G
Guest
Guest
Hi,
It's been a while since I posted, so here's a (long) catch-up, I
recently upgraded a whole lot of stuff on the Landcruiser:
OME 2.5" lift with 864 springs at the back (sourced from TBR,
http://www.tbruk.com/)
Front & Rear ARB diff locks (TBR)
ARB bull bar (TBR)
Air suspension helpers (Matt Savage http://www.mattsavage.com/index.html)
Mile Marker hydraulic winch (4x4 winches http://www.4x4winches.com/)
Allisport intercooler (http://www.allisport.com/)
Snorkel and raised transmission breathers supplied by Julian (got a
website yet Julian??)
All of the above installation work was done by Julian, who did an
admirable job despite a few project scheduling problems as a result of
his move. TBR were very helpful and it wasn't a problem when I changed
the order at the last minute even though all the stuff was being
shipped from Germany. Matt Savage gave a lot of help and advice
concerning the design and fitment of the air components, 4x4winches
did a great job in delivering at very short notice and Allisport were
also very flexible regarding delaying payment when I was out of the
country. So ten out of ten to all the suppliers, excellent service,
I'm very happy with it all.
In addition I already had a LRFT and Optima split battery system
previously fitted by Froggs.
Following fitting the intercooler it is very interesting to note
changes in performance and fuel economy. I have a heavy right foot,
often the vehicle is heavily loaded, and also I drive a lot either in
heavy traffic or at speed on motorways, none of which is good for
economy. I never bothered to check mpg before the mods, but I used to
get around 240 miles on a full main tank (60 litres??), which I think
equates to about 18 mpg.
After fitting the intercooler, but without much added boost and only a
small change to fueling (I think, Julian??), I got 300 miles on a tank
in similar driving conditions, which I thinks works out around 23 mpg,
but for sure is an improvement of 20%. I was well pleased with this,
however the performance was similar, and not markedly improved.
Particularly after driving Julian's 80 which has has fueling tweaks, I
wanted more performance. So then the boost was increased basically
until the little light comes on then back a bit. This improved
performance but didn't have so much of an effect as further increases
to fueling which seem to allow the engine to rev better. So now it
goes great, but the economy is back down again, I just checked it at
16 mpg. I think when the novelty of the added power wears off I will
be getting 18 - 20 mpg.
As well as accelerating much better, top speed is also noticeably
improved. I have BFG 285/75 R16 tyres fitted which are slightly over
size so the speedo reading is changed, but agrees with my TomTom
exactly, so maybe it used to over estimate speed and is now accurate.
Prior to the intercooler/fueling it would manage an indicated 100mph
flat out, now it does 105. (hence economy figures).
Because the vehicle is now modified, I need to get my insurance
changed before I use it on the road
Can anyone recommend a good insurance company for getting insurance on
modified Landcruisers? As well as covering the mods I need insurance
that covers me for as long as possible per year in Europe, a lot of
insurance policies only give a green card for a month. Any pointers
gratefully received.
Once again thanks to all the suppliers who contributed to making my
Landcruiser happy, especially Julian who did most of the work, often
putting in long hours to get it done on time.
Cheers, Andy.
Macclesfield UK & Den Haag Netherlands.
It's been a while since I posted, so here's a (long) catch-up, I
recently upgraded a whole lot of stuff on the Landcruiser:
OME 2.5" lift with 864 springs at the back (sourced from TBR,
http://www.tbruk.com/)
Front & Rear ARB diff locks (TBR)
ARB bull bar (TBR)
Air suspension helpers (Matt Savage http://www.mattsavage.com/index.html)
Mile Marker hydraulic winch (4x4 winches http://www.4x4winches.com/)
Allisport intercooler (http://www.allisport.com/)
Snorkel and raised transmission breathers supplied by Julian (got a
website yet Julian??)
All of the above installation work was done by Julian, who did an
admirable job despite a few project scheduling problems as a result of
his move. TBR were very helpful and it wasn't a problem when I changed
the order at the last minute even though all the stuff was being
shipped from Germany. Matt Savage gave a lot of help and advice
concerning the design and fitment of the air components, 4x4winches
did a great job in delivering at very short notice and Allisport were
also very flexible regarding delaying payment when I was out of the
country. So ten out of ten to all the suppliers, excellent service,
I'm very happy with it all.
In addition I already had a LRFT and Optima split battery system
previously fitted by Froggs.
Following fitting the intercooler it is very interesting to note
changes in performance and fuel economy. I have a heavy right foot,
often the vehicle is heavily loaded, and also I drive a lot either in
heavy traffic or at speed on motorways, none of which is good for
economy. I never bothered to check mpg before the mods, but I used to
get around 240 miles on a full main tank (60 litres??), which I think
equates to about 18 mpg.
After fitting the intercooler, but without much added boost and only a
small change to fueling (I think, Julian??), I got 300 miles on a tank
in similar driving conditions, which I thinks works out around 23 mpg,
but for sure is an improvement of 20%. I was well pleased with this,
however the performance was similar, and not markedly improved.
Particularly after driving Julian's 80 which has has fueling tweaks, I
wanted more performance. So then the boost was increased basically
until the little light comes on then back a bit. This improved
performance but didn't have so much of an effect as further increases
to fueling which seem to allow the engine to rev better. So now it
goes great, but the economy is back down again, I just checked it at
16 mpg. I think when the novelty of the added power wears off I will
be getting 18 - 20 mpg.
As well as accelerating much better, top speed is also noticeably
improved. I have BFG 285/75 R16 tyres fitted which are slightly over
size so the speedo reading is changed, but agrees with my TomTom
exactly, so maybe it used to over estimate speed and is now accurate.
Prior to the intercooler/fueling it would manage an indicated 100mph
flat out, now it does 105. (hence economy figures).
Because the vehicle is now modified, I need to get my insurance
changed before I use it on the road
Can anyone recommend a good insurance company for getting insurance on
modified Landcruisers? As well as covering the mods I need insurance
that covers me for as long as possible per year in Europe, a lot of
insurance policies only give a green card for a month. Any pointers
gratefully received.
Once again thanks to all the suppliers who contributed to making my
Landcruiser happy, especially Julian who did most of the work, often
putting in long hours to get it done on time.
Cheers, Andy.
Macclesfield UK & Den Haag Netherlands.