Hi,

I've been lurking on this forum for 6 months or so now, maybe it's time to say hi!

I'm planning a trip from Leicester to Cape Town in my trusty Range Rover and have a few questions.

The vehicle is a 4 door, 1984 Range Rover 3.5 V8 petrol with carbs - The four speed, pre-flashy agricultural model. I know everyone likes to list the positives of diesel and the negatives of petrol but I would like to know is there any reason that would make me look at getting rid of it and buying something else?

On plus sides:
1. It's had new suspenders all round.
2. The engine has done 90K miles but I put in a new cam, timing gear and rebuilt the heads on it.
3.The chassis and sills are almost perfect (sills replaced recently).
4. It's smooth, quiet and comfortable.
5. It's the 4-speed LT95 box which is renowned for strength.

The cons:
1. It uses more fuel than a diesel & costs more to run.
2. Diesel engines are possibly more reliable and the fuel is cheaper.
3. It has a relatively short wheelbase with large overhangs front and rear, limiting take off and departure angles.
4. You can't fit taller tyres without 'adjusting' the wheelarches.


Is it worth me looking at something else or will the 'agricultural' Rangie do the job without any fuss? Should I convert it to diesel? Maybe a GM6.5 V8 diesel (Normally aspirated and not in the least stressed)?

many thanks!

Ben