Viggen
Just here...
I have a D1, gas V8 since its an American truck, and love it. Couldve bought a 110 but went with a 95 D1. Its the last year of being as simple as they come (OBD1) and I run it on 89 without a worry. I notice absolutely NO change in mpg or power. In fact, Ive played around with different fills and noticed nothing. Could also be that my ignition system is distributor dependent rather than an ecu and coil packs. I would drive mine around the world as a gasser without hesitation. The only downside is that it would require a few more gerry cans full up than if I were tripping in a diesel. If you are worried about the quality of gasoline available before you leave, a different set of lower compression pistons, which I believe are available, could be put in place allowing you to run cheaper, lower quality gasoline. Yes, youll lose out on some power but power isnt the point, getting there is. As for a laptop, I dont need one as there is really nothing to read on my (94/ 95) truck.
I have the Odyssey: Drive around the World video set and found it to be a good watch and really ignited my desire to do a long distance drive. I was a little disappointed by the lack of actual off road driving scenes but liked the D2s that were being used. One of them was for sale not too long ago and it was very tempting for me to grab it up but I didnt want the electronic nightmare so I went with an early D1 instead. It was a good move for LR to back them in D2s to show their ability and reliability. The only trips you hear about are the ones where things go catastrophically wrong. The RR that made it through Africa not long ago is a perfect example. No one is talking about that one at all. I really wish that something even remotely close to the Camel Trophy was still around and manufacturer backed to see what these newer offerings could actually do.
Revor, I kind of agree with you but kind of dont. A Defender is a nice truck but what stopped me from buying it was the lack of comforts for a person 6'4" tall like I am. The window frames are way too low for me and involved stooping down to see out unobstructed. Theres a great comparison out there in YouTube land comparing the modern Land Cruiser and the modern D110 that demonstrates the point perfectly. I will agree that the simpler the better in something that is going to go long distance but since most of my driving is around town living in the suburbia hell that is Northern Virginia, better seats, better heat, better a/c and better safety appointments (i.e. more than just a thin sheet of aluminum between you and an on coming car since you sit between outriggers) were glaringly better in a D1. The requirements for a drivers license around here are tailored to the lowest common denominator and then you add in elements like people who are overworked, road rage, iPod and cell phone distractions and the D110 isnt the best daily for me.
Now, having said all this, I am debating a trade of my 1958 MGA to pick up a Series 3 109 wagon as a secondary vehicle to build up/ semi restore. I want to build a Series 3 "support vehicle" Camel style. Then, when that mythical trip around the world option appears, Ill have to flip a coin as either one could make it.
Africa: Your question about diesels is easily answered if you read up. The main reason is that the EPA has completely different regulations than the rest of the world when it comes to diesel emissions. Next biggest is that they make NO economic sense when purchased new. You add $4k+ to the purchase price of the vehicle and the average American doesnt drive enough to offset that extra sticker cost and the extra cost per gallon of fuel. Gas is cheaper and now, not too far off in the MPG battle.
I have the Odyssey: Drive around the World video set and found it to be a good watch and really ignited my desire to do a long distance drive. I was a little disappointed by the lack of actual off road driving scenes but liked the D2s that were being used. One of them was for sale not too long ago and it was very tempting for me to grab it up but I didnt want the electronic nightmare so I went with an early D1 instead. It was a good move for LR to back them in D2s to show their ability and reliability. The only trips you hear about are the ones where things go catastrophically wrong. The RR that made it through Africa not long ago is a perfect example. No one is talking about that one at all. I really wish that something even remotely close to the Camel Trophy was still around and manufacturer backed to see what these newer offerings could actually do.
Revor, I kind of agree with you but kind of dont. A Defender is a nice truck but what stopped me from buying it was the lack of comforts for a person 6'4" tall like I am. The window frames are way too low for me and involved stooping down to see out unobstructed. Theres a great comparison out there in YouTube land comparing the modern Land Cruiser and the modern D110 that demonstrates the point perfectly. I will agree that the simpler the better in something that is going to go long distance but since most of my driving is around town living in the suburbia hell that is Northern Virginia, better seats, better heat, better a/c and better safety appointments (i.e. more than just a thin sheet of aluminum between you and an on coming car since you sit between outriggers) were glaringly better in a D1. The requirements for a drivers license around here are tailored to the lowest common denominator and then you add in elements like people who are overworked, road rage, iPod and cell phone distractions and the D110 isnt the best daily for me.
Now, having said all this, I am debating a trade of my 1958 MGA to pick up a Series 3 109 wagon as a secondary vehicle to build up/ semi restore. I want to build a Series 3 "support vehicle" Camel style. Then, when that mythical trip around the world option appears, Ill have to flip a coin as either one could make it.
Africa: Your question about diesels is easily answered if you read up. The main reason is that the EPA has completely different regulations than the rest of the world when it comes to diesel emissions. Next biggest is that they make NO economic sense when purchased new. You add $4k+ to the purchase price of the vehicle and the average American doesnt drive enough to offset that extra sticker cost and the extra cost per gallon of fuel. Gas is cheaper and now, not too far off in the MPG battle.
