Thread: Modified 300tdi v standard td5 power?

This is worth a read if you want some history on the TD5.... Td5, A Short History - Defender Td5

It has an interesting section called "Why Choose a TD5?"

Cheers
David

a tdi300 can be tweaked up to the same performance levels as a stock td5. And then you can chip the TD5.

Originally Posted by Dougal

I am convinced you can make a tdi go as fast as the average td5 with the average go faster mods.

I just have no idea how long the tdi will go for in that state.

The 300Tdi injection pump can provide about 700nm worth of fuel.

Since they are they are the same swept volume then of course you can make them go as well (then there are the 2.8 tdi conversions). However that doesn't solve the marginal heads, cooling system and bottom end.

Owning vehicles with each of the named engines, I'd go Tdi all time. The Tdi is by no means a dull engine. It is frugal, reliable and easy to work on. Spares don't cost you a fortune and performance can easily be increased (probably at the cost of longevity and reliability).
I do agree that the Td5 offers better performance from stock and can be tuned even more easily by chipping (even here probably at the cost of longevity and reliability). The downside of the Td5 is, in my opinion, that you will need diagnostic equipment in shape of a testbook with relevant software, more difficult to work on and the spares can cost you $$$. It is somewhat less frugal also.
To summarise all this, it is horses for courses, as usual. Neither of them is a bad engine, both have their respective merits and weaknesses. As said above already, I'd go Tdi if there is a choice.
And finally, BMW has not been involved in the development of the Td5 at all!!!
Cheers

Surely if power is your priority you're better off with an engine that has more power to begin with? Since the Isuzu each generation of diesel has been an evolution in the direction of being smoother, quieter and more powerful at the cost of bottom end guts, durability and field repairability. Out of the 4 generations there's something for everyone, just depends where your priorities lie.
I'm happy with my Tdi, power is adequate (for me) with a TGV head and new turbo and I'll live with the timing belt changes. If I wanted to go faster I'd have to go for a TD5 and live with the chain drive oil pump, plastic head dowel and oily loom.

Originally Posted by isuzurover

Since they are they are the same swept volume then of course you can make them go as well (then there are the 2.8 tdi conversions). However that doesn't solve the marginal heads, cooling system and bottom end.

I thought the TD5s had issues with their heads? Heads will crack if you over heat, TD5 or TDI. I know the 200tdi is 'overcooled' if anything, I assumed the 300tdi was the same. When choosing a TD5 or 300tdi, cylinder heads, cooling issues and bottom end is not going to be a deciding factor. It comes down to maintenance, as both are proven high milage engines. It is unlikely that the mileage covered by TDI's will ever be beaten by the TD5's. TDI's are easier/cheaper to rebuild service and maintain, and as for the performance difference - well they are both slow.

But we are talking about modified power right?

I think a TDI with full intercooler, VNT turbo, gasflowed CH, straight through exhaust and a slight fuel tweak (all within safe temps) would demand a stock TD5 to make improvements.

At a guess I would say it would be cheaper to get the same performance out of a TD5. Wiser to leave both of them stock.

As others have said - pick a TD5 for towing.

Originally Posted by isuzurover

Since they are they are the same swept volume then of course you can make them go as well (then there are the 2.8 tdi conversions). However that doesn't solve the marginal heads, cooling system and bottom end.

Absolutely. That's what my comment about it lasting was about.

There are steps you can take to mitigate those issues. Keeping EGT's down (i.e. more boost than necessary) will stop the head from losing strength as it can run cooler and also provides more cooling via the exhaust. Not advancing the timing will reduce peak cylinder pressures and reduce mechanical stress on everything.
But it's still tip-toeing around the problems that we wish weren't there.

New body mount washers arrived for my 300tdi this week. Might be drivable soon.

I like my Td5

When my boys start driving (in 12 years time) - they'll be getting tdi's!