Buying a 110 V8 - points to look for?

[DaveEvs]

Hi All,

I'm new here, so hope this is the correct use of the forum.

My business needs a 4x4, and I've just about made the case for a V8 110. This is very much heart over head, as I've used a lot of Landies on hire over the years and know their tendency to go wrong at the worst possible moment. But, the V8 itch needs scratching and now's the time.

So, things on my checklist so far are:

Chassis
Bulkhead
Transmission slack
Ball Joints
Random additional wiring
Poorly welded engine mounts and other bodges.
Head gaskets

If you can add anything else, beyond the basics, it would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Dave

[Lefty]

Petrol stations?



I had a 1986 one a few years back, sold it to a guy in the US for £4K more than I paid for it (once it was 25 years old) but wish I hadn't tbh, best LR I ever owned.

Nothing is irreplaceable on them. The 4-spd box is agricultural, try to get a 5-spd if you can.

[Lefty]

Great choice by the way, a v8 Land Rover is a wonderful thing. The engine suits the car inordinately well. Mine was a 3.5 with only about 130bhp but it pulled a 3500kg trailer just fine.

Watch out for bodged LPG conversions!

[camel_landy]

Made the case for a V8 110???

Basically, look at EVERYTHING!!! IIRC - The 110 hasn't been fitted with a V8 for over 25yrs, so it's either a very old car or has had some kind of conversion.

Frankly, for business use I'd go Discovery 4 commercial.

M

[Lefty]

Think the v8 was dropped in 93.

Easy conversion though. There were also v8's newer than that in military service. Lots of v8 130's around.

[Lefty]

Look at this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/ulk/itm/201409305254

[DaveEvs]

Thanks for the comments so far. Re Disco 4 - I would love to have one on contract hire, but I'm some years away from that. My last place had three Disco3 commercials, which were might impressive in their towing, working and offroad abilities. Right up to the point they went catastrophically wrong, usually in the depths of Scotland, often in front of a client!

So, the 110. I've had a look. I'll try and breakdown the details:

It's G-reg. 1990.

Chassis: Good front and outriggers. Rear NS has small hole near X-member.

Bulkhead. Surface rust on NS. Otherwise good.

Body. Usual tatty bits in places. Doors all need new bottoms or replacing. Battery tray floor rusted and need replacing.

Transmission. Stiff when cold (It was -5 last night and we started from cold). Free when warm. No more shunt than I've felt in any other landy. Stays in gear. Whines a bit in Low. Diff Lock works.

Engine:
Original factory V8 with standard airbox etc. No mods.
Oil golden and no gunge in expansion tank / oil cap.
Recent radiator, water pump and head gaskets.
Viscous coupled fan (is that standard?)
Start and runs fine on petrol, but idles high. Runs ok on gas. Believe carbs need setting up properly.
LPG all working.
Temperature gauge sits to hot end of normal - Sell says it has always done this, and changing the gaskets, rad and water pump has made no difference. Potentially a thermostat problem, or sender fault? Or a deal breaker?


Selection pack of "normal for a Landy" issues:
Oil light doesn't work. Connection to sender had been knocked off. Tried replacing it but contact filthy.
Fuel gauge intermittent
Speedo wobbly
Front tracking needs doing (wear in inside of Front OS tyre). Otherwise Tyres good.

Doors lock. Electrics work. Brakes straight and powerful. 12months MOT.

They want £2500. I was thinking to get the welding priced and offer based on that work, c £2200.



Your thoughts welcome.

Edited by DaveEvs on Tuesday 16th February 13:49

[camel_landy]

Sounds like you've already talked yourself into it?!?!

M

[Lefty]

Is it a station wagon?
£2500 is a good price for anything with 12 months ticket to be honest.