Thread: Motor and Diesel 2.8l 300Tdi

Chatting to a mate who has had a few of the 2.8's, he said they aren't worth the money for such little gain.
Just do the usual 300tdi mods.

Have one, blew it up (my fault). Rebuilt twice, awaiting a head gasket at least currently.

Good luck trying to buy an alternator for them. All parts ever needed will need to come from M&D (except some of the shared 300tdi parts.)

For that money id be looking at the TD5. IMO a better engine in design, power and tune-ability, and way easier to source parts.

The 300tdi lacks cooling, a big part of this is intercooling. The HS 2.8TGV is only going to suffer more.

Actually, after re reading that, I definitely would not!. The genuine HS 2.8 TGV cylinder block was an improvemnt over the 300Tdi. This is using a LR 300 Tdi block. The HS 2.8 TGV also used a proper engine oil cooler and not the radiator. The vacuum pump is fitted to the rear of the alternator. Better than the LR set up, but you cant get alternators any more, not even other brands or models work.(except the modified ones that M&D do) If they are using the 300 Tdi alternator and seperate vacuum pump then thats good for availability. The timing gears are definitely better on the 2.8 TGV, which they use in this conversion.

keep your 300tdi or go TD5 IMO

btw, I have the actual HS 2.8 TGV in my 110. I dont think they are the hype they were made out to be, much like the talk of 300TDi's towing 2t at 130 on the hwy no problems.... BS!

Mine was let down somewhat by intercooling. Yes I had it upgraded but not front mount. I did have a 3 inch madrel bent exhaust that helped spool up.

Its still just a 2.8 turbo diesel.

Shoogs said he had done all the usual upgrades to the 300tdi. I wonder if you are going to be doing a midlife rebuild, if you haven't gone down the VNT route yet might be worth considering, maybe a performance head (if available) and maybe an auto conversion (which may help a lot with the towing).

Interesting to know what mods you already have Shoogs

Originally Posted by Wicks89

Shoogs said he had done all the usual upgrades to the 300tdi. I wonder if you are going to be doing a midlife rebuild, if you haven't gone down the VNT route yet might be worth considering, maybe a performance head (if available) and maybe an auto conversion (which may help a lot with the towing).

Interesting to know what mods you already have Shoogs

Wicks,

Allisport intercooler, VNT, exhaust, radiator, massaged pump, you name it, all done, except for a new performance head, problem is its a Camel Trophy 110, so a lot more weight than normal with the cage, rack etc...

Auto, is in the thought process as well...

Problem is I like the 300tdi, we put all manner of fuel in it, all over Africa, it just goes and goes, and I know it well... towing with it is quite good, in isolation until you hit a head wind or slope, off road no issue, sand, no issue.

Just thoughts at the moment as in 2021 we are off again up through Americas, hence the midlife over a year or so...

Uninformed, thanks for the info all very interesting and as usual thought provoking, cheers.

For similar or even less money, i'd put an isuzu in it

Originally Posted by Vern

For similar or even less money, i'd put an isuzu in it

That's definitely the answer IMHO - install one of the available turbo options you will have a power plant that will outperform the 300tdi and will outlast you

One alternative for a gearbox to get a conversion to refit the R380 (these are available). Other gearbox adaptations have been used in conjunction with the LT230.