What is the best V8 to own?

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dieseldog69

dieseldog69

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LZIR Despatch Agent
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Been on the look out the last few months for a new family tug and future caravan hauler.

Ideally looking at Range Rover P38 but would consider sensibly priced L322.

But want another V8, missed the burble and rumble but been looking at failures and problems for them long term.

Ideally not looking to buy a problem motor but I am not adverse to head gaskets on older Rover V8s lol but I don't fancy the idea of timing chains and guides etc.

So what are the various problems and what to avoid in particular?
 
A jaguar Powered 2006-2012 L322 for engine and gearbox reliability.

The P38 v8 can be reliable if it's maintained - a maintained cooling system is a must when I got mine a new rad and thermostat were fitted along with a new waterpump just as a matter of course, easy on the RV8.

RV8 is easy to work on.

But the Jag unit is bombproof.

or get a 3.5 RRC ;)
 
Henry_b said:
A jaguar Powered 2006-2012 L322 for engine and gearbox reliability.

The P38 v8 can be reliable if it's maintained - a maintained cooling system is a must when I got mine a new rad and thermostat were fitted along with a new waterpump just as a matter of course, easy on the RV8.

RV8 is easy to work on.

But the Jag unit is bombproof.

or get a 3.5 RRC ;)
Click to expand...

Thought the L322 was BMW powered or was there a crossover when Ford bought them out?

Western Slope Rover said:
+1 on the 3.5. RRC.
Click to expand...

Not keen, RRC is the same rust bucket that I've been welding up for the last year but it would be cool and retro, always liked the LSE 4.2 TBH
 
If you are not a racer or speed-freak and have "spannerhands" and are not afraid to have a go then the P38 while NOT Bullet-proof has a decent mix of Style, Grace & Capability and a chassis that isn't made from recycled egg-boxes. You just have to keep the engine cooling working 100% and do regular oil changes. Which reminds me...:oops:
 
Western Slope Rover said:
+1 on the 3.5. RRC.
Click to expand...
I love V8s because they pull a Landy so well (and sound great too), and although I enjoy the speed potential I'm driving a 31 year old, 2 ton vehicle designed in the 40s, I don't need sports car performance. Consequently I am more than happy with the 3.5, IMHO the sturdiest and most durable of all of the RV8s. A well set-up, regularly maintained 3.5 is more than powerful enough for my needs. I've had 3.5s in a 90 and a 110 and 3.9s in the same 90 and 110 and a RRC; currently have a 3.5 hotwire automatic in my 90. The difference in power between the 3.5 and 3.9 was negligible, in fact the Disco 3.5 is faster than any of my previous, and no worries about liner issues etc.
@dieseldog69 seeing your requirements I'd not suggest a 90, perhaps a 110, but you've been for a spin in mine, the engine was out of a Disco 1 and was also in the RRC....just saying.
 
capo said:
I love V8s because they pull a Landy so well (and sound great too), and although I enjoy the speed potential I'm driving a 31 year old, 2 ton vehicle designed in the 40s, I don't need sports car performance. Consequently I am more than happy with the 3.5, IMHO the sturdiest and most durable of all of the RV8s. A well set-up, regularly maintained 3.5 is more than powerful enough for my needs. I've had 3.5s in a 90 and a 110 and 3.9s in the same 90 and 110 and a RRC; currently have a 3.5 hotwire automatic in my 90. The difference in power between the 3.5 and 3.9 was negligible, in fact the Disco 3.5 is faster than any of my previous, and no worries about liner issues etc.
@dieseldog69 seeing your requirements I'd not suggest a 90, perhaps a 110, but you've been for a spin in mine, the engine was out of a Disco 1 and was also in the RRC....just saying.
Click to expand...
Your 90 is class with that auto box in there, super easy to drive and that power to weight ratio is spot on.

I was thinking a luxury tow wagon but I'm faltering with the Discovery nearly being done and the back seats going in once ready so it's going to be a suck it and see, heart says L322 with a 4.4 but head says behave, got enough to do without adding uber complicated electronics into your life :rolleyes:

The Mrs is pizzed at the length of time this has taken but has indicated that she would happily let me have another project that I go off to do at a unit somewhere so long as she can have a patio and the gas BBQ I bought her for her birthday in April set up.

I'd love to get a 109 and make it amazing but after this marathon stint I'm thinking it could be a long way off lol
 
capo said:
I am more than happy with the 3.5, IMHO the sturdiest and most durable of all of the RV8s. A well set-up, regularly maintained 3.5 is more than powerful enough for my needs. I've had 3.5s in a 90 and a 110 and 3.9s in the same 90 and 110 and a RRC; currently have a 3.5 hotwire automatic in my 90. The difference in power between the 3.5 and 3.9 was negligible, in fact the Disco 3.5 is faster than any of my previous, and no worries about liner issues etc.

Couldn't agree more. My only regret is not taking the plunge eleven years ago & going for a slightly uprated cam for my RRC 3.5efi auto, after I buying the car with only two owners & a (documented) 40k on the clock.
I knew then that car would be a road motor, with a panels too nice to damage so a little extra power would have been handy at times, such as having moronic white van man tailgating me away from a junction/roundabout :(
Click to expand...
 
The 3.5 is slow 160hp and 280nm behind a 2 ton 4x4 makes it not the fastest.

Tbf the 2.5VM would probably feel faster, more torque. etc
 
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