Thread: Need some help

Hi mate sounds like a good plan but I don't think you will be able to register the vehicle after. I am pretty sure you would have to fit an engine with the same emmision ratings that the vehicle meet when manufactured. I know that the Isuzu 4bd1 would be miles away from metting the standard.

As above, yes it can be done but would be very difficult to get it road worthy again.
Either gas it or trade up to a TD5 may be your best bet.

Originally Posted by Rangier Rover

As above, yes it can be done but would be very difficult to get it road worthy again.
Either gas it or trade up to a TD5 may be your best bet.

The only reason I can think that you aren't keen on the V8 is fuel consumption. I have a Chev 350 V8 on gas & a pretty standard Isuzu & the cost of fuel vs distance for both is very similar.
I would also say the resale value for a diesel conversion would go down, not up, but then that may not apply to Barbados.

Emissions standards and such like won't be an issue here in Barbados. And trading for a TD5 will be difficult because the TD5 literally sells for like 4 to 5 times what i can get a V8 for because everyone here is shunning the high fuel bill.

So i am practically stealing the v8 from a lady who can't get it sold. So i have bargained for a ridiculous price. The money i have saved I am hoping to do the swap with. The main concern for me here is just to have it working well and not breaking down because of a bad setup.

the 300tdi would fit in the engine bay easier I would expect. You could also get a bellhousing to suit the current gearbox easier than a 4BD1 which would need a stronger gearbox anyway.
But the Isuzu is that extra bit of gravy

Ummm... you're in Barbados - isn't it only like 50km, end to end? My first question is, do you really need a diesel? Having very nearly blown myself and a friend up taking off a petrol tank, I understand you may like diesel for more than just fuel efficiency.

If you really do want a diesel, go the 300 Tdi. You really don't need a 4BD1T. Its longvity is 2nd to none, but you're hardly going to care about that on a 50km island, right? Its extremely reliable, but then again, so is the 300 tdi, and its much less agricultural than the 4BD1T.

My brother has a Disco 1 with a 4BD1 engine coupled to an R380 box, but it was done by the previous owner. I don't recall how different a disco 1 engine bay is from a disco 2, however, if you're still considering a 4BD1T there are a few things to note:

- The 4BD1 rocker cover sits approx 10mm under the bonnet, so not enough room for the standard 4BD1-T crossover pipe. (i.e. from the turbo to the inlet manifold). May not be an issue, as as you can route the air to the front and incorporate a FMIC.

- The only transmissions the 4BD1 came with from the factory are:
- 4 speed LT95, and
- 5 speed (santana made) LT85.
The LT95 is the only box considered to last behind the Isuzu, but is quite agricultural. The LT85 is quieter, has an overdrive gear, but will need a rebuild every 200,000 kms or so (which, come to think of it, may not be an issue ON Barbados!).

LT85 belhousings are extermely rare and when they do appear second hand (every leap year), command high prices. I'm not sure if they're available new. LT95 are not as rare, but still only come on the market occasionally, as 4BD1's are very rarely retired. Should be available new (Australian Army still use them). The best option would be to use an Isuzu MSA gearbox, but I'm not sure if the_grubb's conversion kit will fit into a disco II.

Long astory short, (if you really want a diesel) go the Tdi!

Good luck

Bojan

Trust me yes we are small but we do alot of driving around. The cost of gasoline is very high. However diesel engines are in abundance and can be purchased at a decent price.

My main concern was if i can mate the v8 manual transmission with the 300tdi. I considered the the Isuzu because i could probably grab one cheaper than than the 300tdi.

Repairs are another issue. Which engine is easier to work on and easier to fix. Power is not too much of an issue. If i need any extra grunt from the 300tdi i can tweak it a bit.

if you search on here there is a link somewhere to a D2 in the u.s or canada that was for sale with a 4bd1t in it, it looked brilliant.
Dougal may be able to help on the link, think it was 4btswaps site aswell