Oldest Working Taxi

[reb]

  On 23/08/2023 at 21:53, warren t claim said:

What car was it?

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Caddy, I think? Some sort of van shaped people carrier with VW badges on it anyway.

I'm not very good with modern cars. I stayed inside for two years then when I went out all the cars were different. 

[reb]

  On 23/08/2023 at 21:56, somewhatfoolish said:

Where did you do that? Did you have a fixed area or was it down to how enthusiastic/energetic you felt?

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Edinburgh. We had an area we were licenced to operate in, with threats of fines and/or licence revocation if we operated outside of it. It could have done with being slightly less restrictive, there were a couple of pubs tantalisingly just outside that we'd have to say "sorry, outside the area"

Luckily the pubic triangle (a junction with 3 of the most popular strip clubs around it) was inside the area and two of them would give you a tenner each for people you brought them. Easy £30 for a full bike, plus whatever you charged the punters.

[somewhatfoolish]

Fuck me, Edinreek! You must have had buns of steel! Too many hills for this lazy arse.

[reb]

  On 23/08/2023 at 22:24, somewhatfoolish said:

Fuck me, Edinreek! You must have had buns of steel! Too many hills for this lazy arse.

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It's a long time ago now, nearly a decade in fact, I'm a shit cyclist now. I did rather effectively turn kfc family buckets into impressive leg muscles. And it turns out if you can shift nigh on half a ton of pedicab and passengers up hills, even if slowly, you can absolutely fly on a lightweight fixie.

[purplebargeken]

Not a working taxi, but a few years ago my steam engine owning mate was recommissiining a 1902 Panhard Levasor taxi. The owners club were bloody useless if I remember correctly. It was a lovely old thing, bloody huge.

[cms206]

Not that old a working taxi, but you'll have to take this absolutely fucking shit photo as proof.

NL18 WJJ, a City of Glasgow private hire plated... MG3.

[SunnySouth]

  On 27/08/2023 at 01:57, cms206 said:

Not that old a working taxi, but you'll have to take this absolutely fucking shit photo as proof.

NL18 WJJ, a City of Glasgow private hire plated... MG3.

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Fuck me that’s a grim ride.

[MJK 24]

This old Merc 190 did a year or two private hire in the not to distant past:

https://mtsv.co.uk/info/w201190d20srm22n.htm

[chancer]

  On 27/08/2023 at 01:57, cms206 said:

Not that old a working taxi, but you'll have to take this absolutely fucking shit photo as proof.

NL18 WJJ, a City of Glasgow private hire plated... MG3.

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At least its Glasgow plated and working in Glasgow. We have some amount of out of town plates (south lanarkshire/east renfrewshire/west dumbarton) blatantly working within the city boundary. As usual fuck all is being done about it. They dont like having their picture taken and being reported....thats a game i enjoy playing

[warren t claim]

We had a solitary MG6 on our fleet for a year. 

[warren t claim]

  On 13/04/2023 at 19:59, warren t claim said:

I know the seller of this cab. A couple of moths ago I offered to buy it from him for £3000 or rent it on a part time basis so he could still work it as well. Although I don't need it I'm tempted to buy it with another friend as a rental investment.  My friend will provide the cash and I'll find a driver, ghost the licence and admin the cab.

The current owner got pissed off with having to shell out a grand every six months in passing work and thinks it must be a bad cab. What he fails to understand is that EVERY TX1/2/4 needs this amount spending on it every six months. 

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Let's have an update about this quality LTI product.

In the last 6 weeks, it's needed.

Radiator expansion bottle.

New radiator!

Replacement steering box.

Oil pressure switch washer as it started pissing oil.

It now needs a new turbo. 

 

 

[Matty]

  On 03/09/2023 at 19:43, warren t claim said:

Let's have an update about this quality LTI product.

In the last 6 weeks, it's needed.

Radiator expansion bottle.

New radiator!

Replacement steering box.

Oil pressure switch washer as it started pissing oil.

It now needs a new turbo. 

 

 

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Iconic 😄

[High Jetter]

  On 03/09/2023 at 19:43, warren t claim said:

Let's have an update about this quality LTI product.

In the last 6 weeks, it's needed.

Radiator expansion bottle.

New radiator!

Replacement steering box.

Oil pressure switch washer as it started pissing oil.

It now needs a new turbo. 

 

 

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Got away lightly, no welding, brakes, gearbag or engine issues

[warren t claim]

  On 03/09/2023 at 22:54, High Jetter said:

Got away lightly, no welding, brakes, gearbag or engine issues

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Gearbox replaced 18 months ago. £1500 spent on welding and suspension work to pass last inspection.

[chancer]

  On 07/04/2023 at 07:49, cms206 said:

Looks like Glasgow's last FX4 - M676 HGB - finally bit the dust at the turn of the year. There are still a couple od Metrocabs earning, Clydebank could muster a 52-plate last week but I'm almost certain there's a Y-reg too.

Inverclyde used to be a hotbed of diesel 45s, Cavaliers and Mondeos well into the 2010s but I've not seen any recently.

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still here in physical form and still looks pretty solid. MOT til end of the month as well!

[chancer]

  On 06/09/2023 at 10:52, chancer said:

still here in physical form and still looks pretty solid. MOT til end of the month as well!

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@cms206 still licenced as of Aug23

[warren t claim]

As it's been a nice day today I thought I'd have a trot up and down whatever rank I've been parked on. As most of us hack lads aren't totally devoid of intelligence, the Pug E7 seems to be the most popular cab with about half of us running them. Next up is the Mercedes Vito based hack with about 30% of us choosing to run them. I'd say that about a third of our Vito fleet are former London/KPM hacks but without exception, every former London Vito has had the trick rear-wheel steering disabled. Bringing in the rear are LTI products.

Now this is where it gets a little interesting. Other than the new TXE cabs, of which we have maybe five working here, the rest are obviously going to be TX1/2/4s. Due to the simple fact that the last TX1 was made 21 years ago and they rot like an Alfasud parked in the Dead Sea we don't have that many left on our fleet and those that are have been well looked after since new by an owner-driver. 

The TX2 survival rate is a tricky one to call. Out of the ten TX2s I encountered today not one I saw was still Ford powered. Walking the ranks I failed to find a TX2 with the long Transit gear lever, instead, they all had the smaller gear lever as it seems like every TX2 still working today has been retrofitted with the Fairway/TX1 2.7 engine and box. With the automatic TX2 cabs I kept an ear out for them starting up as the Nissan and Ford engines sound different and even the auto TX2s had been converted.

One thing I did notice is that there's a larger number of TX1/2 cabs working the ranks than the newer VM powered TX4s. I've yet to see a TX4 that's been converted to Nissan power so I'm assuming that the conversion isn't possible. The VM engine used is a conventional-looking lump with only one cylinder head for all four cylinders. Here's a list of its use in other applications.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

This list is incomplete; you can help by adding missing items. (February 2022)

Italian manufacturer VM Motori has designed and built several different diesel engines for many third-party applications. Since 2013 Fiat and its successors own VM Motori and sell projects to automotive manufacturers including GM, Jeep, and other companies. VM Motori offers different range of engines depending on the applications: automotive, industrial, marine, and power generation.

Automotive applications[edit]

3 Cylinder[edit]

 

R 315 SOHC[edit]

1.5 L (1,493 cc or 91.1 cu in) I3, with a single overhead camshaft, four valves-per-cylinder, and common-rail direct fuel injection.

This engine was designed in 1998 with the related 4-cylinder variant R 420 SOHC. In 1999, VM granted Hyundai the license to manufacture both engines. Under terms of the agreement, Hyundai was able to manufacture the engines only to power its vehicles, while VM was free to grant other license agreements also in Korea, as happened in 2004 with GM Daewoo.^[1][2]

Further evolutions were named RA 315 (Euro 4 compliant, up to 105 PS (77 kW; 104 hp) ) and A 315 (Euro 5 compliant, up to 115 PS (85 kW; 113 hp) ).

Applications:^[3]

• Hyundai Accent (power: 90 hp (60 kW); torque: 133 lb·ft(180 N m))
• Hyundai Matrix (power: 90 hp (60 kW); torque: 133 lb·ft(180 N m))
• Hyundai Getz (power: 90 hp (60 kW); torque: 133 lb·ft(180 N m))k

 

HR 392 SOHC[edit]

92 mm × 89.2 mm (3.62 in × 3.51 in) bore and stroke, 1.8 L; 108.6 cu in (1,779 cc) straight-three engine, of an OHV pushrod design with two valves per cylinder. The block was cast iron, with an alloy head. It featured a four main bearing crankshaft, a balance shaft, and a Bosch VE3/10 fuel injection pump. A KKK 14 turbocharger was used, with an intercooler for the facelifted 'Nuova 33' of 1990.^[4] Although out of production, this was the biggest three-cylinder engine ever made for a car.

Applications:

• 1986—1989 Alfa Romeo 33 Series II 73 PS (54 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 178 N⋅m (131 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm^[5]
• 1990.01—1995 Alfa Romeo 33 Series III 84 PS (62 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 178 N⋅m (131 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm^[6]

RA 325[edit]

1.5 L (1,493 cc) 82 hp (61 kW) at 4000 rpm 187–191 N⋅m (138–141 lb⋅ft) 1900-2700 RPm.

• Hyundai Matrix
• Hyundai Getz
• Hyundai Accent

4 Cylinder[edit]

RA 420 SOHC[edit]

2.0 L; 121.5 cu in (1,991 cc) straight-4, with four valves-per-cylinder and common-rail direct fuel injection. Produced by GM Korea and Hyundai Group (Hyundai and Kia).^[7]

Applications:^[8]

• Chevrolet Cruze, power: 121 kW (165 PS), torque: 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft)
• Daewoo Lacetti/Daewoo Nubira II/Chevrolet Optra, power: 89 kW (121 PS), torque: 280 N⋅m (207 lb⋅ft)
• Daewoo Tosca/Chevrolet Epica, power: 110 kW (150 PS), torque: 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft)
• Daewoo Winstorm/Chevrolet Captiva, power: 110 kW (150 PS), torque: 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft), engine code: Z 20 S1.
• Hyundai Elantra XD, power: 82 kW (111 PS); torque: 250 N⋅m (180 lb⋅ft)
• Hyundai i30 FD, power: 103 kW (140 PS); torque: 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft) (pre-facelift models)
• Hyundai Sonata NF, power: 103 kW (140 PS) (pre-facelift models) / 110 kW (150 PS) (facelift models); torque: 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft)
• Hyundai Tucson JM, power: 82 kW (111 PS), 103 kW (140 PS) or 110 kW (150 PS) depending on model year; torque: 250 N⋅m (180 lb⋅ft) or 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft)
• Hyundai Santa Fe SM, power: 82 kW (111 PS); torque: 250 N⋅m (180 lb⋅ft)
• Hyundai Santa Fe CM, power: 103 kW (140 PS) or 110 kW (150 PS); torque: 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft)
• Hyundai Trajet, power: 82 kW (111 PS); torque: 250 N⋅m (180 lb⋅ft)
• Kia Cerato/Spectra LD, power: 82 kW (111 PS); torque: 250 N⋅m (180 lb⋅ft)
• Kia cee'd ED, power: 103 kW (140 PS); torque: 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft)
• Kia Optima/Magentis MG, power: 103 kW (140 PS) (pre-facelift models) / 88 kW (120 PS), or 100 kW (136 PS) or 110 kW (150 PS) (facelift models); torque: 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft)
• Kia Carens FC, power: 82 kW (111 PS); torque: 250 N⋅m (180 lb⋅ft)
• Kia Carens UN, power: 103 kW (140 PS); torque: 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft)
• Kia Sportage JE, power 82 kW (111 PS), 103 kW (140 PS) or 110 kW (150 PS) depending on model year; torque: 250 N⋅m (180 lb⋅ft) or 305 N⋅m (225 lb⋅ft)
• Opel Antara, power: 110 kW (150 PS), torque: 320 N⋅m (236 lb⋅ft) - called Z20DM/DMH by Opel

 

HR 488 OHV[edit]

2.0 L; 121.7 cu in (1,995 cc) straight-4, with two (pushrod-actuated) valves-per-cylinder and indirect injection from Bosch (Spica in earlier versions). 88 mm × 82 mm (3.5 in × 3.2 in). This engine, developed for Alfa Romeo in 1979,^[9] is also known as the VM80A and VM4 HT. Usually with KKK 16 turbochargers.

Applications:

• 1985.05–1992.02 Alfa Romeo 75, 95 PS (70 kW) at 4,300 rpm and 192 N⋅m (142 lb⋅ft) at 2,300 rpm
• 1979.10–1984.12 Alfa Romeo Alfetta, 82 PS (60 kW) at 4,300 rpm and 162 N⋅m (119 lb⋅ft) at 2,300 rpm^[10]
• 1983.03–1985.05 Alfa Romeo Giulietta, 82 PS (60 kW) at 4,300 rpm and 162 N⋅m (119 lb⋅ft) at 2,300 rpm^[11]
• 1984 FSO Polonez, 84 PS (62 kW) at 4,300 rpm and 162 N⋅m (119 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm

 

HR 492 OHV[edit]

2.4 L; 146.0 cu in (2,393 cc) straight-4, with two (pushrod-actuated) valves-per-cylinder and indirect fuel injection (Bosch VE 4/10, Spica in some earlier applications). 92 mm × 90 mm (3.62 in × 3.54 in). This engine is also known as the VM81A and VM4 HT 2.4. At first the 2.4 used KKK 24 turbochargers, later KKK 16s were installed for higher output.

Applications:

• 1988.10–1992.02 Alfa Romeo 75, 112 PS (82 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm
• 1984.10–1987.01 Alfa Romeo 90, 110 PS (81 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) at 2,300 rpm^[12]
• 1983.04–1984.12 Alfa Romeo Alfetta, 95 PS (70 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 186 N⋅m (137 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm^[10]
• 1984 Delta Mini Cruiser/Explorer, 100 PS (74 kW) at 4,200 rpm^[13]
• 1986–1989.10 Range Rover, 106 PS (78 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 238 N⋅m (176 lb⋅ft) at 2,400 rpm^[14]
• 1982.04–1986.10 Rover 2400 SD Turbo (SD1), 67 kW (91 PS; 90 bhp) at 4,000 rpm and 192 N⋅m (142 lb⋅ft) at 2,350 rpm^[15]
• 1986-? UAZ 469B, 97 PS (71 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 216 N⋅m (159 lb⋅ft) at 2,300 rpm (installed for the Italian market by importer V. Martorelli)^[16]

 

425 OHV[edit]

2.5 L; 152.5 cu in (2,499 cc) straight-four, with two (pushrod-actuated) valves-per-cylinder and indirect fuel injection. 92 mm × 94 mm (3.62 in × 3.70 in), the engine size is variably referred to as either 2,500 or 2,499 cc. This engine too has been called HR 492, signifying four cylinders of 92 mm (3.62 in) bore. Timing gears, not belt.

Applications:

• 1994–1998 Alfa Romeo 155, 125 PS (92 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 294 N⋅m (217 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm
• 1987–1992 Alfa Romeo 164, 114–117 PS (84–86 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 258 N⋅m (190 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm (HR492/VM84A/VM08)
• 1992–1998 Alfa Romeo 164, 125 PS (92 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 294 N⋅m (217 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm (HS492/VM32)
• 1991–2000 Chrysler Voyager, 118 PS (87 kW) and 262 N⋅m (193 lb⋅ft)
• 1999–2001 Dodge Dakota (Brazil), 114 hp (85 kW; 116 PS) and 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
• 1991-1995 Dodge Caravan C/V (U.S. fleets only), 118 PS (87 kW) and 262 N⋅m (193 lb⋅ft)^{[citation needed]}
• 1993-1999 Ford Scorpio
• 1996–2000 GAZ GAZelle, 101 hp (75 kW; 102 PS); torque: 232 N⋅m (171 lb⋅ft)
• 1994–2001 Jeep Cherokee, 118 hp (88 kW; 120 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm
• 1995–1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 114 hp (85 kW; 116 PS) and 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft)
• 1989.10-1992 Range Rover, 121 PS (89 kW; 119 bhp) at 4,200 rpm and 284 N⋅m (209 lb⋅ft) at 1,950 rpm^[17]
• 1990–1999 Rover 800, 118 bhp (88 kW; 120 PS), latterly 120 bhp (89 kW; 122 PS) and 268 N⋅m (198 lb⋅ft) at 2,100 rpm^[18]
• 1997–2000 UAZ 3160, 101 hp (75 kW; 102 PS) and 232 N⋅m (171 lb⋅ft)
• 1995 V.M.C 2500 Turbotronic, 117 PS (86 kW) at 4,200 rpm and 235 N⋅m (173 lb⋅ft) at 2,200 rpm

This engine was also used in some early Toyota Land Cruisers & Hilux, and Opel Fronteras.

The 425 OHV used in Chrysler Voyager 1991–2000 only 1996 and 1997 was with chain.

Between 1997 and 2001 this engine was manufactured at "Detroit Diesel Motores do Brasil" in Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil. The plant was eventually sold to Perkins after the Dodge Dakota stopped production locally.

R 425 OHV[edit]

425 OHV fitted with direct fuel injection for cleaner emissions.

Applications: Rover 800 late models circa 1998

R 425 DOHC[edit]

2.5 L; 152.5 cu in (2,499 cc) straight-4, with four valves-per-cylinder and common-rail direct fuel injection. Also available with variable geometry turbocharger (VGT) with upgraded power output of 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp).^[19]

Applications:

• 2001–2007 Chrysler Voyager Manual power: 141 hp (105 kW; 143 PS); torque: 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft)
• 2002–2004 Jeep Liberty power: 141 hp (105 kW; 143 PS); torque: 340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft)
• 2005-2009 LDV Maxus
• 2011-present SAIC Maxus V80

^[20] power: 118 hp (88 kW; 120 PS) at 4,000 rpm; torque: 300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm

• 2012 Zhongxing Landmark
• 2016-present, Zhongxing Terralord
• 2012–present, Holden Colorado, Chevrolet Colorado
  • power: 163 PS (120 kW; 161 hp); Torque: 380 N⋅m (280 lb⋅ft) Duramax LKH (Thai production)
  • power: 180 PS (132 kW; 178 hp); Torque: 439 N⋅m (324 lb⋅ft) Duramax XLDE25 LP2 (Thai production)

A derated version of this engine putting out 100 hp (75 kW; 101 PS) was chosen in 2006 to power the new generation of the iconic London Taxi (the TX4).

[LightBulbFun]

  On 08/09/2023 at 19:21, warren t claim said:

As it's been a nice day today I thought I'd have a trot up and down whatever rank I've been parked on. As most of us hack lads aren't totally devoid of intelligence, the Pug E7 seems to be the most popular cab with about half of us running them. Next up is the Mercedes Vito based hack with about 30% of us choosing to run them. I'd say that about a third of our Vito fleet are former London/KPM hacks but without exception, every former London Vito has had the trick rear-wheel steering disabled. Bringing in the rear are LTI products.

Now this is where it gets a little interesting. Other than the new TXE cabs, of which we have maybe five working here, the rest are obviously going to be TX1/2/4s. Due to the simple fact that the last TX1 was made 21 years ago and they rot like an Alfasud parked in the Dead Sea we don't have that many left on our fleet and those that are have been well looked after since new by an owner-driver. 

The TX2 survival rate is a tricky one to call. Out of the ten TX2s I encountered today not one I saw was still Ford powered. Walking the ranks I failed to find a TX2 with the long Transit gear lever, instead, they all had the smaller gear lever as it seems like every TX2 still working today has been retrofitted with the Fairway/TX1 2.7 engine and box. With the automatic TX2 cabs I kept an ear out for them starting up as the Nissan and Ford engines sound different and even the auto TX2s had been converted.

One thing I did notice is that there's a larger number of TX1/2 cabs working the ranks than the newer VM powered TX4s. I've yet to see a TX4 that's been converted to Nissan power so I'm assuming that the conversion isn't possible. The VM engine used is a conventional-looking lump with only one cylinder head for all four cylinders. Here's a list of its use in other applications.

Expand  

funny you should mentioned engine swaps! as when the ex Met-police TX was mentioned it got me wondering

what sort of engine swaps *could* you do with a TX1/2/4? I mean I think a few FX4's have had big engines chucked in them over the years, but I cant recall anyone doing anything with a a TX1/2/4

I imagine something like a modern-ish V8, say from an Lexus LS400 or something along those line, would be fun to cram into one has anyone ever done that? I mean with how many TX2's there where being flogged for peanuts especially during the pandemic, and the fact they are a traditional body on frame construction, I feel like you could have a bit of fun with one

 

I mean it would be great to make a @mat_the_cat style sleeper out of one, imagine a shit-box black cab complete stock looking on the outside, roaring past you on the outside lane making V8 noises at 110Mph  

 

[warren t claim]

  On 08/09/2023 at 19:32, LightBulbFun said:

funny you should mentioned engine swaps! as when the ex Met-police TX was mentioned it got me wondering

what sort of engine swaps *could* you do with a TX1/2/4? I mean I think a few FX4's have had big engines chucked in them over the years, but I cant recall anyone doing anything with a a TX1/2/4

I imagine something like a modern-ish V8, say from an Lexus LS400 or something along those line, would be fun to cram into one has anyone ever done that? I mean with how many TX2's there where being flogged for peanuts especially during the pandemic, and the fact they are a traditional body on frame construction, I feel like you could have a bit of fun with one

 

I mean it would be great to make a @mat_the_cat style sleeper out of one, imagine a shit-box black cab complete stock looking on the outside, roaring past you on the outside lane making V8 noises at 110Mph  

 

Expand  

The main problem is that the engine bay is cramped to allow for the iconic styling. Many TX4 issues are caused by the engine struggling to fit.

[warren t claim]

  On 08/09/2023 at 19:32, LightBulbFun said:

funny you should mentioned engine swaps! as when the ex Met-police TX was mentioned it got me wondering

what sort of engine swaps *could* you do with a TX1/2/4? I mean I think a few FX4's have had big engines chucked in them over the years, but I cant recall anyone doing anything with a a TX1/2/4

I imagine something like a modern-ish V8, say from an Lexus LS400 or something along those line, would be fun to cram into one has anyone ever done that? I mean with how many TX2's there where being flogged for peanuts especially during the pandemic, and the fact they are a traditional body on frame construction, I feel like you could have a bit of fun with one

 

I mean it would be great to make a @mat_the_cat style sleeper out of one, imagine a shit-box black cab complete stock looking on the outside, roaring past you on the outside lane making V8 noises at 110Mph  

 

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I've been in a Nissan powered Fairway that had the pump wound up meaning that it'd max out at 105mph on the Metro speedo. The whole cab was shaking itself to death. 

The bespoke steering and suspension fitted to the TX isn't capable of coping with three figure speeds.

[warren t claim]

And the bespoke tyres fitted to hacks are only rated to 99mph.

[chancer]

@warren t claim im looking to buy a hack up here in glasgow. Obvs it has to be euro6 now. Not wanting to touch the merc Vito due to repair cost and parts availability, a TX is just out of the quesrion so it only leaves the transit procab (which is my preference) or an E7 which has been retrofitted for the emissions. One for sale locally, but its an E7 auto with 220k on the clock. Single shifted and one owner from new. Any of your guys down there run an auto? Its mostly manual up here

[warren t claim]

  On 08/09/2023 at 20:22, chancer said:

@warren t claim im looking to buy a hack up here in glasgow. Obvs it has to be euro6 now. Not wanting to touch the merc Vito due to repair cost and parts availability, a TX is just out of the quesrion so it only leaves the transit procab (which is my preference) or an E7 which has been retrofitted for the emissions. One for sale locally, but its an E7 auto with 220k on the clock. Single shifted and one owner from new. Any of your guys down there run an auto? Its mostly manual up here

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An auto E7 is a brave choice but there are a few of them working here.

Totally avoid the Pro Cab! It's a standing joke here due to serious reliability issues.

If you simply must go auto then get a Vito.

[artdjones]

  On 08/09/2023 at 19:42, warren t claim said:

I've been in a Nissan powered Fairway that had the pump wound up meaning that it'd max out at 105mph on the Metro speedo. The whole cab was shaking itself to death. 

The bespoke steering and suspension fitted to the TX isn't capable of coping with three figure speeds.

Expand  

I've driven a Fairway a number of times, but the thought of doing over 60 in one is unattractive.

[warren t claim]

  On 08/09/2023 at 20:53, artdjones said:

I've driven a Fairway a number of times, but the thought of doing over 60 in one is unattractive.

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About the same as driving a Land Rover over 60mph.

[chancer]

  On 08/09/2023 at 20:25, warren t claim said:

An auto E7 is a brave choice but there are a few of them working here.

Totally avoid the Pro Cab! It's a standing joke here due to serious reliability issues.

If you simply must go auto then get a Vito.

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Vito is a no go for me. Already running a Procab auto and in the last 2years its been fine. Well, it was fine until it needed a new auto box. Our fault, it had never had its fluid changed. Other than a couple of wiring looms to sort electrical gremlins, its just been servicing. Not exactly wanting an auto, just this one has popped up at a decent price. Still a manual procab is the preferred cab

[Jim Bergerac]

  On 08/09/2023 at 19:21, warren t claim said:

The TX2 survival rate is a tricky one to call. Out of the ten TX2s I encountered today not one I saw was still Ford powered. Walking the ranks I failed to find a TX2 with the long Transit gear lever, instead, they all had the smaller gear lever as it seems like every TX2 still working today has been retrofitted with the Fairway/TX1 2.7 engine and box. With the automatic TX2 cabs I kept an ear out for them starting up as the Nissan and Ford engines sound different and even the auto TX2s had been converted.

One thing I did notice is that there's a larger number of TX1/2 cabs working the ranks than the newer VM powered TX4s. I've yet to see a TX4 that's been converted to Nissan power so I'm assuming that the conversion isn't possible. The VM engine used is a conventional-looking lump with only one cylinder head for all four cylinders. Here's a list of its use in other applications.

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Do you get many of the LPG ones round there? Quite a few round here now, including the weird late registration madness ones where they bought a lot of unregistered ones from, I believe, a failed export deal.

https://www.vehiclerepoweringsolutions.com/new-cabs-for-sale

Was briely excited that it was the 2.5 5cylinder from the MKIV Mondeo, but it seems to be a 4 cylider used in US stuff.

[warren t claim]

  On 08/09/2023 at 22:16, Jim Bergerac said:

Do you get many of the LPG ones round there? Quite a few round here now, including the weird late registration madness ones where they bought a lot of unregistered ones from, I believe, a failed export deal.

https://www.vehiclerepoweringsolutions.com/new-cabs-for-sale

Was briely excited that it was the 2.5 5cylinder from the MKIV Mondeo, but it seems to be a 4 cylider used in US stuff.

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Not for the last 15 years.

Someone in Liverpool showed me a 2.7 Nissan engine converted to gas a while ago.

[warren t claim]

  On 08/09/2023 at 21:41, chancer said:

Vito is a no go for me. Already running a Procab auto and in the last 2years its been fine. Well, it was fine until it needed a new auto box. Our fault, it had never had its fluid changed. Other than a couple of wiring looms to sort electrical gremlins, its just been servicing. Not exactly wanting an auto, just this one has popped up at a decent price. Still a manual procab is the preferred cab

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Don't fancy a Vivaro based VX8? 

[chancer]

  On 09/09/2023 at 15:25, warren t claim said:

Don't fancy a Vivaro based VX8? 

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Not on the approved list here. Very few choices. Its pretty much TX, TXE, procab, vito and E7