card until i've sold my car and the Miss's car.

Chris

[Range Rover Blues]

Why not part chop the other car(s), do you think you'll get more privately?

Anyway, you should see plenty of choice for that amount so don't buy the first thing you see, even if you go back to it after looking at others.

[Jonsey]

Why not part chop the other car(s), do you think you'll get more privately?

Anyway, you should see plenty of choice for that amount so don't buy the first thing you see, even if you go back to it after looking at others.

Probably will get more selling them privately and they are worth more each than the value I want to pay for a Discovery, selling both them cars to buy one for the miss's as i have new company car.