Happy to be here!

[Ken C]

Glad to be here -- I'm sure it will pick up activity soon. I've been a regular at the "old" site as well as this on the other shop forums -- now we've got a home here, too.
I've got a 1984 280GE that is in the shop now -- it was time for a head reconditioning (the usual MB engine stuff to do) when I decided it was a perfect time for MORE! I've had the original engine pulled and it's being exchanged for a new long block prepared (but with my G's flywheel, oil pan, etc.) to Euro specs (higher compression pistons, camshaft, etc.) and then some, to put out the Euro car's power. The need for high octane fuel is not an issue for me -- I've used it exclusively on all my cars anyway -- so the original G's engine's ability to run on (third world quality) low octane fuel is actually a negative -- I wanted more power. And now, I'll have it!
After I get the long block installed, and give it a reasonable break-in, I'll report back on the performance improvement, compared the baseline figures I recorded.
Have fun, folks.

[JRBrown]

Ken, Glad you made it. Get the word out. Absolutely can't wait to hear how your "toy" does after it's "updating".

Cheers!!!

[TN-W124 Diesel]

I have a Land Rover and would like to trade it off! Does MB make these in Diesels? What is the HP and MPG, 4,6 or 8 cy? Tell us the good and bad...We don't see many of these in GA..

I have a Land Rover too (Range Rover to be exact) that I would like to get rid of. The G-wagen is almost like a better built, more reliable Land Rover that isn't quite as capable off road but can indeed handle itself extremely well in almost all situations. I love my rover, but these repair bills are rediculous. When MB starts importing the G-wagen themselves instead of through G-wagen U.S.A. I will definately consider getting one. As far as gas mileage goes, I would guess that the gas engines get between 12 and 16 MPG on average (about the same as a LR Discovery). http://www.huntingridgemotors.com has a great looking 86 2 door 280GE with recaro seats for about 30K. This seems a little high to me but you might want to check it out.

Jesse
98 C43 AMG
94 Range Rover

[G-Man]

Jeez Jesse, thats almost heresy amonst us G owners. I'm just curious what convinced you the G was less capable, was it the RR dealer? The ugly truth (for Rover) is that the G in stock form is actually much more capable than any stock Rover including the many Defender models. Remember the G offers locking diffs for true 4wd. The Rovers claim to fame has always been excellent axle articulation. The G also rides on solid axles suspended by coil springs all around. One major deviation from Rover would be the large anit-sway bar in front that keeps the body on a more even keel. This feature detracts from articulation but is easily made up for by the lockers. It keeps body motions well controlled on the road, much better than LR. Certainly lockers can be added to a Rover, unfortunately the result is normally broken axle shafts or differentials. Score one for German toughness. There is admittedly a larger following of Rover owners because the G is so rare. This means parts for serious off-road modifications are more readily availible for the Rovers. It does not mean however that the same can not be done with the G. Spring lifts are availible to accomodate 35" tires, winches, gaurds, roof racks, roof tents, etc. are all availible for the G.