300tdi vs v8?

[tassydisco]

Hey all,
For the last 3.5 years I've owned a 300tdi manual box disco. When i first purchased it I drive it nearly every day. No she's got all the fruit on it and is only ever used for 4wding, occasional towing and the odd Sunday drive! I have been considering purchasing another disco with a v8 and an auto box and doing a swap of all the gear, and then flogging off the 300tdi and gearbox.
My question is, is there any major problems that I should be looking out for in the v8 and any particular model that is better than others? I'm not so concerned of the drive line as my 300tdi has good diffs, steering components,brakes etc. The reason for wanting to change is I'd love a bit more power and aren't so concerned about echonimy because it won't be used all that often. I love the sound and feel if a v8 in the bush(used to own a 76 rangie)
Also opinions on the auto box and what to keep an eye out for?
Thanks heaps, regards
Adam

[tassydisco]

Hey George, I'm after a complete disco already with v8. To do a conversion is to much hassle for me with engineering and registration. Also by the time i take everything off my disco there will be nothing left of it. Thanks anyway...

[loanrangie]

The V8 will you plenty of ECHO nimy :p, seriously i wouldnt bother with the swap a good tdi will give a V8 D1 a run for its money - i have no trouble showing up the V8 dunnydoor bogans in my tdi auto d1.

[isuzurover]

The V8 will you plenty of ECHO nimy :p, seriously i wouldnt bother with the swap a good tdi will give a V8 D1 a run for its money - i have no trouble showing up the V8 dunnydoor bogans in my tdi auto d1.

Sorry I have trouble believing either of those - any vids of the v8 commodores???

There is no comparison between a V8 and a 300TDI (off boost) for slow speed stuff offroad.


Anyway, back OT - have a read up on slipped liners in the V8s, to make sure you don't buy one with those issues. Also - thoroughly check out the cooling system. Other than that, there isn't much to watch out for.

[Tank]

The V8 will you plenty of ECHO nimy :p, seriously i wouldnt bother with the swap a good tdi will give a V8 D1 a run for its money - i have no trouble showing up the V8 dunnydoor bogans in my tdi auto d1.
You're dreaming, Regards Frank.

[Thommo]

I have sung the praise of a V8 on many occasions.
Whilst mine generally is used for weekend play it still sees quite a lot of weekday use. I went out of my way to purchase a V8 manual NOT ON GAS which is not always easy to source. I have done about 100K since purchase a few years back when they were cheap (it now has 230K+) and while I have spent some money on it I would have spent even more on maintaining a diesel. The V8 takes heaps of abuse, pulls hard, sounds great, is easy to fix and cheap for parts.
My D1 body is currently falling apart and I may also be looking for another D1V8.:)
Thommo
D1ESV8man

[tassydisco]

Yeah well ive been looking around at the price of Disco 1's and in general they seem to be dearer than when i purchased my TDI a few years ago! When i was looking for mine it was very rare to see a TDI over $8500. I just found one on car sales for $12000!! Dreaming? I dont know...Also the V8s seem to be fetching a fair price to. Thats a good thing for us LR owners i guess;)

How does the V8 go through water crossings? Might sound like a dumb question but its more common than not to be diving into water crossings and mud holes up and over the bonnet height here in TAS, we just had a ripper day yesterday and my TDI never missed a beat, although it has a snorkel and all the gear but thats another story.

My brother used to have a 3.5 in his Rangie and it used to hate any water crossing up past the height of his wheels. His dizzy and leads would cause havoc even if he had a water bra on and took it easy.

Does the 3.9 suffer the same way and is there a good preventative or modifacation that works well? Are the EFI electrics effected?

Also im not sure what models of disco have what motors? Is there a 3.9L Carby model?

Sorry about all the questions, all your wisdom is very much appreciated

Cheers - Adam

[TerryO]

A healthy 3.9 will snot any 300 TDI anyday of the week, once you add in a chip and a decent exhaust including headers a V8 D1 ends up being pretty quick for a old 4x4.
Its not just old diesels that a good V8 D1 will embarrass powerwise, my manual V8 D1 even with 33's seriously blows the doors off of my auto 4.0 D2a from a stand still and nearly keeps up with our TDV6 when pushed.

Go the mighty (fuel thirsty) 3.9 V8! ...:twisted:

cheers,
Terry

[Rezley]

Tassydisco,

I've never had any water issues with my motor, not too long ago I did Balfour Track which you'd know. I used a water bra but got it stuck because i went too slow, anyway it happily ran underwater for a few minutes until I was nudged out by a Patrol. The dizzy was just above water line though because I was on a lean so that would have helped ;-)


Rez

[Goots]

Seems pretty split.. Do the V8's last as long as a TDI? When in the market for one do you want to steer clear of those with say 300k+ kms or has that still got life in it yet?

Cheers,

Goots

[tassydisco]

Just read the latest 4wd action mag. There's a 130 deefer in there with 1000000kms on it and the bottom end is still original! Not a bad effort I thought for a baby oiler

[TerryO]

My 3.9 has done 300k and is still going strong and even if it died tomorrow I wouldn't be to worried as you can find plenty of good 3.9 engines for sale for $500. Correct me if I'm wrong but from what I have seen try and find any half decent TDI for less than 2k, if you can find one at all.

By the time all of the spare 3.9's are worn out all D1's will have long ago fallen apart from old age.

cheers,
Terry

[Goots]

This is slightly off topic but I've been looking for threads on converting from auto to manual and if its possible or how big a job it is. would it be different for a TDI compared to a V8?

Also how do the 3.5Ls compare to the 3.9Ls?

[gazby]

One thing's for certain, a V8 Disco will go past anything except a petrol station, they are more exciting to drive than the old plugger Tdi, but probably will get no further off road realistically if evenly equipped.
Hey you must be real flush with cash to want to near double your fuel consumption costs at a time when the only way for fuel prices is up and upward.
And there is the issue of rego costs, maybe different in your part of the world, but V8's here in QLD draw a premium (about $1200/year, vs $700 for a four cyl Tdi) rego cost.
Like has been already mentioned, thoroughly check for cylinder liner and cooling system problems in any potential D1 V8 purchase.

[rangieman]

The V8 will you plenty of ECHO nimy :p, seriously i wouldnt bother with the swap a good tdi will give a V8 D1 a run for its money - i have no trouble showing up the V8 dunnydoor bogans in my tdi auto d1.
Is it magic mushroom season all ready :wasntme::p

[Mick_Marsh]

The V8 will you plenty of ECHO nimy :p, seriously i wouldnt bother with the swap a good tdi will give a V8 D1 a run for its money - i have no trouble showing up the V8 dunnydoor bogans in my tdi auto d1.
You're on!
(Might have to learn how to be a bogan though.)

[tuf2door]

i have a v8 d1 and does it drink but love the sound of it as far as off road ability goes i don't think it makes a difference that comes down to suspension, tyres etc: when i got my d1 3.5 liter (3.5 hp) if i went through water deep than 2";) it would start missing and playing up, but a new set of leads, sealed the dizzy with non harding gasket goo (makes it water tight but u can still take the dizzy cap off), and top secret part is to spray all electrical connection with spray bandage yes that's right spray bandage to make them water tight, which i did 2 years ago and i have spent up to 5 mins in water over the bonnet and it hasn't missed a beat it's just a shame gasket goo n spray bandage doesn't work on the door seals:D

[bigcarle]

if you want a V8 try the 4.4 P76 engine, it also came in the Leyland Terrier truck :o

[Traco]

Buy a V8 and develop it. That basic V8 engine's been around for decades, proven and reliable, and there's heaps of goodies for it from all over the world if you want to tune it. A 4.6, preferably top hatted, makes a lot of difference in how it performs in a Disco especially when fitted with a high torque cam and Tornado chip. Thermo fans and a decent dissy (Scorcher) are also recommended.

And they can be made to sound sensational for not much money. I especially like the V8 autos.

I use mine on weekends mostly now so the fuel costs are kept down. But it was my daily driver for over 10 years. No lpg fitted, and no engine problems other than a duff tps and some sticking valves due to not giving it enough 'stick' (bottle of Nulon and a good work out through the gears soon fixed that).

[ozscott]

I have an 01 D2 manual V8 and a 95 D1 auto V8. I love them both. The D1 has 250k on it and still goes hard. It will likely outlast my D2 V8. The D1 runs lower temp than the D2. Disco 1 is still such a nice car even today - its a fat lazy truck that is very comfortable. I had a mate with a reconditioned (my MR) Tdi 96 and even when run in the thing wouldnt touch my high miles V8 - not even close towing 2 tonns (both similar 21 foot boats on the back) and going side by side.

Cheers

[Rezley]

I've now got one of each but all the good gear is on the V8. I will take the TDi offroad this weekend to see how it compares to make a decision if I start swapping bits over.
Bit worried about how it would tow in comparison to the V8.

Rez

[ozscott]

took my D1 for a spin today...I should have said it has done 275,000k...it still runs so smoothly and powerfully...so much for soft cams.

Cheers

[Young Angus]

I did have a V8i 3.9 on gas and I got rid of it for a Tdi and I will never go back. I do miss the V8 though as it was a nice thing to drive but there were always little things going wrong here and there that were just annoying, probably true for any car though. I prefer the reliability and longer range of the Tdi though, even if it is a bit slower off the mark and doesn't sound as sweet ;)

If you were hell bent on a V8 though I'd probably just say go for one with low km's and WITHOUT gas as gas seems to be the root of many problems people have with these cars. Just be prepared to fork out a fair bit in fuel but if you're not driving it heaps then that's not too much of a problem anyway.

[Tdi Nico]

Im new to landrover but my mates have had them for years in almost every shape or form. In my opinion i would stick with the Tdi. I have just bought one for $2k with a crook motor. it has spun a big end and i am looking at $1800 for complete rebuild including machining, every gasket replacement, new rings and bearings. So i think the rebuild cost is non existent

But who doesnt want more power. My dad has a Range Rover Classic with the 3.9 and gee it drinks. But that noise is devine. I would in my opinion go for a gen4 or an Holden 5.0 way better on fuel more parts more power and itll be close to the same as purchasing a replacement high km 3.9

[Blknight.aus]

tdi300..

between my 2 tdi's (200+300) standard size tanks are seeing about 1.5/2l of diesel/Avtur per 100 with the other 8-10l/100 coming from wvo.

And the best bit...

as its tax time again, another round of phone calls, on hold, dunno, let me put you through to thus and so, they'll know. The ATO has left it at (again) that trying to work out how to pay the taxes on it is all too hard. So long as Im not selling it or giving it away dont bother declaring it.

[Rezley]

Ok just got back from a Border Track trip in the Tdi. I'm very happy with it, especially the economy. Only down side is climbing hills on the freeway. Don't want to hold foot flat for long until I fit an EGT to it.
So at this point I think I'm soon to be a V8 to 300Tdi convert.

Rez


I've now got one of each but all the good gear is on the V8. I will take the TDi offroad this weekend to see how it compares to make a decision if I start swapping bits over.
Bit worried about how it would tow in comparison to the V8.

Rez

[finallyrangie]

my 2c worth,

just got rid of my beloved 3.9 Rangie and got a 300tdi discovery (2.8 long stroke motor) and the only thing I miss is that lovely noise, done 1000km, only refilled once, for the ecconomy difference I'm learning to love the sound of a diesel.

Of course it depends how many kms you drive it, you will enjoy either way!

[blitz]

If you want to play in sand or mud an oiler wont see which way a V8 goes and an auto that much more so.

I dont mean driving up the beach but climbing soft sand hills or mud and goop over the top of the tyres.

I bought my 93/4 DI with a half buggered engine and after over 200 000 km added finally got around to putting an ex P38 4.6 in it. Made it a far better balanced vehicle. - my thoughts - for serious touring cant go past an oiler for serious play the V8

[Young Angus]

I love the sound of my TDi compared to the V8 I used to have...also I used to think the V8 would be better up hills on long trips but you've gotta remember it's still a 2.7 tonne car and my V8 used to be pretty similar up hills to my TDi...it was just quieter. Having said that though it may not be a fair comparison. My V8 was on LPG and my TDi has had an injector pump tweak and LPG fumigation fitted so it's got a little more guts than normal.

Cheers Frank ;)

[tomalophicon]

I love the sound of my TDi compared to the V8 I used to have...also I used to think the V8 would be better up hills on long trips but you've gotta remember it's still a 2.7 tonne car and my V8 used to be pretty similar up hills to my TDi...it was just quieter. Having said that though it may not be a fair comparison. My V8 was on LPG and my TDi has had an injector pump tweak and LPG fumigation fitted so it's got a little more guts than normal.

Cheers Frank ;)

Is your Disco really 2.7t? I think it needs to go on a diet.

[Young Angus]

Haha isn't that what they weigh? At least that's what I thought the V8's weigh and maybe the Tdi's a little less but that's going from a pretty shaky memory of reading something somewhere some time ago. Please correct me if I'm wrong, I would love to know what a Disco actually weighs.

[Rezley]

My V8 weighs bang on 2.5t with me in it. Has front and rear steel bars, steel sliders, full length steel roof cage, lpg tanks and dual batts that help get it up there.

Rez

[blitz]

remember it's still a 2.7 tonne car

Cheers Frank ;)

Mine weighs 2.75t without me in it - I cant remember about the fuel level and I now have added gas so that would be another 50kg probably so I reckon your bang on for a standard one.

[jazzaD1]

my 93 v8 disco weighed 1980kg according to the weighbridge at the tip, it was pretty much stock at the time, and probably low on fuel

[tomalophicon]

My Tdi weighs 2.2t with 2 people and 2 blue heelers in it and various crap.
I have none of the steel this and that though. I think the diesel is heavier.

I believe the Disco 1 GVM is around 2.7t so if your car weighs that much standard you're in trouble.

[Young Angus]

Ha well it's interesting that people are recording different weights for their cars which I would have thought would be more similar. I guess I've got a TJM winch bar on mine but no winch, plus a little LPG tank for the diesel LPG fumigation. I thought that my old V8 also weighed that much though...it was standard but with a couple of LPG scuba tanks.

As I indicated earlier, I actually have no idea what they weigh now but it sounds like 2.7t is not out of the ordinary.

[MR LR]

There's no way your D1 weighs 2.7t unless you fill it with 7 americans. They are all about the 2 tonne mark, standard, V8 weighs slightly less than the Tdi.

If i was going to phaff around with conversion i would put a 350 in it though, that's how i see it being worth it.

[driftwagon]

1995 ......................TDI........V8

Kerb Weight (kg) ......1980 ....1940

Pay Load (kg)...........740 ...... 780

Gross Combination
Mass (kg) ............... 6220 ......6220

Towing
Braked (kg) .............4000 .......4000

Gross Vehicle
Mass (kg) ...............2720 ......2720