Is it possible?

[TedW]

The three previous posts are right on the money; the 88 is not a safe vehicle much over 60. A 109 is a different animal with regard to handling, but no better, if not worse, at stopping. Add in the dynamics of an old front end with likely issues, and they just aren't stable at high speed.

X2 on the above. My 1970 IIA (new engine & front end, OD, 16" sneakers) does a comfy 50-55mph on secondary roads - such as my yearly 5 hour trip to the British Invasion in Stowe VT. I can more than keep up with traffic (except for those nasty uphill climbs) and the trip is quite pleasant.

On the other hand, interstate driving is a real drag: When lucky, you have your truck wound right up to 65 (with a tail wind - God help you if there's a headwind), and most of the time you have traffic passing you, with the associated roar of their engines and tires - and you hear every bit of it.

Just my opinion.

[garycox]

Thanks

Thanks for all the insight and replies. All the info and real world experience is what I was looking for.

[disco2hse]

I had a '99 Disco II that I didn't really enjoy on the highways above 50 mph,

Seriously?? I normally cruise at 105km/hr in my Disco 2 TD5. Over 140km/hr and it is not so good (big heavy vehicle). That'd be 65m/hr and 87m/hr in old money.

The 109 I normally cruise at around 95-105km/hr, or roughly 60-65m/hr. It does have a V8, but standard gearing.

[canyonero]

I would drive it on the Interstate at around 75mph, it just wasn't that pleasant, too loud with the tires...

[LR Max]

While my 109 is capable of 70 mph, it seems to really like 62 mph quite well. I've got stock gearing (for a series 3) and an overdrive. 235/85/16 tires. I've got a worked over and strong 2.25 gasser engine under the hood.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND good seats, good tires (swapping from bias ply to radial is AMAZING) and a set of noise cancelling earphones. You can use earplugs but rocking out while driving is far more enjoyable.

[TedW]

While my 109 is capable of 70 mph, it seems to really like 62 mph quite well. I've got stock gearing (for a series 3) and an overdrive. 235/85/16 tires. I've got a worked over and strong 2.25 gasser engine under the hood.

I HIGHLY RECOMMEND good seats, good tires (swapping from bias ply to radial is AMAZING) and a set of noise cancelling earphones. You can use earplugs but rocking out while driving is far more enjoyable.

Noise cancelling headphones are a great idea, but check your local statutes: IIRC it is illegal in some states to wear headphones while driving.

[mongoswede]

a friend has a GMC yukon that we have used as a tow vehicle for a couple of motorcycle races. On the interstate 65 mph feels just right. Between 65 and 75 there is a noticeable increase in fuel consumption. In a 55 or 60 would be plenty on the interstate. The wind noise alone inside the cab due to the aerodynamics of a barn is quite loud. At those speeds just stick to the slow lane and I don't think it will be so much of an issue.

[greenmeanie]

I can't speak for others but I used to commute 1000miles a week between Phoenix and Tucson in my 88 for 2-3 years. She typically ran 32" mud tyres or light truck ATs, later dual circuit servo 10" drums, Roverdrive and 2.25 with Rochester and Turner 8:1 head and was otherwise a bog standard 71IIA 88 hard top. I ran 65mph up hills, 70mph everywhere else, 75mph with a tail wind on a good day. She sat at 3400 odd rpm for 3 hours a day and those weeks I pulled the Roverdrive she would run at 4000rpm. The engine didn't have a problem with it. It was not a great vehicle to make my commute in but needs must as the alternative was a 101 on bar grips.

Tinitis (sp?) and temporary deafness is a real risk after prolonged high speed travel in a series.

With all that running flat out fuel consumption was horrendous. It actually gets much better if you find a big rig to trail. They make a very big hole in the air and you can feel a noticeable effect when you enter their bubble which extends much further back than you would otherwise imagine.

I was always aware that it wasn't a modern car so I always maintained my braking distances but I hardly felt unsafe at speed. The drums would lock up just fine so the problem was not braking power but, as we all know, merely making sure that I could out brake the guy in front given our seperation. Stability was adequate for the type of vehicle and steering never felt vague/wandering or otherwise dangerous. I did keep on top of my maintenance but that should be the case with any vehicle on the highway.

Having run a few different treads from road bias to mud the type of tyre you choose makes a pretty big difference to on road driveability. That sounds obvious but a lot of people (including myself at times) buy tyres based on appearance rather than actual use.

It is not a modern car and it is not as safew as a modern car but well maintained and set up with a road bias there is no reason you can't drive at 70mph. It won't be comforatable. Ike's comment is, however, on the mark unless you are a real glutton for punishment.

[LR Max]

Noise cancelling headphones are a great idea, but check your local statutes: IIRC it is illegal in some states to wear headphones while driving.

True. However, earbuds FOR THE WIN!!!

Also I can assure you, I can still hear everything that is going on around me. Its just at a reasonable noise level rather than at Boeing-747-at-full-throttle-on-my-face level.

[o2batsea]

Back in the days when the 109 was bone stock with a Fairey OD, it ran at 65 on a flat road with no trouble, but at the slightest hint of an incline it would just bog down to a crawl. On some hills in PA, I was in 2nd gear with it still gasping for breath while double trailers whizzed by 4 feet away at 60 MPH, me doing 20.
That scared the schmidt out of me. It was on such a trip I vowed to swap in a V8 for the 2 1/4 D.
Today, as the 109 sits in pieces, I still sorta miss that, but I'm sure with Tdi power, R380, LT230 and RRC axles I'll get over it.

[TedW]

True. However, earbuds FOR THE WIN!!!

Also I can assure you, I can still hear everything that is going on around me. Its just at a reasonable noise level rather than at Boeing-747-at-full-throttle-on-my-face level.

I plant to try out my Panasonics and see how they do - statutes be damned.

[Skookumchuck]

I drive my 109 everywhere as it is my Daily driver. The PO when he did the restoration lined the floor with a ruber type matting. Even though she is running 285 75 R16 mudders you can easly carry on a conversation and listen to the CD or radio. the whole interior has been lined with carpet over the rubber matting. I also have a Ascroft conversion so in normal driving I cruise at 60-65 MPH. if you are going to drive all the time I would definatley go with some sound dampening and an overdrive. I plan on investing in a disc brake conversion as I am installing my new 200 TDI next month.

[garycox]

Appreciate the advice

Thanks everyone for all the insight.

I am ok with the cabin noise and I like drum brakes. For the most part I embrace all the shortcomings of vintage autos as part of the experience and the "crude" nature of a landy is part of the appeal for me. I just want to be able to get where i am going. I had heard that 50 or so was the top speed, sounds like 55 to 65 is doable with overdrive.

Now to find a good early series truck.

[LR Max]

I plant to try out my Panasonics and see how they do - statutes be damned.

After 8 years of service, my Sony earbuds just died. I saw a set of noise cancelling earbuds for $35. While they don't have the best ratings, I'm seriously considering them since I KNOW I'll be tearing them up.

You'll love em. Especially since I am a firm believer that hanging my head out the window to talk on the phone is quieter than inside!

[TeriAnn]

You'll love em. Especially since I am a firm believer that hanging my head out the window to talk on the phone is quieter than inside!

You know, talking on the phone while driving is a bad idea for everyone but the body shop & undertaker. This year I have narrowly missed a collision with 2 other vehicles that had oblivious drivers talking away on a hand held cell phone. Neither seemed aware that they went through red lights.

I've never understood the laws against wearing earphones while driving though. Deaf people are allowed to drive. People who drive loud trucks for a living have to wear noise canceling earphones. There is no limit to the megawatts pumped into inside car speakers. So what is the big deal about non-commerical drivers wearing earphones while driving????

Has anyone actually been pulled over for driving with earphones?