Thread: 3.0L, 8spd TDV6 vs. SDV6

Originally Posted by Netorius

I have owned a 2000 V8 Disco 2, a 2008 Disco 3 TDV6 SE and now actively looking for the right 2014 (or possibly 2015) Disco 4. In this discussion I only want to compare the 2014 3.0L 8spd so as not to confuse issues. This model seems the best fit with my needs and budget.


I want the 3.0L, V6, 8 spd auto, but now some doubts on whether the SDV6 and the TDV6 is a better option and where they are fitted. Having read a lot of threads there always seems to be debate between various years and options with answers like the TDV6 is a single turbo/ 2.7L vs. 3L / old model/ new model/ facelift etc. etc.


From what I can make out, for the 2014, both the SDV6 and TDV6 engines are identical, both are twin turbo, but the SDV6 is a sequential turbo within the higher output of 183kW/600Nm vs. 155kW/520Nm for the TDV6. I guess this means the turbos are different between the two models or the tuning is different, or possibly both (or none and I am completely misguided!).


If it is just the tuning, does that mean you can simply change the tune on the TDV6? I suspect not, but not sure. In addition it seems the SE and HSE are SDV6 models. Is this correct, or can you get the SDV6 in all derivatives? This may explain why the SDV6 generally seems to be a higher cost than the equivalent year/ mileage TDV6. I could be wrong, but appreciate your thoughts/comments and advice/experience. The range of option packs accross all models has me totally confused. Thanks

Ready to corrected where I'm wrong.....

Both engines are mechanically the same, even the turbos. The only difference is the tune.
Yes, you can get the TDV6 tuned up the SDV6...and more.
TDV6 Base model with the lower out put engine. No option for the SDV6 motor in the base model.
SE and HSE only in the SDV6 Variant.
Higher price for SDV6 is due to the higher output motor and the higher spec of the SE and HSE.

If buying again and knowing what I know now (at time of my purchase Gally at Autocode told me there were differences with conrods and the TDV6 could only be tuned to SDV6 where the SDV6 could be tuned higher again) I would look closer at the TDV6 and get it tunned and close and delete the EGRs....

Thanks Dagilmo. That clarifies a lot. I wasn't sure that the SDV6 was only available in the SE and HSE models but seemed so from the vehicles advertised.
I hear what you say - it must be pretty easy to get the SDV6 tune done and get the base model TDV6 to have the same output as the SDV6 relatively inexpensively (or do a custom tune).

Originally Posted by Dagilmo

Higher price for SDV6 is due to the higher output motor and the higher spec of the SE and HSE.

I guess the above is not really a higher price for the higher output if it is only the tune and the rest are identical - the higher price is really the higher spec?

If you are going from a stock D3,i doubt you would need a tune in either of the D4 models.

All tunes are not the same,be carefull what you get done to it.

BAS tunes are the go.

Thanks Scarry. Yes my previous D3 was a stock SE TDV6 model. The 2.7L is 140kW/445Nm so the D4 TDV6 is better and the SDV6 better still. 445 vs. 520 vs. 600Nm and the fuel consumption of the D4 also better.

If there are extra horses for the same fuel consumption, my attitude is to grab 'em! I do agree that not all tunes are the same and I am definitely not looking to stress the engine in any way, just optimise it. If the 3.0L SDV6 is as reliable as the 3.0L TDV6, I am happy to use the same tune.

Back in 2015 when I was buying new, I didn't want all the fruit that comes with the SD variants and could not justify the $15,000 (I think) price difference so I went for the TDV6 and got a tune at Autocode. Probably didn't even need the tune to be honest. The step up from a tune D2 to the std TDV6 was chalk and cheese.

Originally Posted by Dagilmo

Ready to corrected where I'm wrong.....

If buying again and knowing what I know now (at time of my purchase Gally at Autocode told me there were differences with conrods and the TDV6 could only be tuned to SDV6 where the SDV6 could be tuned higher again) I would look closer at the TDV6 and get it tunned and close and delete the EGRs....

Not true I’m told. From what I have been told the part number for the short block and long blocks are the same for a TD or SD so this says the engines are the same.

Originally Posted by DiscoJeffster

Not true I’m told. From what I have been told the part number for the short block and long blocks are the same for a TD or SD so this says the engines are the same.

That is what I believe Dagilmo stated in his post:

Originally Posted by Dagilmo

Both engines are mechanically the same, even the turbos. The only difference is the tune.

Originally Posted by Netorius

That is what I believe Dagilmo stated in his post:

Read what I quoted. He said the conrods were different.