Thread: TDI Vs TD5 Vs PUMA

PHEEEEWWWW I go away for a few days and the info (& p&p) just floods in!!

Firstly, I really do appreciate everyone's input.
I have now driven a couple of tdi's and for me they just don't have the go on the hills & 110km hr seems to be about it. I really don't know how people can say a tdi will keep up with even a stock td5?
I liked my 2.4 puma to drive, it was very streetable, went like a cut cat after BAS remap and after dynamat I could hear the stereo on a dirt road. However, the turbo chucked it in at 90k, the wiring loom for the turbo is stretched across the compressor and tight even when she's not flexing) The wiring loom is an issue too - cheap ford stuf - not worlds best 4x4 stuff. But then Lucas electrics.......
I don't believe the drivetrain is adequate (without xy upgrades) and I also believe it's going to cost a fair bit to keep one on the road now production has ceased & parts are already getting dearer.
I have decided to compromise and buy a td5 I think. There are plenty of motors around to rebuild, or you can get one reco'd for $3500.
I also have found a great mechanic, one of Bruce Davis ex crew, who really likes the td5.
I'm yet to buy one, been so busy, but must get one soon as our Tassie trip in January looms.
Thanks again to all, it's a great read and a great community.
I'll post something when I get it
Col

I've never owned a Defender, but I do have 2 Discos, a 300TDi and a TD5. Very different, both great.

Anyway, reading this thread makes me wonder; just how hard could it be to retrofit A/C to an older Deefer? Both the TD1 and TD5 Discos came with air, so there's your compressor, mount, belt and pulley issues sorted. There must be room for a condenser in there somewhere ( nothing says that it has to be in front of the rad.... ), and maybe grab an evaporator and fan assy out some Jap wreck, a bit of piping, wiring and vent ducting and there you have it. No?

Originally Posted by PAT303

.. TDCi,it's an all over better vehicle than the other two,the build quality of mine is no better or worse than any other model and once you fix the bigger problems real world ownership has presented,the adapter and clutch,they are the best of the breed. Pat

Sorry, but it cant be best of breed if it is a mongrel with a Ford Engine! As for differences in build quality check out the threads on rust, some evidence there of cost cutting on materials.

Its hard to forgive land rover for somehow managing to build a newer defender with a weaker driveline. But worse than that they filled in the holes where there should be trademark bulkhead vents... hideously mutilated!

Each to their own but for me the Puma does not represent the best years of defender.

That said there is a good chance you will feel better off sitting behind a modern looking plastic dash, with better seats, cooled by frosty AC, listening to less engine noise and shifting through a gearbox that doesnt make you feel like you are driving a truck. That alone could be enough to make it your choice for best Defender of all time. And fair enough.

Originally Posted by manic

No doubt, a TD5 can be turned up way beyond the TDI.

What have you done to tune your 300tdi to the max?

When I say max I mean we seem to have come to the edge of the ability of the engine cooling system but this is a work in progress and it’s nothing near the TD5

Normal mods pump tweak intercooler etc

Originally Posted by manic

Sorry, but it cant be best of breed if it is a mongrel with a Ford Engine! As for differences in build quality check out the threads on rust, some evidence there of cost cutting on materials.

Its hard to forgive land rover for somehow managing to build a newer defender with a weaker driveline. But worse than that they filled in the holes where there should be trademark bulkhead vents... hideously mutilated!

Each to their own but for me the Puma does not represent the best years of defender.

That said there is a good chance you will feel better off sitting behind a modern looking plastic dash, with better seats, cooled by frosty AC, listening to less engine noise and shifting through a gearbox that doesnt make you feel like you are driving a truck. That alone could be enough to make it your choice for best Defender of all time. And fair enough.

The thing I'm looking forward to the most is those bulkhead vents

Originally Posted by djam1

When I say max I mean we seem to have come to the edge of the ability of the engine cooling system but this is a work in progress and it’s nothing near the TD5

Normal mods pump tweak intercooler etc

Slow agony on a TDI is pre boost, the lag is huge. You have a VNT on the TD5, tell me you have one on the TDI?

Ive just received a VNT turbo for the TDI from allisport/turbotechnics . Should go well in the 90!