Decisions, decisions

[Disco95]

Hi all,
I haven't posted for a while, but I have decided to update the Disco. Unfortunately I discovered terminal cancer in the firewall, foot wells and rear load space. Now here is my dilemma.
I have a few choices of vehicle in mind, D1 TDI, D2 V8 or P38 4.6 V8.
Funds are limited and these 3 vehicles fit into the price range I am looking for. Now I intend to use the vehicle as a daily driver, plus some fairly serious 4wding (keep in mind I'm 25 minutes from Yalwal) and I need to tow a 16ft caravan.
D1 TDI,
Pros, Diesel, vehicle knowledge ( I can pretty much navigate my way mechanically without an issue), I have an enormous amount of parts for the vehicle (including some good upgrades)

Cons, Diesel is not the most powerful,not as comfortable as others for long drives.

D2V8,
Pros, Comfort, Towing ability.
Cons,
Fuel usage

P38 4.6l V8
Pros, as the D2 but better.
Cons,
Fuel usage

So what I want to know is this, given what I want the vehicle to do, what would be the best choice?
Can the TDI be upgraded to give more power? Are the P38 or D2 bush freindly?

Thanks in advance.

[Discofever]

I would choose the tdi because if you are towing and 4wding there is no better engine than the tdi in your price range IMO. I've towed long distances with the 3.9 and there is alot of pain at the petrol bowser. This pain is worse than the reduced comfort of the tdi when compared to the D2. You can purchase a VNT upgrade from allisport for about $800 - well worth it if you're dissatisfied with the power of the tdi. Lastly, you have the parts and know how for the D1 which is a huge advantage. I was in a similar situation as you, tdi Disco or D2 V8 but I rejected the advances of comfort, door handles and higher tail lights and was glad I did. The tdi takes a belting off road too - if well maintained it's a good little donk.

[jimr1]

I have a good mate that has a 4.6 v8 p38 , It is the love of his . I will say he has spent a lot of money to get It the way he want's It . Also It is the second one he has owned . He had a lot of problems with the air suspension , sensors , airbag's , pump failing . In the end he converted to coils . He will tell you , best move he made , and wished he did It when he first brought It . Most of the other bit's are to personalise It . I don't know if you have ever been in one or drove one ? If you can get one of the later models , that has been fixed up then there a lovely truck , and good value . My mate takes It beach driving , high country driving , and everywhere my Defender goes , only much quieter , and in much more comfort . I'm not saying go out and buy one , but don't discount them , because there are a few good one's out there as well .. Cheers Jim..

[UncleHo]

I would suggest you go with a late model TDI Disco 1, no computer easy to repair and maintain (drop the centre muffler off) and you will get a better response and maybe slightly better fuel economy,(I do,98 300TDI auto) but I would advise to put a crank in the replacement pipe,as mine is straight and I get resonance/drum.


cheers

[pop058]

Nan has a 3.9 auto and up until recently my DD was a 3.9 manual. Due to my work situation I needed a diesel and recently purchsed a TDI300 auto. The outcome of all this is that (IMHO) the words "16ft Van" and "TDi" should not be used in the same sentence.

[Tank]

Sean, if you go the 300TDi (the only real way to go) go with an Automatic transmission.
The auto eliminates the lag inherent with the manual box, doubles torque at take off speeds, is always in the right gear, can be used as a manual (without the slipping clutch of the manual). If you are going to tow fit a later model disco or aftermarket trans oil cooler.
So much better off-road and on, better re-sale value, if you want to try one out first I'm only an hour and a half down the road, Regards Frank.

[Disco95]

Thanks guys, so far there has been no support for the D2. My main issue with the TDI is power. How good is the VNT upgrade, and does an intercooler upgrade help?
From what I've read the P38 gets similar fuel figures to our Jeep. Averaging 13 - 14 per 100Km. Are these real figures? My 3.9 used to average 20l/100km Does the extra power make up for the difference?
How good is the P38 in the bush? What breaks on them?

Sean.

[Disco95]

Cheers Frank, I may even take you up on that. Do you have electric brakes fitted?

Sean.

[BathurstTom]

I think you will find that the Allisport VNT turbo upgrade is about $1900, it's the Allisport Intercooler upgrade that is about $800.

Tom.

[Tank]

Cheers Frank, I may even take you up on that. Do you have electric brakes fitted?

Sean.

Sean, yes I do, have great fun with them getting the camper trailer to slide out on corners, mate as you know I had a worked 4.0L V8 in my last Disco and in my opinion there has never been a V8 (Rover) engine built that uses SO much fuel, while making a nice sound and does So little, they are the most gutless V8's in the Universe.
The 300TDi will not disappoint, I have on occasions towed a D2 up Mongamulla FT with a 30% gradient for a few klms. without any trouble, by all means come and check it out, only mods to my engine are no middle muffler, left the rearmost resonator on and a little fiddle with the pump, cost me nothing and I can fill up in Moruya and drive to the Gold Coast on a standard tank of fuel, in the V8 I would be lucky to get to Sydney, Regards Frank.