Cudhamdave
Member
I bought a 1987 2.5 litre petrol 90 last year but beginning to think its a 'non preferred' model. My logic was that it's better than a dirty old diesel model. Any thoughts?
Turboman
Mab An Gov
One of the better engines, I would say. The only downside is the timing belt, but that applies to most modern-ish engines.
The only reason diesels became so popular in the UK was because of high fuel prices.
Fuel prices are fairly low in historic terms now, and if you don't do many miles, it doesn't matter.
Cudhamdave
Member
Cudhamdave
Member
Thanks for response. What swung it for me was new reconditioned engine fitted 3000 miles back. Previous owner spent £5k on this with new carb, starter, alternator, etc.etc
Turboman
Mab An Gov
So what is the problem?
Cudhamdave
Member
Looking around there are very few petrol models. I plan to spend more time and money on it but want to ensure I'm not throwing good money after bad so to speak.
I had the 2.5 petrol in my old Series 3. It was a great engine. Very smooth and apart from the earliest ones, able to run on unleaded petrol, which was a bonus at the time! The Webber twin choke carb was good too. The ACR carb was a very good upgrade if you could afford it. There aren’t many 2.5 petrol engines around now though, many have been swapped for Tdi engines so if you’ve got one, keep it!
Turboman
Mab An Gov
They never sold as well as the diesels, so there are not so many around now.
But that doesn't mean they aren't good.
I would not regard any vehicle as an investment, they depreciate, with a very few exceptions.
But I doubt if that will depreciate much in real terms over the next five years. Maybe less than a diesel.
So if you like it, I don't think it is a problem.
cappers
Well-Known Member
They are lovely engines, sound like a sewing machine when set up correctly with a Postman Pat pootle from the exhaust.
More oomph than the diesel and the 2.25P but with about the same fuel economy as a V8
Mine in the avatar pic was a 2.5P but I turned it into a V8 because I have a thing about them and couldn't get a factory one.
Re 'non preferred' model, diesel got most custom but petrol versions were popular for export and for the less agricultural minded - the farmer had a diesel, the Lord of the manor had the petrol version.
More oomph than the diesel and the 2.25P but with about the same fuel economy as a V8
Mine in the avatar pic was a 2.5P but I turned it into a V8 because I have a thing about them and couldn't get a factory one.
Re 'non preferred' model, diesel got most custom but petrol versions were popular for export and for the less agricultural minded - the farmer had a diesel, the Lord of the manor had the petrol version.
Cudhamdave
Member
Thank you, really appreciate your input.
I'm new owner so finding my way.
I'm new owner so finding my way.
bluedog333
Well-Known Member
Nothing wrong with the 2.5 petrol, better than the diesels available at the time in my view.
Galladog
Well-Known Member
cappers
Well-Known Member
I sometimes have moments of 'should I have kept the 2.5L engine' as they are becoming so rare and she is a good original one, but I needed (wanted?) the drivability of the V8. Junctions, slip roads, M-ways, long steep hills were more of a challenge with the 2.5 as it needed flooring; the V8 is a nicer more relaxing drive
The other thing about the 2.5P is if looked after it will go on and on; I believe its a reengineered diesel block (correct me if I'm wrong) so very strong. Turner Engineering in Surry do an air flowed head fr the 2.5 which is said to give it a bit more go.
The other thing about the 2.5P is if looked after it will go on and on; I believe its a reengineered diesel block (correct me if I'm wrong) so very strong. Turner Engineering in Surry do an air flowed head fr the 2.5 which is said to give it a bit more go.
cappers
Well-Known Member
jamesmartin
Well-Known Member
originally the diesel was produced from the petrol block and so share the same block from 3 brg to 5 brgI sometimes have moments of 'should I have kept the 2.5L engine' as they are becoming so rare and she is a good original one, but I needed (wanted?) the drivability of the V8. Junctions, slip roads, M-ways, long steep hills were more of a challenge with the 2.5 as it needed flooring; the V8 is a nicer more relaxing drive
The other thing about the 2.5P is if looked after it will go on and on; I believe its a reengineered diesel block (correct me if I'm wrong) so very strong. Turner Engineering in Surry do an air flowed head fr the 2.5 which is said to give it a bit more go.
