Thread: Where to start?

Originally Posted by Leo109

Hi All,

Lady Daphne II (2003 DIIA Td5 Auto, ~150K km)) has been in residence for a couple of months now and we are all getting on very well. She is a delight to drive on the highway (and noticeably quieter and smoother since getting rid of the 18" wheels and 55 profile tyres) and has towed the 2300kg caravan for a couple of short trips through hilly country very satisfactorily. The ECU has a TRS sticker so I'm assuming it's not standard and I'm pretty happy with the performance (coming after a 300Tdi...). Now would appreciate some suggestions on what future projects are worthwhile and in which order.

Oil pump bolt check seems to be no.1 priority. Then fitting my new injector harness and cleaning the main ECU loom. Then what?

A popular mod seems to be an oil catch can/Provent. I did this to my 300Tdi to stop fouling the intake system/intercooler etc., so will probably do this to the Td5 shortly.

EGR system is still in place (tho' it could have a blocking plate at the exhaust manifold - haven't looked yet), as is the Cat and original exhaust system. Removal of some or all of the above seem to be popular mods. Are there any downsides to these mods (apart from a bit more 'sound' after removing the centre muffler)? I'd like to get rid of the EGR cooler, if for no other reason than to simplify the coolant hose 'octopus' under the bonnet. Is it really necessary to replace the whole EGR valve assembly or just disable it and blank off the exhaust manifold?

What other things are good for a Td5? As mentioned, I'm pretty happy with performance so far but things that improve reliability, simplify maintenance and/or improve engine longevity are definitely of interest.

Low stall converter with heavy duty flex plate will drop your revs about 500rpm. Smoother to drive and more pickup down low. You needs a stage 2 ecu map minimum. Stage 3 if you want all the power the TD5 wants to make . I wouldn't have one without this done.

Ian, check out the exhaust manifold mods to prevent the manifold warping and cracking studs.

A bigger I/C, if one isn't already fitted would help, if only to lower EGT's.
Maybe check the boost and see where yours is set too?

Non engine, but auto cooler hoses have a habit of popping, and a supplementary trans cooler is a good idea, strike that, essential, especially for towing.

Originally Posted by rick130

Ian, check out the exhaust manifold mods to prevent the manifold warping and cracking studs.

A bigger I/C, if one isn't already fitted would help, if only to lower EGT's.
Maybe check the boost and see where yours is set too?

Non engine, but auto cooler hoses have a habit of popping, and a supplementary trans cooler is a good idea, strike that, essential, especially for towing.

Thanks Rick. I happen to have a D1 V8 manual (R380) oil cooler sitting on the front of my 'organ donor' car (i.e. straight pipe with the wire loop 'finning'). How do you think that would go as a supplementary trans cooler?

Any thoughts on EGR removal and de-Cating?

Originally Posted by Leo109

Any thoughts on EGR removal and de-Cating?

IMO both are good moves