Mod 300tdi vs isuzi 4bd1t

[xrayxray]

Hi guys,your opinions would be appreciated.
Background- I have just bought a very much abused and uncared for 130 HCUP,so it is a project to restore and improve.
I purchased this vehicle specifically for its 3.5 ton towing capacity,very few vehicles are available as a dual cab with this capacity,I won't be doing much 4wd only light work when i do but will be doing a lot of highway towing with about a 2.8 ton boat.
So far this is what I have done.
New front shocks.
Rear shock bushes.
New rear brake disc and caliper.
Purchased New/unused R380 box.
Purchased good Disco 1.2 Lt 230.
Will be using 255/85/16 tyres and only towing in 4th gear.
Got panel and interior damage to repair as well.


Now the motor hasn't been looked after and has 250,000 klm,Turbo is sad and needs replacing.

So the object is to have more engine power,tow in 4th,reduce revs with taller tyres and transfer case.

Mods for the engine would be
DTS Turbo upgrade.
Dieselgas L/P gas conversion.
3" exhaust system.
Injector pump tuning.
Extra engine bay ventillation.
Whole of system tuned to exceptable EGT.

Now the question is will the motor be capable of these modifications and will the Expected increase and driveline changes be suitable for towing my boat.
Or should I consider a 4BD1T transplant.

[Defender=1st]

I would imagine for towing a 4BD1-T would be much better....

[87County]

be prepared for more nvh with the isuzu; ie, in comparison, the 300tdi is much smoother, but it is believed that the R380 will handle the isuzu if treated intelligently...

I have both and the isuzu has the torque, the 300tdi has the smoothness and higher road speeds...

cannot speak too highly of the dieselgas addition, but don't expect a vast improvement at low revs (eg when starting off in high range).

regards etc......

[xrayxray]

Hi 87 County,
Is your Diesel gas tuned for economy or power and is it the Dieselgas brand or an Ecoshot or other.

Cheers Mickey.

[rick130]

and you'll be starting in low range second all the time with that gearing, particularly when towing.......

[mcrover]

Number of questions come to mind:

1. What are you expecting, power and economy wise as your ratio selection wont help either with a 300TDI.

2. How much money do you want to spend

3. What year is your 130 (being a 300TDI should be well within the range that the Isuzu was built im assuming) to avoid having to do emissions testing etc to save dollars.

4. Did you know that the High range gearing in the Disco transfer box is higher so will change your overall gearing so you will be bogged down all the time and good luck towing.

Tweaking the pump is good for a bit of improovement but it's not sheep stations as you still only have a 2.5ltr engine under the bonnet.

IMHO.......I would disregard the horrible noise and fit a 4BD1-t and a Diesel gas conversion but run the Isuzu gearbox and the Deefa LT230 transfer case.

I would also look at fitting 4.11 diff centres if it still bogs down but I dont think it would with a 4BD1-t under the bonnet.

[xrayxray]

Hi Ric 130,
If I go back to a "not so tall tyre" do you reckon that will alleviate the problem of starting off.

Cheers Mickey.

[rick130]

even with a 235/85 and stock fuelling on a 300Tdi you'll need second low for starting when towing. (speaking from experience towing horses)
It's been years since I've been in an Isuzu Defender, but from what everyone tells me that has/has had them, the off idle torque with the Isuzu is fantastic.
Increasing the fuelling in a 300tdi is well worth it in my experience, although even with a 3"exhaust, it's still doughy on 255/85's starting off.
Small displacement does that.
I'd love a VNT as I'd reckon it'd help a lot, as does the MTQ kit.
Wait for JustinC to chime in, as he's recently converted a 300Tdi CC 130 to an Isuzu turbo, and he's fitted quite a few MTQ kits to 300tdi's, but I know what he'll say (hint, he loves the 4BD1T ;) )

[xrayxray]

Ric 130,
According to the websites that i have look at,

MTQ turbo kit will increase output to 135 HP. and 335 nm.
Dieselgas is expected to increase output further by about 20% so this is getting upwards of the safe capability of the Gearbox,which I believe is rated at 380 NM.
3" exhaust will help with the turbo spooling up at less RPM
Torque curves are improved at less RPM,so theoretically this should be ample power to tow with.
If I decide to go Isuzi will the R380 fit the motor and what sort of problems if any are involved with the conversion and how much hassle is involved.
I was told by an engine supply company that the conversions are being frowned on by the authorities,this may also be crap,hence the enquiry to the men/sheilas with experience.

Cheers Mickey.

[Blknight.aus]

nutshelling it...

the suzi is a tractor the tdi Is a passanger car engine.

what do you need most?

[PAT303]

I agree with Rick,with tall transfer gears and tyres you are going to struggle.A mate of mine has the fueling,diesel gas set-up and it tows very well but he has the 1.4-1 gearing.You will need to get a PWR rad,PWR5155 or the first hot day tall hill you will boil.I am going to put vents into my bonnet to increase air flow, you should do the same,it is a good idea.A set off EBC brake pads and high temp(racing style) brake fluid is a must.It will tow well,mine has done it's fair share and they are very stable,more than most others.4x4 Australia used the defender to tow the Jeep out when it broke down in the 4x4 of the year awards.There was three cruisers there.That is saying something. Pat

[xrayxray]

All ready planned om extra ventilation in the engine bay.

Cheers Mickey.

[Dougal]

I agree with Rick,with tall transfer gears and tyres you are going to struggle.

I wouldn't think so.

Run the Isuzu box (I have an MSA-5G), they have a decent ratio spread (1st = 5.8:1) and you'll never break them.
I run a 1:1.003 LT230R behind my 4BD1T and Isuzu box, it spins wheels in second on dry tarseal.
When I had a 1.2:1 transfer box I towed a dead toyota Dyna over a mountain pass in second without issues.
First gear is only needed for slow work, like launching boats. Same for low range.

The 1.2 transferbox in 4th with those tyres will give you about 2300rpm at 100km/h. That's ideal for towing IMO.
5th with the isuzu box I've got would give 1750rpm at 100km/h.

The only time my rangie ever gets hot is rallying up skifield access roads. That's low speed and full load combined with 2000m of altitude and engine intake temps of 130 deg C. I'm using a rover V8 radiator and no intercooler.

[rick130]

Dougal, Pat's talking about the 300tdi. ;)

[rick130]

Oh, and I wouldn't use EBC pads, they tend to vary too much, batch to batch. Either Ferodo 4WD or if you are really going to cane them, Formula Ferodo (DT2000) compound.
Castrol Response Super DOT 4 is also adequate as a brake fluid. Much, much cheaper than SRF.

[Bush65]

The Isuzu 4BD1-T is the better option for towing, but if you only have short distances a tweaked 300Tdi may be acceptable.

In addition to what others have said, you should add:

an oil cooler to the R380 if 130's don't already have one
a decent intercooler upgrade
an EGT gauge
The VNT turbo from an International 2.8HS (contact Jase on this forum) will be much better than the MTQ turbo.

[xrayxray]

OK so if I go Isuzu what do I have to do and purchase to do the conversion.

Cheers Mickey.

[slug_burner]

If your going to go the turbo upgrade that will set you back a few $k. Why not got the VNT with the 2.8 motor I expect that it should be up around $12K - $14K but you will get a new motor that has had all the 300 Tdi issues sorted.

But if it comes down to 300 Tdi vs 4BD1T if you can put up with the NV then there is no replacement for displacement.

If you are going down the 4BD1T path, here is a link for a V8 to 4BD1T conversion. There should be a lot of similaraties.


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/isuzu-landy-enthusiasts-section/55113-county-v8-4bd1turbo-conversion.html

[rick130]

<snip>
In addition to what others have said, you should add:
an oil cooler to the R380 if 130's don't already have one<snip>

Thank's John, forgot about that.

If you don't have an oil cooler, you'll be changing Syntrans every 20,000km, if not sooner. Even most 75w-90's can't cope with the heat. The only one that stands a chance is Motul Gear 300, and I haven't tried it to see how it works yet (15.2 cSt @ 100°C and a VI of 222 !!)
It's more fluid than Syntrans at 0° too ! and doesn't thin out near as badly at high temps, and being a (buffered) GL5, gives much better gear/bearing protection if the temps get excessive

Syntrans Visc @ 0°C = 480 cSt
Gear 300 Visc @ 0°C = 425 cSt

I'm currently running Torco RTF, and while a touch slower change when cold, it's really no better than Syntrans when warm/hot.

[PAT303]

Mate honestly the Tdi will do the job.It is alot easier as it is standard and I agree that the isuzu is the better engine for just towing to a point,but that is taking nothing from the Tdi.With diesel-gas you have to drive one to appreciate just how well it makes the Tdi go,the other thing is the money you save over time.You said the turbo was U/S,put a modern V/nozzle one on.Modern technology leaves the big engines behind. Pat

[Tombie]

Sounds like a candidate for a 2.8 conversion... that would be nicer:)

[sclarke]

Stick with the Defender Transfer Case... the High range gearsin will be better for Towing

Steve

[Dougal]

Dougal, Pat's talking about the 300tdi. ;)

Oh right, my apologies.:D

Why change a 2.5 for a 2.8?
If towing is the aim, another litre of displacement will never disappoint.
Sure you can turn up the 300tdi, but you can do exactly the same to the Isuzu. At the same boost and EGT you'll be putting out 50% more torque and power without the hassle or detonation of lpg.

[87County]

Hi 87 County,
Is your Diesel gas tuned for economy or power and is it the Dieselgas brand or an Ecoshot or other.

Cheers Mickey.

dieselgas fitted by klr, tuned for best power/economy tradeoff I believe

[101 Ron]

I tow 2.5 tonnes of boat with my tdi 300 130 and it is no fun.
Gear changes are frequent to keep the motor happy and any sort of a slope means a low range start.
The vehicle handles the load well,but 2.5 litres of diesel just hasnt got the bottom end punch to do the job well.
My defender is stock in power and gearing .

[PAT303]

My point in all this is that you could hot up the Tdi engine,better turbo,intercooler D/Gas the works for less than a 2.8-isuzu swap,less than half the cost.I have towed 1.9T with mine for alot of miles and it just needs that bit more than it has and an upgrade would do it.D/gas has alot going for it,I'm like most of you on this forum I don't want extra power for the sake of less engine life but it has been around along time and long haul companies are using it to there advantage.My tax check this year is buying mine. Pat

[Bush65]

Someone in another thread said that international don't make the 2.8HS anymore. It is understandable, the way emission regs are changing.

I tried searching today for the international site that had the international 2.8HS engine. It has been a few years since I had last been there.

The only international site I can find now has a different range of engines now, but this one would have no trouble towing (if it would fit into the engine bay). MaxxForce™ 5 for Class 4–5 Trucks - MaxxForce™ (http://www.maxxforce.com/Application/on-highway/Category/Class_4-5/Product/MaxxForce_5)

I have a turbo from a maxxforce 5 engine that I hope to fit to my 4bD1-T.

So it doesn't look like you could get a 2.8HS, but the turbo and manifold (to upgrade a 300Tdi) should still be available (as spare parts).

Good alternatives to a 4BD1-T are the toyota 14BT and 15BT

[xrayxray]

I am currently looking into the availability of the Garrett vnt and manifold off a 2.8.
not having much luck sourcing info on them.

Cheers Mickey.

[rick130]

Someone in another thread said that international don't make the 2.8HS anymore. It is understandable, the way emission regs are changing.

I tried searching today for the international site that had the international 2.8HS engine. It has been a few years since I had last been there.

<snip>

It's still listed on the MWM International site MWM INTERNATIONAL Motores (http://www.nav-international.com.br/default.asp'su=3&pa=series&idSerie=44)

[Bush65]

Thanks Rick, was just curious.

[rick130]

looks like they're using this engine in the Ford Ranger now
MWM INTERNATIONAL Motores (http://www.nav-international.com.br/default.asp'su=3&pa=series&idSerie=43)
so probably have dropped the HS2.8

[justinc]

even with a 235/85 and stock fuelling on a 300Tdi you'll need second low for starting when towing. (speaking from experience towing horses)
It's been years since I've been in an Isuzu Defender, but from what everyone tells me that has/has had them, the off idle torque with the Isuzu is fantastic.
Increasing the fuelling in a 300tdi is well worth it in my experience, although even with a 3"exhaust, it's still doughy on 255/85's starting off.
Small displacement does that.
I'd love a VNT as I'd reckon it'd help a lot, as does the MTQ kit.
Wait for JustinC to chime in, as he's recently converted a 300Tdi CC 130 to an Isuzu turbo, and he's fitted quite a few MTQ kits to 300tdi's, but I know what he'll say (hint, he loves the 4BD1T ;) )

Here I am!!:)

The 130 we recently converted to turbo/intercooled 4BD1 broke the LT85. The vehicle would pull 2 tons at 100km/hr in 5th easily, so he did, and he broke 5th gear, and damaged the mainshaft. Big $$$.
MTQ kits to Tdi's. I rate them as a good thing, BUT not really making full use without a bigger intercooler.
The 4BD1T. What can I say...Mine is fitted to a 1992 RR. It is running .996:1 High range in an Ex perentie LT95, 33" tyres, 2.5" exhaust, Garrett TB25 watercooled turbo, a large front mount I/C. With this set up and with 15PSI max boost at the manifold, I get around 490Degrees in top gear towing a camper trailer hard up a long steep hill. I just got around 12L/100KM for the whole trip, which included mud and slop low range driving, about 700KM of hilly and twisty bitumen driving(300 of it towing a camper) and I was loaded with the family and all our stuff.
I can't praise these engines enough, but get the gearing right, use a LT95 4 speed, and use a County 110 4BD1, as these are a lot smoother than the truck fitted versions.

JC

[Bush65]

If I were to put a 4BD1-T into a 130, I would seriously consider using the Isuzu 5 speed. I'm assuming the extra wheel base of the 130 would allow the t/case to be divorced - don't know if there are cross members or floor in the way though.

Devorcing simplifies adapting the gearbox to the LT230.

The Isuzu gearshift is cable operated.

I used a 6 speed gearbox behind mine, but that involves a bit more work to adapt to the 4BD1-T. For a gearshift I used a gearlever assy from an old Toyota Corolla.

[Dougal]

If I were to put a 4BD1-T into a 130, I would seriously consider using the Isuzu 5 speed. I'm assuming the extra wheel base of the 130 would allow the t/case to be divorced - don't know if there are cross members or floor in the way though.

Devorcing simplifies adapting the gearbox to the LT230.

The Isuzu gearshift is cable operated.

I used a 6 speed gearbox behind mine, but that involves a bit more work to adapt to the 4BD1-T. For a gearshift I used a gearlever assy from an old Toyota Corolla.

The Isuzu gearbox is short enough that you wouldn't have to move the Tcase with a clever divorced setup.
A rigid setup can be significantly shorter than an R380/LT77. Here's a rough picture of mine, the last piece of LT77 gearbox shown there is used as a hollow spacer.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2009/04/790.jpg

[xrayxray]

Got on the phone today to price Garrett VNT turbo,no help from anyone in brissy,in fact one place said there more trouble than their worth due to the fact they need a vacumm and no bits for a manifold and he said the original turbo is probably the best one for that motor.
So at the moment no joy on sourcing a VNT and other bits needed to do the change over.

[Dougal]

Got on the phone today to price Garrett VNT turbo,no help from anyone in brissy,in fact one place said there more trouble than their worth due to the fact they need a vacumm and no bits for a manifold and he said the original turbo is probably the best one for that motor.
So at the moment no joy on sourcing a VNT and other bits needed to do the change over.

Someone in the UK supplies them. I thought it was Allard, but I can't find anything relevant on their website.

*edit* it was Allard, this page mentioned 675 pounds.
Allard Turbo Sport (http://www.allardturbosport.co.uk/pages/specialist_aluminium_products.shtml)

[PAT303]

The peope in the UK are ALLiSPORT.They are showing them as a new product and don't have them on their website yet. Pat

[Dougal]

The peope in the UK are ALLiSPORT.They are showing them as a new product and don't have them on their website yet. Pat

Allard have been doing them for at least two years.

[Bush65]

Someone in the UK supplies them. I thought it was Allard, but I can't find anything relevant on their website.

*edit* it was Allard, this page mentioned 675 pounds.
Allard Turbo Sport (http://www.allardturbosport.co.uk/pages/specialist_aluminium_products.shtml)
Many people think that all VNT's have vacuum actuators, because the VNT's on modern computer controlled diesels have vacuum actuators.

But they are wrong to assume that the actuator on the VNT from the International 2.8HS is like the others. The fact is the 2.8HS does not have a computer and the actuator is powered by the boost pressure. See pic below of mine - it is clear that the hose to the actuator gets boost pressure from the compressor outlet. The other leg of the tee fitting provide pressure to the boost compensator on the fuel injection pump.

You need to contact Jase on this forum. He was the importer of the 2.8HS engine and he was able to get the manifold and turbo.

[Bush65]

The Isuzu gearbox is short enough that you wouldn't have to move the Tcase with a clever divorced setup.
...
Sorry, I was thinking of the overall length of my 6 speed, which is about the same as the R380. And coupling them using a double u-joint (like a double cardan joint but without the centering ball joint).

[xrayxray]

Thanks for the heads up on the turbo's and have sent emails to the UK.
Haven't had a reply PM back from Jase.

cheers..Mickey.

[xrayxray]

Received an answer back on the HS 2.8 turbo kit and here is a photo.
Cost of kit about $2,385.00.

[Bush65]

That kit is different to mine. Looks like it is better suited to the 300Tdi.

From memory the MTQ kit with Mitsu wastebate turbo was about $2400.

[xrayxray]

Thanks to every one for there input.
I have decided to upgrade the 300tdi rather than an Isuzu transplant.

I will be fitting a Garrett VNT Kit being supplied by Allisport in the UK,this kit will have everything to replace whats on there now.
Manufacturer of the kit reports that quote "We have recently developed a kit For 300 tdi models, to allow the installation of the VNT or variable vane turbo from the 2.8 TGV engines, which can give maximum boost at around 1200 rpm
This is ideal for towing or competition use as the usual “lag” situation is greatly reduced."
There will also be a intercooler upgrade and an exhaust upgrade along with more engine bay ventilation and an EGT Gauge.
I will also be sending the vehicle to M & R Automotive at redcliffe for the timing belt shim kit and the Injector pump tuning.
Also looking at cooling the gearbox.
Cheers,
Mickey.

[PAT303]

There is going to be alot of interest in your set-up once it is going.You will need to keep us informed. Pat

[Bush65]

I think you will be happy with it. Not as good for towing long distances as a tuned 4BD1-T but much easier and cheaper to do.

Edit: BTW, I have posted some of the info an pic on the LR4x4 forum in the UK, as a lot of the members there will be interested.

I trust Allisport are not including VAT (that is for UK residents). As it is over $1000, including delivery, Aus customs will charge GST and probably duty (GST on top of duty).

[xrayxray]

Pat,I will keep every one one informed of the progress from start to finish and provide some Dyno reports and real towing experiences.

John,Quote didn't include VAT but like you believe it doesn't get charged.
Yeah GST and duties will be applicable this end.

Andrew from Allisport is doing the Outback challenge in Morroco starting this week,so there is a delay of a week before he can get a kit together.

cheers.
Mickey.

[JohnM]

G'day Mickey

Just wondering if you have recieved the kit from the UK yet, if so how is the conversion going?. Interested in doing something very similar.

Cheers

[xrayxray]

Ordered the full size Intercooler the larger Alloy Radiator and the VNT turbo kit,
allisport are getting all the components ready this week and should receive everything in about 3 weeks time,I'll post some pic's when I receive the goods.

Cheers Mickey.

[markb]

I have just changed the 3.5 V8 in my 87 range rover for a 300tdi and gearbox out of a disco. The fuel pump has been done up and 2.5 inch exhaust system fitted. I run 265 75 R16 and am very happy with the result, from memory when it was put on the dyno it had 69kw. Fuel consumption has halved and it goes much better than the old 3.5 ever did and better than my mates 3.9. The only problem is the lack of power under 2000rpm and it blows a fair bit of black smoke. I will be fitting a Dieselgas Australia gas injection in month so hopefully this will help with low down power and reduce some of the smoke.

[Dougal]

I have just changed the 3.5 V8 in my 87 range rover for a 300tdi and gearbox out of a disco. The fuel pump has been done up and 2.5 inch exhaust system fitted. I run 265 75 R16 and am very happy with the result, from memory when it was put on the dyno it had 69kw. Fuel consumption has halved and it goes much better than the old 3.5 ever did and better than my mates 3.9. The only problem is the lack of power under 2000rpm and it blows a fair bit of black smoke. I will be fitting a Dieselgas Australia gas injection in month so hopefully this will help with low down power and reduce some of the smoke.

69kw at the wheels is quite a repectable result. Do you know what rpm that occurs at?

The smoke will be due to a lack of boost, you should get the boost compensator on the pump tuned to minimise that. Adding LPG won't help, if you can burn that amount of fuel without the boost then you'll have very high exhaust temps and risk engine damage.

[PAT303]

Just to compare my factory stock Tdi has 63kw dynoed at the wheels. Pat

[Patrol 32]

Hello XRAYXRAY,

I have some considerable experience with the ARMY Perentie vehicles which have the Isuzu engines (4BD1 & 4BD1T). In my experience you should be able to use the standard gearing, this is in fact what Land Rover engineers designed the vehicle for, towing heavy weights.

The 4BD1T is a bomb proof engine however the 4BD1 and 4BD1T are not identical. Please ensure you get a genuine Isuzu factory 4BD1T.

The weak point in this role is the clutch.

For highway driving you may wish to invest in a Rocky Mountain overdrive, this is technically superior to the GKN as it is self lubricating and has an epicyclic gear train.

As others have suggested, you may need to budget. I have formally investigated upgrade of the engine which included variable geometry turbo and water to air aftercooler. The ARMY installed an air to air aftercooler on some 4BD1T engines and received a measured 20 Kw more power. If you can afford a new turbo and intercooler the engine will run cooler and more fuel efficiently. Industry experts have stated the Isusu 4BD1T crankshaft would absorb 500 HP, so you are most unlikely to damage the engine!

Again, I think the Defender gear ratios are fine, again towing 3.5 tonnes is part of the Land Rover engineering design, the R380 has five gears over the same spread as the LT95A which has proven to be a superb gearbox. Of course your alternate if to install a ZF Auto, the torque converter will absorb all the shock loading of start off and with its inherant lock up clutch is a mechanical connection once engaged. It this role you just have to ensure the transmission cooler is large and clean for good heat loss. The alternate is an Alison AT545 which has been installed in Isuzu trucks, see you local Detroit Diesel/Allison dealer for details of the bell housing which should be avail;able as a spare or from a wrecker.

I once towed a laden 6x6 with another laden 6x6, a GCM of 11.2 tonnes and had no trouble at all. LT95A standard gears, High Range 0.96, Diff 4.7. Max road speed 95 Kph @ 3300 RPM (later 105 Kph @ 3600 RPM).

Good luck, I would love to see your end result.

XRAYXRAY,

Sorry for the late reply. Did you look at the 2.8 TSV engine from UK? also a simple way of helping you engine to breath is to ceramic coat the exhaust manifold, or wrap it with heat proof tape. This keeps the heat in the exhaust gases and makes them flow fast rather than cooling in the manifold,, slowing down and choking the engine. You can also wrap the turbo body for the same reason and this also helps keep the induction side cooler by barring heat convection from the exhaust side.

MS

[uninformed]

just some personal thoughts:

no matter which way you go. i would up grade the radiator and intercooler. the stock ones are marginal at best! also make sure you replace the LR temp gauge and sender. these are very bad!!! they seem to have a buffer built in, in other words it will read normal from say 88c to 97c.... not so good hey!

i HAD a 300tdi, its just not designed for towing or any decent weight. sorry but true. i bought my 110trayback with 48000km in VERY good condition. i had it serviced EVERY 10000km without fail. it had a 3 inch mandrel bent exhaust, the fuel turned up a bit and one of "Jase's" upgraded intercoolers.

8 months ago the head needed to be replaced because of a crack in the galleries. 2 months ago it spun a bearing from the crank to conrod. i no longer have a 300tdi.

i use my truck to tow my trailer to work. dual axle about 1.8t, stock gearing except for maxidrive 49%lowrange. it didnt like taking off from stand still and didnt like hills either.

they just dont have the design to be long lasting if used for what the truck can do. and my personal opinion is any "hotting" up will only reduce the running life of the engine.

Serg

[xrayxray]

Just an update everyone,
I decided to upgrade the existing 300tdi.
I ordered a VNT Turbo kit which includes a new exhaust manifold and dump pipe.
A full size intercooler.
An Alloy radiator with integral engine oil cooler which now extends into the area occupied by the original intercooler.
These items are now on the way from the UK and were ordered from Allisport.
With fuel pump tweaks and mandrel bent exhaust Allisport have projected an increase to 155+ horsepower so we shall see,plus a magor gain in torque at lower engine revs.
I have replaced a few components and have plans for some further modifications.
So far I have replaced the R380 with a new unused crate gearbox,I have replaced the transfer case with a Disco unit with 1.22 gears.
Extra heavy duty towing clutch from Exedy clutches,new brakes,new shocks plus lots of minor stuff,and fixing oil leaks,the vehicle was purchased with a few dents so those dented guards are being replaced.
Eventually I will respray in metalic red to match the boat.
things to do-Install Pyrometer,Fabricate Chequer plate aluminum bonnet panels with pressed Louvre's to assist in engine bay ventillation,soundproofing,remove tub and fit a custom tray.
There are some things I would like to do and maybe you guys can suggest how I go about it-oil cooler for gearbox,and I will probably fit a bigger sump pan to the transfer case but I will weld some heat sink extrusion to it.
And I'm open to suggestions from AULRO Knowledge Bank(you guys).
Cheers Mickey.

[Bush65]

There was a thread a few months back on the gearbox oil cooler. I fitted the thermatic valve housing from an Lt77 to my R380, then ran hoses forward to an oil cooler.

I've only seen pics of the sumps for LT230's. Some have a pump so the oil can be run to a cooler. They replace the rectangular cover under the LT230.

LT230's are pretty robust once the cross drilled input gear is used. The main weakness is the cross shafts in the centre diff - best to get an after market one piece cross shaft. Mcnamara make them (I think Ashcroft in the UK may also have them if you don't like dealing with Jeff).

The lubrication of the output shaft can be improved - see my thread here (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/45456-lt230-lubrication-mods.html)