Thread: Mod 300tdi vs isuzi 4bd1t

I would imagine for towing a 4BD1-T would be much better....

be prepared for more nvh with the isuzu; ie, in comparison, the 300tdi is much smoother, but it is believed that the R380 will handle the isuzu if treated intelligently...

I have both and the isuzu has the torque, the 300tdi has the smoothness and higher road speeds...

cannot speak too highly of the dieselgas addition, but don't expect a vast improvement at low revs (eg when starting off in high range).

regards etc......

Hi 87 County,
Is your Diesel gas tuned for economy or power and is it the Dieselgas brand or an Ecoshot or other.

Cheers Mickey.

and you'll be starting in low range second all the time with that gearing, particularly when towing.......

Number of questions come to mind:

1. What are you expecting, power and economy wise as your ratio selection wont help either with a 300TDI.

2. How much money do you want to spend

3. What year is your 130 (being a 300TDI should be well within the range that the Isuzu was built im assuming) to avoid having to do emissions testing etc to save dollars.

4. Did you know that the High range gearing in the Disco transfer box is higher so will change your overall gearing so you will be bogged down all the time and good luck towing.

Tweaking the pump is good for a bit of improovement but it's not sheep stations as you still only have a 2.5ltr engine under the bonnet.

IMHO.......I would disregard the horrible noise and fit a 4BD1-t and a Diesel gas conversion but run the Isuzu gearbox and the Deefa LT230 transfer case.

I would also look at fitting 4.11 diff centres if it still bogs down but I dont think it would with a 4BD1-t under the bonnet.

Hi Ric 130,
If I go back to a "not so tall tyre" do you reckon that will alleviate the problem of starting off.

Cheers Mickey.

even with a 235/85 and stock fuelling on a 300Tdi you'll need second low for starting when towing. (speaking from experience towing horses)
It's been years since I've been in an Isuzu Defender, but from what everyone tells me that has/has had them, the off idle torque with the Isuzu is fantastic.
Increasing the fuelling in a 300tdi is well worth it in my experience, although even with a 3"exhaust, it's still doughy on 255/85's starting off.
Small displacement does that.
I'd love a VNT as I'd reckon it'd help a lot, as does the MTQ kit.
Wait for JustinC to chime in, as he's recently converted a 300Tdi CC 130 to an Isuzu turbo, and he's fitted quite a few MTQ kits to 300tdi's, but I know what he'll say (hint, he loves the 4BD1T )

Ric 130,
According to the websites that i have look at,

MTQ turbo kit will increase output to 135 HP. and 335 nm.
Dieselgas is expected to increase output further by about 20% so this is getting upwards of the safe capability of the Gearbox,which I believe is rated at 380 NM.
3" exhaust will help with the turbo spooling up at less RPM
Torque curves are improved at less RPM,so theoretically this should be ample power to tow with.
If I decide to go Isuzi will the R380 fit the motor and what sort of problems if any are involved with the conversion and how much hassle is involved.
I was told by an engine supply company that the conversions are being frowned on by the authorities,this may also be crap,hence the enquiry to the men/sheilas with experience.

Cheers Mickey.