P38
- Thread starter AU_88
- Start date
i cant really say ones better or worse because the engines wern't really the biggest pains about those vehicles. the EAS, BECM, and heater box are the biggest issues in my opinion. however being able to easily change your plug wires on a gems is nice and doing an engine swap would be easier too.
ptschram
Well-known member
Don't buy a P38 unless you know someone, live near someone, or are someone who has a Rovacom, autologic, testbook, etc.
ptschram
Well-known member
Over on rangerovers.net check out the P38 discussion section. There is a FAQ-type post at the top that lists the common problem areas for that model. Read that before you get too serious. Then check out the cost of replacement parts on AB.
That said, I understand your temptation. A couple friends have them and they are nice. I walk my dog past a neighbor's house every day who has a P38. For a couple weeks it was sitting on the bump stops, probably some kind of air suspension failure. Then he got it fixed and it looked fine for a couple days. Now the left side is on the bump stops and the whole thing is tilted. Looks weird and expensive.
That said, I understand your temptation. A couple friends have them and they are nice. I walk my dog past a neighbor's house every day who has a P38. For a couple weeks it was sitting on the bump stops, probably some kind of air suspension failure. Then he got it fixed and it looked fine for a couple days. Now the left side is on the bump stops and the whole thing is tilted. Looks weird and expensive.
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ptschram
Well-known member
Let me chime in...Robert Alley said:
After many years of dismissing P38s for various reasons, I wish I bought a GEMS one when I had a chance.
I still don't like the exterior design. But...
It is a great vehicle. And the GEMS is better than Bosch for two reasons - GEMS is a lot simpler and easier to troubleshoot and repair, with the same power and torque, and I suspect the rate of production increased significantly after (or around the time of) the move to Bosch. All in all, I think a chance of getting a decent GEMS-engine P38 is a lot better than Bosch.
If you are uncomfortable with dealing with air suspension, swap in the coils and be done with it.
ptschram said:
I couldn't be sure until I saw the off-kilter stance. He could have been trying to lower the suspension intentionally. That kind of thing is cool in my neighborhood. That and Chevy Tahoes and Caprices on 26" chrome rims. There is no accounting for taste.
ptschram
Well-known member
Robert Alley said:
Probably the best investment she could have made.
Peter-the problem with P38s is that they all have BeCMs with a P38 problem (as said by AFIRover)
There is a lovely White 96 P38 coiled with 145 4.0 sitting at my house that the owner needs 3,000 for it ( well I need 3,000 to collect what he owes me *LOL* )
Radio is not working ( it does when it wants )
Recent work by LR Mechanic
Heater box
Starter
Brakes
Fully serviced
Fully detailed in / out ( no the engine compartment as I am not taking a chance of an early christmas )
Radio is not working ( it does when it wants )
Recent work by LR Mechanic
Heater box
Starter
Brakes
Fully serviced
Fully detailed in / out ( no the engine compartment as I am not taking a chance of an early christmas )
This is true, Paul, but it is in the same category as, say GEMS vs. Lucas EFI. People like Lucas because they think it is simpler and more reliable - or, going even further, that a carburettor is more reliable than EFI.ptschram said:
ptschram said:
Given the company her ex owned I doubt the gun even made a tiny dent in her settlement.
If I could get to the $1m a year club a H&H shotgun and P38 would be high on my list. Of course a 101, 110, light weight, and an Aston Martin would also be on that list. I have met a lot of people who have owned them and know the problems and just can't stay away...
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