First time posting for me as I have just acquired a Daimler
2.5V8 in reasonable condition and would like to get tips on
how to set it up for long distance classic rallying.–
Sid513
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Good luck with your endeavour but I do not think anyone here has any relevant experience.
For reliable everyday use without rallying I can say the things to check before any extended trips would be:
The ‘T’ hoses under the carbs. Take spare ones with you or convert to stainless steel Ts with straight rubber hoses.
The points on the SU fuel pump - consider fitting an electronic conversion kit and check it works for as long as you can manage beforehand.
Electronic ignition.
Make sure the exhaust manifolds are in good order, I have found that high speed use tends to make them corrode on the inside rapidly.
Make sure your wheels are sound, I once had one split on the seam.
Replace the fuel hoses to the carbs,
Check/replace all three V belts or at least carry spares which you have tried. Some people will sell you the wrong size and you don’t know until you have broken down that they will not fit.
Make sure the crankshaft pulley is tight and has a lock washer.
If you are doing any major work on the engine, make sure the centrifugal sludge traps in the crank pins have been cleaned out.
Fit an inline fuel filter in the inlet pipe to the fuel pump.
Clean the sediment traps in the top of the block under the camshaft as best you can.
Check the plug tubes are not getting oil in them, if they are replace or at least re-aneal the copper washers at the bottom of the plug tubes.
Check/replace plug extensions and all the plug leads.
Check/replace the coil and all the bits in the distributor.
Maybe get the fuel tank steam cleaned and checked or replaced.
Get the radiator checked and maybe fit a tank so it draws back some of the fluid it expels because it is hard to know whether the rad is full or not.
Get the chassis rust prevention system, also known as the power assisted steering system 
checked. Carry PAS/auto gearbox fluid with you.
Consider getting stainless steel sleeves fitted to the brake calipers or fit DOT5 fluid, or both, which is what I did. Make sure the non return valve in the vac tank is OK and the servo is OK.
I’m sure something else will come to mind and I will reply again if it does.
Roger Holmes,
1969 V8-250, been in the family since 1970 and now has about 180,000 miles on the clock.On 9 May 2011, at 13:56, Sid513 wrote:
First time posting for me as I have just acquired a Daimler
2.5V8 in reasonable condition and would like to get tips on
how to set it up for long distance classic rallying.Sid513
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In reply to a message from Roger Holmes sent Tue 10 May 2011:
Thanks Roger
that is a very well thought out and comprehensive list, it
has definitely given me some food for thought (and made my
to do list a bit longer!)–
Sid513
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