Hello guys,
Turns out I have more time to plan my vehicle than i had thought, maybe even time enough to build one up.
So what I'm asking from the esteemed AULRO members is this;
Is this a good idea so far;
Defender 110 (around a '96 would be nice, but whatever)
an isuzu 4JB1T with suitable gearbox (I assume an isuzu box would be best, suggestions?)
upgrade axles and diffs ( is that needed?, if so what?)
It seems from the specs that the 4JB1T...
Isuzu 4JB1T Diesel Engine
...is a similar engine in power/weight to the 300tdi, so perhaps I could get away with everything else being standard landrover and pickup a defender that is on it's last legs drivetrain wise and replace pieces as needed.
the impression I get from the 4BD1T threads is I really have to recon it (which is beyond my tool/skill level) and needs far more strength behind it than the standard landrover bits provide, so I'm playing with the idea of 'pioneering' one of these chinese engines. I've sent of some emails to isuzu to see if they are the real deal (actually being built under licence using isuzu equipment).
thanks
Andrew
Swaggie
If you are going to go to all that effort. Unless you really want a project, it may be easier to just buy a td5 defender. They are a good motor, apart from a couple of easily fixed minor issues, and they can/will outperform a 4JB1T.
BMW improved the td5 engine design, and it is largely regarded as the best/strongest Land-Rover built diesel.
If going with that option, make sure you get one before they removed the salisbury rear diff - around 2003 I think.
Oh. I had got the impression that the electronics involved with that one could be a real show stopper? Or is that as simple as carrying the required spare circuit boards?
I've been thinking about the options, but had been going along the 'pre-electronic' route. I've been overlooking the td5 for that reason alone. but coming from you that is a ringing endorsement. I have read elsewhere you don't think much of the 300tdi, and from mike_ies recent experience (and the sort of K's on the available 300tdi defenders for sale) I've been going down the buy one, but plan/budget for a new engine.
Don't really want a 'project', but do want the satisfaction of being in a reliable truck.
the 4JB1T would be pretty well represented in the spare parts around Oz I'm thinking?. but the td5 hasn't been in my thinking at all (I've been not clicking on the Ads to even get a feel for price!)
I'll do a bit more research on that then, hadn't really caught the drift of it's 'best/strongest' reputation.
Swaggie
Personally I would take a TD5 over a tdi any day of the week - despite my dislike for electronics.Originally Posted by AndrewGJones
The oil pump bolt issue seems to be the only show stopper. If you do buy a Td5 you would also want to buy a nanocom and learn how to use it to diagnose faults and clear them.
Conversely, you could buy a Tdi and swap for a 4JB1T if/when the engine dies. To answer your original question, there is no need IMHO to upgrade any of the driveline, just buy a 4JB1T and adaptor kit.
regarding the oil pump issue, is that a bolt on fix, or is it a specific year model that got it fixed (i.e stud in the block are no good sort of issue??) I.e should I avoid the early td5's (99/00) and go for a 01/onwards?
Swaggie
It is as simple as Land rover forgetting to loctite a bolt during assembly. For peace of mind, simply remove sump, remove bolt, clean, add loctite, torque it back up...
ForumSage
Andrew regarding Td5,
Even with their issues I think they are one of the worlds greatest engines.
they have a few well known issues,
1 - early ones have plastic head dowels
2 - oil pump bolt, some installed without loctite & come loose, you have to drop the sump and fit a new bolt with loctite - for peace of mind.
3 - oil in injector loom, fixed by installing a new sealed loom - about $100,
the electronics are basic and reliable and rarely cause problems
They are a very simple and easy to work on engine.
( that said don't let ham fisted 'mechanics' work on them)
keep an eye on coolant levels and temp / and if its chipped fit an EGT & keep below 700c and it might out live an Isuzu
Another huge bonus is they don't have a timing belt, A very quiet & smooth running and free revving diesel. Only downside is the low down grunt isnt there if you are starting off on an incline with a caravan or heavy trailer. Isuzu is king there. Oh and drowning the electrics is not nice in a Td5 either
About the only show stopper is a $20 crank sensor, and they rarely fail. Just about anything else will give symptoms in advance but still let you drive.
on extended trips I also carry filters, a fuel pump ( but you can still drive with a faulty one) ancilliary belt, water pump, throttle pot (incase I drown the car), water /fuel temp sensor and hoses. I also have mounted the ECU higher - its in stupid low place under the drivers seat in a Defender.
good luck in your decision
ForumSage
As the others have said, 4JB1T is too close to factory landrover options to entertain a conversion.
I would go TD5 and fit a GT2052V from a ZD30 nissan. But that's just me.
Master
Why the heck have I just brought a 300TDi then? I also passed up a mint one owner TD5
Wizard
Depends on what you want to use the rover for. All this praise for the TD5 but do we know if this rover is getting built for play days and shopping runs or will it be going to remote areas where there's little hope for recovery?
For almost everyone the TD5 is the better engine to have but what if you're proper roughneck and don't want an ECU deciding when enough is enough, or like the idea of needing a charged battery to run the engine... you might not want to worry about wet electronics when wading....
If you were to tell us you're a hairdresser doing house calls - obviously TD5 time. But if you were to describe yourself as a roughneck remote area pioneering solo prospector - easy choice get a rebuilt ISUZU/TDI
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