Relauching a build thread... BOB!

[Agronaught]

Also happy to report the overheating issue when towing up a long incline seems to be resolved. A combination of the new maf sensor correcting the fuel usage and removing all the underbody plating that came with the one hung low bullbar to improve airflow.

I've put a brown Davis radiator guard in place of the bull bar plating.

Just did the same trip as last year, towing the same load where the car previously overheated on a number of hills and the needle didn't move.

Progress!

[Agronaught]

Now that I'm actually happy with how the car is running

soon (this weekend):

* diff/gearbox breathers
* cooper ST's * 5... assuming rims that actually fit come in to stock.
* disassembly of the drivers door to remove the dent some SOB gave me a few weeks ago.

Planning:

* Repair of the centre console to remove screw holes (yay for sugru and vinyl wrap)
* new moulded carpets
* re-trim the door inserts
* new drivers seat/passenger seat
* rear bar...

and the list goes on.

[Agronaught]

Should post this here too.

Tyre upgrade from the worn out 10yr old yokies was the go. Looks much better, should have a lot more traction offroad as well.

Cooper 285/75/r16.

[Agronaught]

I'm still debating the lpg issue... I've never been happy with the gas setup and IMHO by the time I include the additional costs (servicing, tuning, new converter, tank inspection next year) it just isn't worth it for the km I usually travel. I did install the brown davis 70L sub tank which has made a significant difference to using the car as I can now carry a useable volume of petrol, don't have to worry so much about jerries when offroad and can treat the lpg as the 'reserve' when appropriate.

The car is used on weekends and for trips, last year a total of 8000km which isn't huge. I would really like to start doing longer trips where lpg supply is uncertain or it may be considerable distances between suppliers, so the lpg is a huge disadvantage here.

So the debate I'm having is do I fork out for the tank inspection and potential replacement, or simply have the system (tank) removed and replaced.

Current ranges

LPG

LPG: 90L of LPG, 30L/100 city, 23L/100 highway (~370km mixed)
Petrol: 18L/100 highway (~380km)
Range: 750

Remove LPG, OEM Tank

OEM Tank: 95L - ~500km
Sub Tank: 70L - ~380km
Range: 165L - ~910km

Remove LPG - Long Range Tank (Note: Potential GVM issues):

Long Range Tank: 145L - ~800km
Sub Tank: 70L - ~380km
Range: 215L - ~1190km

The long range option is probably bordering on ridiculous and really only warranted for a Simpson trip or similar, which I would like to do but won't have the time for several years. The OEM tank option would only add ~160km to the current setup or the equivalent of 1.5 jerry cans which can be carried on the camper (4 jerry holders).

Hence the debate as I don't see a clear winner in the above options... unless I'm missing something.

[Stropp]

hi mate i would stick with what you have if its working ok and just carry a couple of jerries for big trips.

[Vinnie]

Hi, I would keep the petrol

[Agronaught]

Ah but that's the point, it's currently LPG...

[lhurley]

I have been having the same thoughts, although my lpg figures are slightly better as i have injected gas, regardless, its still a tough decision. If it were me, i would leave the gas system as is, and then later if you need more range for a big trip, go back to straight petrol or if the tank needs to be replaced, change then.

If its not getting driven for huge distances make the most of cheap gas.

[Agronaught]

I've pretty much convinced myself of the same. I'll see what happens with the inspection next year and make the call.

[Avo]

Hi, I would keep the petrol

can you ell me why I should....I'm more into diesel but would like to know why/

cheers