Grimmer said:

South of Manchester is France isn't it

Click to expand...

back in sunny essex.

not sure if if you're aware but US gallons don't equal UK gallons If we say 30 mpg in the UK, that's almost 25 mpg in the states, and 30 mpg in the US is 36 mpg in the UK The TDI should easily do more than 30uk/25us mpg on a long run at 55mph. My 2.5NA does 25uk mpg if I'm really careful!

I have achieved a whopping 40.06mpg with my 1986 90 running a 200tdi. That's with 235x85xr16 tyres on the standard fender transfer box. It almost seemed beyond comprehension, but it was a good run between Leeds and Filey, with an average speed of 55mph and little blasts at 65. I regularly achieve above 35mpg and it doesn't half shift too, will top at about 88mph. I found that overhauling my injectors and installing a new injection pump (eBay bargain) made a tremendous difference to power and economy.

-Tom

Good on you for wanting a LR 90. I too am American and am living here in the UK for 3 more years. I am a long time Jeep guy and I had a 01 TJ that I sold to buy an A reg Ex RAF 90. Everything that I have seen on this thread is spot on to what I have been seeing across the board. I have been here nearly a year and it took me close to that to find a 90 that was over 25 years old and in good shape. I have a 2.5 NA and they are telling the truth I think I got it up to 60mph and only after I hit the bottom of the hill but it is bulletproof. The TD version of this engine as I understand has a poor reputation for blowing up. I am looking at getting the 200TDI upgrade here very soon (advertised for 1200GBP) at a local LR specialist. Back to your question about the bulk head - this is much more than a fire wall as it is the center piece that aligns the front clip and the cab and tub. It is bolted to the frame (chassis) and just about everything else is bolted to it. Because the bulkhead is steel it gets the rust bug bad. To remove the bulkhead to repair or replace is a pig of a job but doable. Everything else on the vehicle is straight bolt on bolt off. Another area that is of concern is chassis rot and on a vehicle of that age (over 25 years) unless you are going to put eyes on or have someone you trust to check it out I would look for one with a galvanized chassis. My 90 has the original chassis and is in great shape but I have seen mid 1990s Defenders that were full of holes. Bottom line - continue to do your homework and use these guys because they are the true experts on these unique vehicles. Check out this link for another reference Glencoyne 4x4 (Thetford) Land Rover Servicing and Repairs

Good hunting, Doug

rebuilding my 1985 110 right now with the express purpose of taking it with me when I move to the states in a couple of years time.

I'm actually considering living out of the thing for a little while until I have got myself established.

I have dual nationality (British, American) so visa is not a problem.

If you want me to keep my eye's open for you I will.