Thread: Tuned/chipped TD5 vs V8

My perspective of their difference:

Launch of the line the V8 feels much better, more torquey, as you'd expect up to about 60-ish k/h.
A tuned TD5(brothers has a map) from then on, feels much more powerful... but louder too.

In low range, you don't notice those differences tho.

Never towed with a D2 V8, so can't offer any opinion on how their performance differences in that respect tho, but a mapped D2 TD5 goes more than well enough with a 1.5t trailer(max I've experienced).

I reckon the TD5 would be worth a 50% touring range advantage over a V8 too on a drive .. so that, in my mind, is a major plus to have out of a small diesel too. Something to keep in mind if you do remote travelling.
If it's just local tracks, probably not really a consideration.

With their lower gearing the Defender feels more fussed at any highway speed, even lower 70-80 k/h zones, and recently I've had the pleasure to drive a mapped one.
Feels much more responsive than brothers mapped D2 by comparison, and only due to the higher RPMs at highway speeds .. so TD5 defers aren't slow when mapped.
So while it's nice to have that lazy feeling of just leaving it in top gear and put your foot down .. way too loud and fussy for most driving environments compared to the D2.

If you're mechanically minded and enthusiastic about the vehicle/or brand .. I'd say the TD5 is the better overall option, but it will drive you mad until you've sorted out all the niggles!

The V8 sound is delicious. The Rover V8's even more so - something about it's firing order. My last fun car had a SBF Windsor 5.6 stroker and I still think a stock standard 3.5/3.9/4.0 Rover V8 sounds far better. A Td5 will just never come close so the V8 will always the winner on pure emotions alone.
But, the Rover V8's power and torque is also really nothing to get excited about. When you consider their fuel economy it's even less exciting. It's pretty expensive to get that noise and not much go.
I'd suggest if you throw a VNT (e.g. TurboTechnics S208), uprated intercooler and tune to suit onto a Td5 your at least in similar performance figures - while still achieving far better fuel economy. The VNT significantly increases the low down and response so will give you the launch - I've got around 15psi not long after idle and see up to 25psi by 2000rpm or so.
I recently drove a stock standard Td5 D2 in manual. I'd not ever driven a manual one before and hadn't driven a stock standard one in years. It was horrible! I forgot how gutless they were!