Re: Stage 1 question
Posted by Peter on January 18, 1998 at 06:55:25:
In Reply to: Stage 1 question posted by Kent Shih on January 16, 1998 at 20:41:26:
Kent,
I'd guess that the Stage 1 V8 had such a low power output because it was a sort of a transitional model, incorporating the engine and full-time 4WD of the Range Rover but retaining the leaf-sprung chassis and drum brakes of its Series III relatives. The highest spec Series III vacuum assisted drum brake set-up can be very good indeed but not good enough for pulling two tons of vehicle down from 100mph. I think that Land Rover intentionally detuned the Stage 1 to about 80mph to prevent their loyal customers from punching holes in the road-side scenery when fanging through a set of esses on their horse-and-cart suspension.
When the first of the coil-sprung disc-braked V8 110 models came along in 1983 they had 134bhp from their conventionally carburetted motors, doubtless because LR considered that they had the handling and stopping ability to accomodate the power.
Its all relative however. With 166 ft.lbs. of torque @2000rpm the Stage 1 V8 feels wonderfully effortless off-road in comparison to the four or six cylinder SIII's.
Can't advise you on simple ways to extract more power from the Stage 1 V8. Possibly its so gutless because of mild cams and small carbs. Maybe a V8 aficionado can shed more light on the subject?
Happy Rovering,
Peter.
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