An R380 is like finger food for a 4bd1 even without the T.
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I've only ever driven one Isuzu powered Land Rover, and the Isuzu lump was gutsy and did go well. In my eyes tho, it suffers the same traits as a Cummins 4Bt. They have a very 'course' torque delivery and do suffer from that 'shake' at idle. Good strong engine, but not something I'd choose over a Tdi. That is only my opinion tho, and I'm not really one to talk as I've shoe horned a Cummins 6bt into my 101!! Bigger Land Rovers need 6 pot diesels! :D
I have also only driven one Isuzu Landy, a 120 and at the time it seemed to be a step closer to my old S2a, which is both a good and a bad thing (to me good, to my wife bad). The 120 was lower geared than a regular 110 I'm pretty sure and would have affected highway manners so I don't know how the 110 kmh cruising compares with my Tdi. Going to a 4bd1t in the 130 sounds attractive but not at the cost of cruising "comfort".
Having owned a 130 Td5, and having upped the tyre size, and built a rear camp box etc etc, I was planning to put a Nissan TD42 and box in it against the LT230... but then the 101 bug had its second bite at me and the 130 was sold for the 101, new tyres, and a Cummins!!! Wouldn't go back now.. but then we are only two, and its set up for ease of pack up when touring.
I guess as the Perenties come down to a realistic price I'm going to need to test drive one (or several). Maybe another drive of the 120 might be in order, though it's a fairly worn example. I did have a 2 door Rangie which I converted back from auto to an lt95 and I remember being fond of the gearbox. Different kettle of fish though in all but the box. A perentie would be good for all the beach work the130 does, not sure I'd be able to convince the wife it would be ok for the cape though.
You could put a single cab straight onto a Perentie as several on here have done including myself.
I had the same concerns about canvas and long trips as you have.
I think the conversion is great. All I need now is air con which is on the list after tyres.
Many have said it's the "soft" option but it is my vehicle and my choice.
If you need more details please let me know.
Phil B
YOU ALWAYS NEED TO READ THE FINE PRINT.
This is the fine print:
The fact that Ive written this to try to disuade everyone from buying an isuzu powerd rover so they become an unwanted commodity thus drop in price untill I can afford one played no small part in influenceing the content of this post
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