Relauching a build thread... BOB!

[Agronaught]

Yes, it's called BOB... My kids named it from the first three letters on the number plate (state issued).

I'll relaunch my build thread now that I've come to solving the coolant loss problem, namely a new engine is being installed next week so I'm hoping to be out in the bush a week later A bit of a bugger when you have a cracked head and no mechanic is able to tell you that's the problem

The cars a 2003 GU III 4.8 ST (TB48DE) and will have a new motor (3 yr unlimited km warranty). Once I pick it up it will be back to the LPG mechanic for a tune to make sure it's all good. No turbo at this stage but it is an option I'll consider down the path.



I've installed:

* GME TX3340 80CH UHF as I like having the controls on the mike and hiding the radio away. Seems odd to install a radio that only does 5 watts, I have amateur handhelds with more power that that.
* Yaesu FT-857D Amateur multiband transceiver (1.8MHz -> 440MHZ).
* Sony blue tooth radio for hands free etc.



Along with the new engine I've upgraded:

* front and rear rotors to DBA T3 4000 series
* 2" Iron Man Strut / Coil Suspension Kit with foam cell shocks.
* Exedy Safari Tuff clutch kit (new engine, may as well do the clutch)
* Replacing all hoses, belts etc. New engine, may as well go the whole way.
* New radiator, thermo etc.
* Iron man heavy duty recovery kit.

The new head has all the necessary inserts for LPG, albeit the car still has the old style lpg installed. Not sure on installing the upper cylinder lubricant kite etc and will talk to the mechanic on this next week, I may well opt to upgrade the lpg to injected at some stage next year but will look to get some trips out of the way first.

* Just ordered the outback ideas recovery points for this car
* picked up an ARB CKMP12 compressor, E-Z Tyre Deflator and puncture repair kit at their sale today. Now I have a puncture repair kit I'm looking forward to not actually needing it!
* Received a 2 dial pillar pod for water temp and oil pressure gauges, after my experience with the old motor I'm not sure I trust either of the original gauges... The mix of gauges may change in the future.

To Do (no particular order or timeframe):

* Brown davis underguard (or custom job) to protect that nice-new-rather-large radiator.
* Rock sliders
* Tyre upgrade (currently 275/70/16 AT's -- considering 285/75/16's with new sunrasia rims).
* 78L long range tank in place of the existing 35L sub tank.
* Roof bars to house my existing Thule 450L roof box, shovel etc.
* trax or simiar as a lot of my driving will be family-solo.
* winch and necessary attachments...
* lighting
* storage... Whatever I can do while retaining one of the back seats as I have too many children.

Lots to do!!

While contemplating the above works and budget:

* Pressure cleaning the underbody and doing some form of rust treatment.
* learning, getting out there... having fun!!

Cheers.

[MudRunnerTD]

Nice one, good luck with the new donk mate. Hope it's sorts it out for you and you have many years of great driving to come.

Cheers MR

[Agronaught]

I think I'll be doing the PVA mod once I get the car back with the new engine... It's on the 'other' forum... unsure if direct links are permitted - sorry

[threedogs]

Sounds good are you getting the larger aux tank from brown davis along with bash plate great piece of kit, see Kevin he will sort you out.

[Agronaught]

Probably will John, unfortunately need to recharge the bank account first

[scotty83]

the age old problem. when you have the money you don't have the time.... when you have the time no money..... Good luck with the build

[Agronaught]

I have to say, with a new engine going in next week i havent been gentle on the current one... Its a *lot* of fun when you push the 4.8 to its limits isnt it!

[Agronaught]

My 4by went in for a new donk this morning. Here's hoping she pulls through...

[Agronaught]

The patrol is running well on the new donk, also had the worn out LPG converter replaced and a flash lube added, has done wonders for the economy and will hopefully protect the engine. Also received the recovery points from Outback Ideas and need to sort out how to fit them this week.

[Bloodyaussie]

Glad to hear mate, hope she pulls you up many tracks to come!!!!!