Thread: 300tdi Highway "cruising" sweet spot?

I like the 95-105 range. Pat

110kph on the speedo is about 105kph in real life (GPS). That's fine for all day cruising. I used to keep my 110 at, or under 2500rpm, but have seen them driven at 3000rpm constantly in a Disco 1. But keep in mid the gearing is different.

Now a days I like to keep it at about 2,000 rpm as I have a VNT and overdrive. That just keeps the noise in the can down. I do find that they do become quite a bit quieter after an hour of high speed driving once everything is at a stable and constant temp.

60kph - 2000 rpm in 4th
80kph - 2000 rpm in 5th
100kph - 2000 rpm in O/D 5th

Mine is very happy between 95-100. That said, it didn't seem to dislike hills as much before I had to replace the head gasket.

Fastest I've ever been is 113 on the gps (about 130 on the speedo) and it was a hairy ride - you really have to drive it (was a country road). 110 all day? only if the wheelbase doesn't change. actual speed of 90 is comfortable.

Originally Posted by Didge

Fastest I've ever been is 113 on the gps (about 130 on the speedo) and it was a hairy ride - you really have to drive it (was a country road). 110 all day? only if the wheelbase doesn't change. actual speed of 90 is comfortable.

You got some dodgy suspension bushes Didge

Mine handles nicely at 110+ but that's in stark contrast to how it drove when I first bought it.

Have to be more inclined to agree with Pat's range.

I find the sweet spot to be 98km/hr for open road cruising (flat, no wind). Any higher and revs are too high and the temp gauge likes to start to creep.

That's on 1996 110 hardtop, Allisport rad and intercooler, 235/85s.

Also, an everyday ride for the record. Maybe not economical or practical, but enjoyable...

Originally Posted by RDM

Have to be more inclined to agree with Pat's range.

I find the sweet spot to be 98km/hr for open road cruising (flat, no wind). Any higher and revs are too high and the temp gauge likes to start to creep.

That's on 1996 110 hardtop, Allisport rad and intercooler, 235/85s.

Also, an everyday ride for the record. Maybe not economical or practical, but enjoyable...

Fascinating how all 300tdi's are slightly different. Afterall they are organic beasts just like us. All the variables including being hand built, driver input over the years, different oils, climates, working lives, add up to difference.

My 300tdi 110 is economical, practical and enjoyable. Apart from the rattles induced by being loved on country so much and the constant cabin noise, it could be a new vehicle! I often marvel at how easy it is to park compared to longer dualcab Utes with less visibility. How practical it is whereby nothing fazes it ever, no load, no road. Simplicity @ 10l per 100km, no matter what. As a daily drive it's perfect I reckon.