My cars: live axles, ladder chassis, cable TB, push rods....
Discussion
Thought I post this up as a bit of a blog...
Well why not.
Although, having been posting on here for many years. It seems a large percentage of PH'ers have no time (let alone love) for vehicles that aren't diesel BMW's, Audi's or somewhat dull fwd hatches
Which means my taste in vehicles may not exactly conform with the masses.
My current fleet consists of:
10 x Live axles
4 x ladder chassis
64 push roads
5 x cable operated throttles
20.7 litres
36 pistons
The newest vehicle is my Suzuki Jimny, the 'daily driver'
Which has it's own thread:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The fastest and probably the rarest of my collection, is my 1999 Camaro z28.
More to follow...
Well why not.
Although, having been posting on here for many years. It seems a large percentage of PH'ers have no time (let alone love) for vehicles that aren't diesel BMW's, Audi's or somewhat dull fwd hatches
Which means my taste in vehicles may not exactly conform with the masses.
My current fleet consists of:
10 x Live axles
4 x ladder chassis
64 push roads
5 x cable operated throttles
20.7 litres
36 pistons
The newest vehicle is my Suzuki Jimny, the 'daily driver'
Which has it's own thread:
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
The fastest and probably the rarest of my collection, is my 1999 Camaro z28.
More to follow...
Introducing another....
This is my p38a Range Rover. It has quite an interesting history, as it is a very early "Thor" engined 4.6, technically it is an HSE. But the vehicle was taken off of the production line and upgrade to Vogue SE spec, before this became a mainstream trim. I have a nice letter from Land Rover SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) detailing this and changes made to it.
I've owned it for a good number of years now (since June 2015). I'm quite familiar with p38's, my parents had 2 of them over the years.
The p38, while it is likely seen as the underdog currently due to not really being old enough to be a true classic (modern classic maybe, they came out in 1994, which is 28 years ago!!). And not new enough to still be considered "posh". It is in many ways quite an interesting model. It is thus far the shortest build of any generation of Range Rover. And being a live axle, ladder chassis vehicle. Shares far more with the original than any of the newer models.
In many ways you could argue it does everything the original RR did, but fixed all of the issues. Sadly this introduced new issues, which are nearly 100% related to the complex electronics. It is really a Gen 1 vehicle in terms of multiple ECU's and lots of electronic gadgets.
My one isn't exactly standard these days. It has met with a few (non fault) incidents over the years. And some other changes.
The biggest change is ditching the EAS (electronic air suspension). Which is ironic, as the EAS was one of the main reasons for buying it.
To be fair, the EAS worked flawlessly for many years. But I then hit some issues which I just couldn't seem to resolve. To even continue bug tracking the problems was not worth the cost of the parts. So I swapped it to coils.
In fairness, it actually rides quite similar on coils and actually handles better. It really isn't the backward step many try and make out.
In terms of the handling. There was a fundamental flaw with the original EAS. When you had it in the lower high speed mode. The suspension was incredibly soft and floppy. Giving lots of body roll and lean. On the flip side of this, when you raised it up off road, it then road rock hard and bouncy. The worst of all things really. The aftermarket can solve this with something called Arnott Gen 3 air bags. But they are vastly expensive (more than the cost of the vehicle). With the coils it has much less lean on the road and is so much more comfortable off road.
And off road it does get used. Which is why the coil kit has also lifted it. A tad too much in reality... which is a topic for another post. But resulted in a full refund being given from the vendor.
Other changes are a straight through exhaust to hear the lovely V8 burble. Some 255/70R16 Kumho MT51 mud terrains, +2 shocks and polybishes all round. I've also retro fitted bluetooth for calls and playing digital radio from my phone.
It really is a lovely vehicle to drive when it is working. I've driven newer Range Rovers, which are all awesome. But I prefer the "4x4" feel and low window lines of the p38.
It isn't very good on fuel though. 12-15mpg a very real reality. With highs of about 19mpg on a good run.
Having the Thor engine means this model also gets 4 wheel traction control. This isn't road going traction control. This is off road use to simulate an LSD or partial locker off road. It really does work very well. Making this one of the most capable off road vehicles I've driven. It flexes well, is stable, the auto box locks the torque converter up and individual gear selection, so it can go very very slowly with good engine braking and throttle control. It rides smoothly over technical terrain and the TCS will keep all 4 wheel spinning when needed.
It is fairly 'big' as a vehicle. And I wouldn't want to take it in tight trees or places where you'd damage the body work. The rear overhang is also quite long. But overall it is highly capable off road (better than the current crop of RR's and new Defender IMO... but shush... don't tell anyone online as it upsets too many people
).
The p38 and I did manage to snag 1st place LWB at the National Tyro event this year. Which was rather pleasing
Couple of vids if anyone is interested.
This is my p38a Range Rover. It has quite an interesting history, as it is a very early "Thor" engined 4.6, technically it is an HSE. But the vehicle was taken off of the production line and upgrade to Vogue SE spec, before this became a mainstream trim. I have a nice letter from Land Rover SVO (Special Vehicle Operations) detailing this and changes made to it.
I've owned it for a good number of years now (since June 2015). I'm quite familiar with p38's, my parents had 2 of them over the years.
The p38, while it is likely seen as the underdog currently due to not really being old enough to be a true classic (modern classic maybe, they came out in 1994, which is 28 years ago!!). And not new enough to still be considered "posh". It is in many ways quite an interesting model. It is thus far the shortest build of any generation of Range Rover. And being a live axle, ladder chassis vehicle. Shares far more with the original than any of the newer models.
In many ways you could argue it does everything the original RR did, but fixed all of the issues. Sadly this introduced new issues, which are nearly 100% related to the complex electronics. It is really a Gen 1 vehicle in terms of multiple ECU's and lots of electronic gadgets.
My one isn't exactly standard these days. It has met with a few (non fault) incidents over the years. And some other changes.
The biggest change is ditching the EAS (electronic air suspension). Which is ironic, as the EAS was one of the main reasons for buying it.
To be fair, the EAS worked flawlessly for many years. But I then hit some issues which I just couldn't seem to resolve. To even continue bug tracking the problems was not worth the cost of the parts. So I swapped it to coils.
In fairness, it actually rides quite similar on coils and actually handles better. It really isn't the backward step many try and make out.
In terms of the handling. There was a fundamental flaw with the original EAS. When you had it in the lower high speed mode. The suspension was incredibly soft and floppy. Giving lots of body roll and lean. On the flip side of this, when you raised it up off road, it then road rock hard and bouncy. The worst of all things really. The aftermarket can solve this with something called Arnott Gen 3 air bags. But they are vastly expensive (more than the cost of the vehicle). With the coils it has much less lean on the road and is so much more comfortable off road.
And off road it does get used. Which is why the coil kit has also lifted it. A tad too much in reality... which is a topic for another post. But resulted in a full refund being given from the vendor.
Other changes are a straight through exhaust to hear the lovely V8 burble. Some 255/70R16 Kumho MT51 mud terrains, +2 shocks and polybishes all round. I've also retro fitted bluetooth for calls and playing digital radio from my phone.
It really is a lovely vehicle to drive when it is working. I've driven newer Range Rovers, which are all awesome. But I prefer the "4x4" feel and low window lines of the p38.
It isn't very good on fuel though. 12-15mpg a very real reality. With highs of about 19mpg on a good run.
Having the Thor engine means this model also gets 4 wheel traction control. This isn't road going traction control. This is off road use to simulate an LSD or partial locker off road. It really does work very well. Making this one of the most capable off road vehicles I've driven. It flexes well, is stable, the auto box locks the torque converter up and individual gear selection, so it can go very very slowly with good engine braking and throttle control. It rides smoothly over technical terrain and the TCS will keep all 4 wheel spinning when needed.
It is fairly 'big' as a vehicle. And I wouldn't want to take it in tight trees or places where you'd damage the body work. The rear overhang is also quite long. But overall it is highly capable off road (better than the current crop of RR's and new Defender IMO... but shush... don't tell anyone online as it upsets too many people
).The p38 and I did manage to snag 1st place LWB at the National Tyro event this year. Which was rather pleasing
Couple of vids if anyone is interested.
300bhp/ton said:
The fastest and probably the rarest of my collection, is my 1999 Camaro z28.
More to follow...
To add a bit more about the Camaro.More to follow...
Having owned a 4th Gen z28 since approx 2004'ish. I know that every single PH'er is an expert on these cars
despite probably 99.5% of members having never even sat in, let along driven one This is my 2nd Camaro. Bought this one in 2017, it has a 6 speed T-56 gearbox and the 5.7 litre all aluminium LS1 V8 (346ci).
My 1st z28 was a blue automatic. It replaced my XJ-S 5.3 litre HE V12 Jaguar. Which was an awesome car, but the z28 was better at almost everything and certainly a lot faster.
Lots of info and details in the video above.
If you want to see some B-road action have a look here:
Like all my cars, the z28 is modified
Given the performance and ability, the Camaro's have been very easy cars to live with. Only really servicing & tyres.
Here's a question, does the pre-facelift front end fit on to the facelift models?
I really like how the original 4th gens look, but obviously it'd have to have an LS1 not the LT1, could the quarter panels, lights, 'fender' and 'hood' swap over or was it a more thorough facelift than that?
The P38s are a handsome looking thing when not made too 'sporty', yours looks good, especially on proper tyres.
I really like how the original 4th gens look, but obviously it'd have to have an LS1 not the LT1, could the quarter panels, lights, 'fender' and 'hood' swap over or was it a more thorough facelift than that?
The P38s are a handsome looking thing when not made too 'sporty', yours looks good, especially on proper tyres.
SturdyHSV said:
Here's a question, does the pre-facelift front end fit on to the facelift models?
I really like how the original 4th gens look, but obviously it'd have to have an LS1 not the LT1, could the quarter panels, lights, 'fender' and 'hood' swap over or was it a more thorough facelift than that?
Hi, nice to hear from you. I really like how the original 4th gens look, but obviously it'd have to have an LS1 not the LT1, could the quarter panels, lights, 'fender' and 'hood' swap over or was it a more thorough facelift than that?
I really must reply your messages. Been a bit tied up the last few weeks.
TBH - I don't know the answer about changing the front end. I'd guess you'd need all the bits. But I don't recall anyone on the forums doing this ever. I'd guess it'd probably be easier to buy a 93-97 one and put an LS in it.
SturdyHSV said:
The P38s are a handsome looking thing when not made too 'sporty', yours looks good, especially on proper tyres.
Thanks. It truly is a love/hate relationship with it. I love how it drives/goes/does what it does. But so frequently something stops working on the bloody thing! 
Next up is this. A 1989 Land Rover Ninety County. Note, is ISN'T a Defender... its a couple of years too early for that
Technically this one belongs to the farm. But I've been running and maintaining it for over a year now.
It had been parked up unused for some time and was in need of some TLC.
The paint was very faded, mismatched tyres, oil leaks and lots of rattles.
Amazing how the paint comes up though.
And nearly all of the rattles fixed too.
This is a county spec, which has 2 seats in the front and a large cubby box, plus 4 side facing seats in the back. Making it hugely practical given its rather small footprint.
It has the vulnerable 19j 2.5 Turbo Diesel engine with 89bhp. Although it trundles along just fine.
Fitted some sidebars/rock sliders.
This one isn't heavily modified. It has all standard suspension, engine and LT-77 5 speed transmission, coupled to a 1.4:1 LT230 transfer box.
It does have a galvanised chassis and a smaller steering wheel. But that's about it.
Also running some different wheels/tyres. I did have it on a set of white 8 spokes with Copper STT tyres in 235/85R16, although I think this year County would actually have come on a set of 205 x 16 tyres.
I like the 8 spokes, but the Cooper STT's are completely rubbish off road.
I did try my 33.10.50R15 General Grabber X3's on. It rode well, but rubbed the wheel arch flares too much. They also notably blunted the road performance.
So I treated it to a new set of 16 x 8 modular style rims shod with some 255/70R16 Maxxis Wormdrive AT's.
I run this tyre on my Jimny and have been mighty impressed with it.
I picked a non-standard tyre size because I wanted something fatter, but shorter. This works out to be quite similar to a 31.10.50R15 that is used in the USA often, but using a 16" rim. The price per tyre was also very good in this size.
On the road it runs a treat.
Recently been green laning in Wales with some friends. Which was absolutely awesome!!!
Technically this one belongs to the farm. But I've been running and maintaining it for over a year now.
It had been parked up unused for some time and was in need of some TLC.
The paint was very faded, mismatched tyres, oil leaks and lots of rattles.
Amazing how the paint comes up though.
And nearly all of the rattles fixed too.
This is a county spec, which has 2 seats in the front and a large cubby box, plus 4 side facing seats in the back. Making it hugely practical given its rather small footprint.
It has the vulnerable 19j 2.5 Turbo Diesel engine with 89bhp. Although it trundles along just fine.
Fitted some sidebars/rock sliders.
This one isn't heavily modified. It has all standard suspension, engine and LT-77 5 speed transmission, coupled to a 1.4:1 LT230 transfer box.
It does have a galvanised chassis and a smaller steering wheel. But that's about it.
Also running some different wheels/tyres. I did have it on a set of white 8 spokes with Copper STT tyres in 235/85R16, although I think this year County would actually have come on a set of 205 x 16 tyres.
I like the 8 spokes, but the Cooper STT's are completely rubbish off road.
I did try my 33.10.50R15 General Grabber X3's on. It rode well, but rubbed the wheel arch flares too much. They also notably blunted the road performance.
So I treated it to a new set of 16 x 8 modular style rims shod with some 255/70R16 Maxxis Wormdrive AT's.
I run this tyre on my Jimny and have been mighty impressed with it.
I picked a non-standard tyre size because I wanted something fatter, but shorter. This works out to be quite similar to a 31.10.50R15 that is used in the USA often, but using a 16" rim. The price per tyre was also very good in this size.
On the road it runs a treat.
Recently been green laning in Wales with some friends. Which was absolutely awesome!!!
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