HS 2.8L TGV - any opinions ?

Greetings all,

I'm new here, have searched posts quite a bit on this topic and have found info but not enough. So apologies if I haven't searched correctly and this has all been discussed to death. I hope this is the right forum ?

Recently I bought a 96 130 trayback I want to build up as an overlander for camping.

The question is : what do people think of this engine - the 2.8L ?
I've already heard from a couple of members different stories, ranging from very excellent to some who have had over-heating problems.

I'm wondering if those who might have had temperature issues on these motors are fitted with the larger radiator/intercooler now offered ?

I've worked out that I can import from the UK & fit a 2.8L with the Variable Vane Turbo (including the optional extras Heavy Duty Clutch, Large Radiator, Large Intercooler, Mantek snorkle and airconditioning adaptor) for around 13K at present exchange rate. I can sell the old motor for 2k - it probably needs 2k doing to it if I keep it (I'm not a good mechanic so have to get everything done) so if I do a little creative accounting I can say I'm putting a new, more powerful motor into my 130 for $9k. I reckon that's pretty good.

BUT, for 9k, if I end up having trouble then it's not pretty good; it's pretty bad. I'll look silly - or rather sillier.

I recently was in the UK and tested a Disco Auto with the 2.8 and it was grrrreat. I have a Nissan Patrol 3.0L (which admittedly I'm not that keen on) and the Disco 2.8 combo is much superior.

I know Bruce Davis in Sydney does a swap for 20k and he's got a super reputation but I can't justify that sort of money in a '96 130.
9k I can!

Many thanks.

sorry Tank,

Tony seems to have sorted it - copy and paste usually works for a future ref.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by isuzurover

Agreed, however in that case you shouldn't be considering a 2.8TGV either - what if you have a problem in the middle of nowhere that requires (rare as the proverbial) replacement parts...?

I would consider an engine like the 4JB1T 2.8L - which is quite common throughout most of the world.

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Ah, I was just stumbling across this engine in fact looking for alternatives. Have read a couple of opinions that it's a bit noisy, a bit heavy but very strong - not so good on economy. I'll keep looking.
IsuzuRover - I take it you're happy with yours ? I'm just assuming you're running one.
Can I ask what in ?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hokoman

Ah, I was just stumbling across this engine in fact looking for alternatives. Have read a couple of opinions that it's a bit noisy, a bit heavy but very strong - not so good on economy. I'll keep looking.
IsuzuRover - I take it you're happy with yours ? I'm just assuming you're running one.
Can I ask what in ?

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I have a (factory fitted) 4BD1+T in my 110, very happy with that. I think your comments relate to the 4BD1???

The Grubb on here has a 90 with a 4JB1T (2.8L jackaroo/rodeo engine), I am thinking of fitting one to one of my landies. They are not significantly heavier or noisier than a 300Tdi, however they are much stronger.

Thanks for that - can you recommend a supplier ?

Which Isuzu do you think is better for a 96 130, keeping in mind I want to use this overseas ?

I take your point about parts for the 2.8L HGV but then I'd probably have to ship in parts anyway, even if I had a standard 300Tdi, given the places I'll be visiting. And from what I've heard about LR Service generally :mad:

Given there's just one supplier in the UK it certainly narrows down the field though !!! However, they do have a plentiful supply. On the other hand, will they still be going after 5 years ? Possibly not. Something to think about. David Jackson of MD Engineering told me they had secured a deal with the Brazil factory to be the main/only supplier of these engines. I think the deal was that they need to order 50 a year. That's something I should check on.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hokoman

Thanks for that - can you recommend a supplier ?

Which Isuzu do you think is better for a 96 130, keeping in mind I want to use this overseas ?

I take your point about parts for the 2.8L HGV but then I'd probably have to ship in parts anyway, even if I had a standard 300Tdi, given the places I'll be visiting. And from what I've heard about LR Service generally :mad:

Given there's just one supplier in the UK it certainly narrows down the field though !!! However, they do have a plentiful supply. On the other hand, will they still be going after 5 years ? Possibly not. Something to think about. David Jackson of MD Engineering told me they had secured a deal with the Brazil factory to be the main/only supplier of these engines. I think the deal was that they need to order 50 a year. That's something I should check on.

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Dave_S and I drove a 4BD1-powered 110 through central america (Dave drove from vancouver-panama and we joined him for the ride back). We lost count of the number of isuzu and GMC trucks we saw powered by the exact same engine. Had we needed parts they would have been everywhere.

It depends where you want to go as to what is common. IME the 4BD1 is common in central america, US, and CAN. Likely also in asia. The 4JB1T was fitted to lots of vehicles in south east asia, europe (e.g. spain) etc, however is probably less common in the americas.

MD sell 4JB1T adaptor kits,

4BD1 kits though, your best bet is Sheldon (The Grubb) on here - then you get a (very strong) Isuzu gearbox as well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hokoman

[snip]
David Jackson of MD Engineering told me they had secured a deal with the Brazil factory to be the main/only supplier of these engines. I think the deal was that they need to order 50 a year. That's something I should check on.

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That engine was out of the South American Ford Ranger and only discontinued about two years ago.

Apparently there are plenty in wrecking yards there, and MWM would still be supplying new spares, the 2.8HS only disappeared from their website about six months ago but it does seem about the only place in the English speaking world you can get bits now is MD.

There was someone in NZ supplying it too. I'll have a look through my bookmarks later, but personally I'd go an Isuzu too.

With regard to parts for the 2.8L, all is the same as the 300 Tdi, apart from Engine Block and it's internals - the Head is the same apart from the re-positioning of a couple of bolts. It's possible to order parts directly from International Brazil. MD Engineering have brought in 50 engines to the UK in the last 6 months alone. They say they intend to be in business for many years to come but obviously things can and do change.

So it would take quite a blow-up before needing to source back to either the UK or Brazil.

Even so, obviously there's not the same security as having an engine common everywhere. But it's not THAT bad.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Hokoman

With regard to parts for the 2.8L, all is the same as the 300 Tdi, apart from Engine Block and it's internals - the Head is the same apart from the re-positioning of a couple of bolts. It's possible to order parts directly from International Brazil. MD Engineering have brought in 50 engines to the UK in the last 6 months alone. They say they intend to be in business for many years to come but obviously things can and do change.

So it would take quite a blow-up before needing to source back to either the UK or Brazil.

Even so, obviously there's not the same security as having an engine common everywhere. But it's not THAT bad.

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In theory they are almost the same, but I will bet there are a million minor differences - especially with the ancillaries. MD themselves state that the engine cannot be fitted without their kit.

You just need to look at the many differences in 300Tdi engines...

4BD1 kits though, your best bet is Sheldon (The Grubb) on here - then you get a (very strong) Isuzu gearbox as well.[/QUOTE]


Thanks kindly for that info - I'll look into it asap.