Thread: 3.9 V8 petrol versus TD5

Smiley, do you have the space, tools, equipment and ability to do the conversion yourself?
What general area are you in?

Originally Posted by Tins

Nope. It depends on which one, but a properly set up LS would destroy a 3.9 on every metric. They are far more efficient, and are hardly working most of the time, unless you go everywhere full throttle, which would be seriously terrifying in a D1, the performance levels being so different. That said, I went for a ride in an LS powered P38A once, and instantly fell in love. Effortless, silky smooth.

i would also consider this if the conversion cost was reasonable.

Originally Posted by V8Ian

Smiley, do you have the space, tools, equipment and ability to do the conversion yourself?
What general area are you in?

im in Sydney
i have the space, tools (no hoist or engine crane)
do i have the ability? probably so although it would take me a lot longer than someone who's more familiar with these.
ive done similar stuff but with more basic carburettor engines such as old holdens and VW's. \
nothing to the extent of this.

if there is someone that has done this on numerous occasions id probably be more comfortable with that option

so after all this discussion, suggestions and homework i think i know what i have to pick from, in no particular order:

1. keep my D1 - use what i saved on fuel for the next couple years
2. keep my D1 - convert it to something such as the TD5, with a budget of about 15k
3. sell my D1 - buy the D2 TD5 which'll cost me 15k

ideally, what i am after - to keep the D1 but give it some more poke and toughness. where i am, im surrounded by V8 diesel landcruisers..

Originally Posted by Smileyx

so after all this discussion, suggestions and homework i think i know what i have to pick from, in no particular order:

1. keep my D1 - use what i saved on fuel for the next couple years
2. keep my D1 - convert it to something such as the TD5, with a budget of about 15k
3. sell my D1 - buy the D2 TD5 which'll cost me 15k

ideally, what i am after - to keep the D1 but give it some more poke and toughness. where i am, im surrounded by V8 diesel landcruisers..

It'd want to be a bloody good D2 for $15k.

If it was me, I'd pick box 1 and talk to some of the folk here about getting some berries out of the 3.9 They can be made to go.

Box 2, if you truly don't like getting the sand kicked in your face then explore the LS option. Unlike the TD5, there are off the shelf options for looms and ECUs from mobs like Haltech. I think Marks Adaptors may even do a kit for the LS and auto onto the LT230. Don't quote me on that though. Either way you need engineering.

Box 3, Well, what is the D1 worth? Can you find another TD5 that's cheaper? You won't need $15k. You'll still get sand kicked in your face though.

Just my thoughts.

Just a thought, the car you have that you love so much now (and I get that), might be replaced by a car that you love equally as much in the end.

There is no comparison between the 2 vehicles really, the D2 TD5 wins pretty much every category.

More power, less fuel, much more refined, electronically controlled auto (which is better) and all the other lollies that make it nicer.

I have a few different vehicles, but the D2 is the favourite.

No one should be paying $15k for one though, it would need to be unique for that coin.

Originally Posted by shack

Just a thought, the car you have that you love so much now (and I get that), might be replaced by a car that you love equally as much in the end.

I reckon that is the crux of the thread. "What if I don't love it as much?". If it was a Prado we were discussing, well, we wouldn't be discussing it because who would care?

Originally Posted by shack

No one should be paying $15k for one though, it would need to be unique for that coin.

100%. It would need to be next to perfect and have a lot of fruit. AND it would need to be a D2A.

yes, that definitely is the concern - what if i dont like it (D2), even thought it has all the better upgrades.
i do believe its probably the better option based on alot of the info presented; easier, no conversions, or mucking around etc.

ive just had a look online to compare; between carsales and gumtree there isnt anything 'mint' for 15k thats for sure. and definitely nothing that would fill in my love affair with my D1 (pic attached)
plenty around the 10k mark but they look worn. damn there are even some there for over 20k!