Replace my 300TDi Engine or get a V8??

[Jongould]

You may have seen on here that recently I have had some engine issues, basically my 300TDi is dead. Well I have been offered a Disco1 (200 shape) V8 in fairly decent condition for £500...

So now im now faced with a choice here, do I replace my TDi engine in my current Disco or do I go for the V8?

My TDi is lifted, bumpers e.t.c. where as the V8 is standard but it wouldnt take much to swap across, the TDi will be needing welding and is scratched/dented to buggery where as the V8 is pretty straight. I have been told the V8 is solid underneath as well although I haven't seen it.

My concerns are with fuel economy, I have no idea of what MPG the V8 will get (my TDi was getting around the 20-25mpg) and waterproofing the engine, I don't go swimming but I dont want to be breaking down after a puddle!!

So whats peoples opinions on V8's? Am I going to be better sticking with a 300TDi? Is there anything I should really know about with the V8's?

 

[Pikey]

fuel will be 12-16mpg


They don't like water and they int reliable..


That said buy V8 break the 300 and scrap what ya don't sell, use the money you get to replace the V8 with a diesel injun.

 

[Jongould]

fuel will be 12-16mpg


They don't like water and they int reliable..


That said buy V8 break the 300 and scrap what ya don't sell, use the money you get to replace the V8 with a diesel injun.

Its the 3.9EFi V8, I thought they were the reliable ones, I may be mistaken tho... The MPG is the killer although its not used for anything but laning and off roading...

 

[thebiglad]

Its the 3.9EFi V8, I thought they were the reliable ones, I may be mistaken tho... The MPG is the killer although its not used for anything but laning and off roading...

I think the 3.9 didn't come in until the TDi 300 engine also was introduced, in 1994, so if this v8 is from the era of TDi 200 it'll be 3.5 carbs

 

[Jongould]

I think the 3.9 didn't come in until the TDi 300 engine also was introduced, in 1994, so if this v8 is from the era of TDi 200 it'll be 3.5 carbs

Its a 94 vehicle, its deffo the 3.9, I have run the reg through my work computer to check...

The bit that worries me is overheating and reliability, should I just stick with my TDi?

My current disco will go through an MOT, it just needs the boot floor and a few other holes patching up but its got a solid chassis... I just love the sound and power of the V8's....

 

[ricc]

if the body is sound get the v8 and replace it with a diesel...it wont be too much hassel cos. youll have any bits you need off yer existing 300 that yer breaking... then when yer done sell all the left overs .

but if yer existing 300 body is good for a while longer its really a no brainer.... just bung another 300tdi in it.

 

[Pikey]

if the body is sound get the v8 and replace it with a diesel...it wont be too much hassel cos. youll have any bits you need off yer existing 300 that yer breaking... then when yer done sell all the left overs .

Thas wor Oi Ses..

 

[discool]

I think the 3.9 didn't come in until the TDi 300 engine also was introduced, in 1994, so if this v8 is from the era of TDi 200 it'll be 3.5 carbs

No... carburettors 1989 to 1990 then Efi with the 3.5 1990 to 1993 and then the 3.9 till 1994 for the 200 series.

 

[Jongould]

if the body is sound get the v8 and replace it with a diesel...it wont be too much hassel cos. youll have any bits you need off yer existing 300 that yer breaking... then when yer done sell all the left overs .

but if yer existing 300 body is good for a while longer its really a no brainer.... just bung another 300tdi in it.

Well the consensus would be V8's aint worth the hassle, been doing some googleing this morning and the MPG and waterproofing may be the killer, I would love the sound and the power but I think I need a reality check and for my use the TDi would be better...

 

[Paul D]

fuel will be 12-16mpg

They don't like water and they int reliable..

That said buy V8 break the 300 and scrap what ya don't sell, use the money you get to replace the V8 with a diesel injun.

This ..

I love V8's but if it's a pure off-roader/green-laner then the Tdi engine makes a lot more sense.

 

[discool]

Its a 94 vehicle, its deffo the 3.9, I have run the reg through my work computer to check...

The bit that worries me is overheating and reliability, should I just stick with my TDi?

My current disco will go through an MOT, it just needs the boot floor and a few other holes patching up but its got a solid chassis... I just love the sound and power of the V8's....

Don't Tdis have their problems with overheating but like any vehicle overheating is not normal there is a problem some where, like a lack of vehicle servicing and how the vehicle is used by the owner.
As for reliability my V8 has never had a problem other than a water pump bearing failure last week and an MFU fail two years ago which can also happen to a Tdi.
The only problem my old RR had was a worn-camshaft after 10 years 112,000mls.

As for power that is the reason for owning a V8 we don't all want to slow down when we come to a hill on the motorway as i see Tdis doing

Petrol V8s use more fuel than a diesel? yes they do, they are normally a bigger engine who ever the manufacture is, LRover, Jaguar, Audi, Merc etc.

 

[jamesmartin]

not in the same way as v8 overheating can be expensive block cracks ,but both are prone for overheating its allways a rad or thermostat ,low coolant level etc fault

 

[Pikey]

Never heard of TDi's having overheating problems unless rad gets blocked. or low coolant levels. but simple to fix if it does. I've had 90 out of me 300Tdi so no issues with loss of speed on hills Just make sure ya flying when ya hit the hill. and I get about 30mpg out of it. hydralocked it in a lake when I first got it. Glow plugs out air filter off cranked it over to get the water out of engine Repalced glow plugs. No damage and still running fine. 8mths later.


TDi for me anyday!!

 

[discool]

Yes not the same because of the V8s alloy engine but always a "fault" on any vehicle.
Fault like in my mini days overheating because the belt broke, replaced the belt and filled back with water and on our way no probs

 

[mrnice]

For me it would always be the V8 (preferably on LPG) for the power and sound! I only do a bit of green laning/mountain trips (second/weekend motor) so it suits me fine, BUT if I was to make an off roader that was going to get wet a lot I would consider a TDI with all the relevent mods/tweaks.

Maybe buy the V8 and run it for a bit but keep both, if you like the V8 keep it, if not swap all your off road mods onto the good one and drop in a TDI you will only need the engine as you will have all the other bits already.

An LPG kit would be a good idea if you kept the V8 but at the same time more to go wrong. You can pick up a cheap LPG kit off ebay and fit most of it yourself then get a qualified fitter to check it and write you a certificate.

If it is a good 200 (3 door) they are getting rarer and so the exclusivity may appeal to some.

120 quid LPG kit: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/breaking-...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item337616adaf

Some water proofing: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROVE...arts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4cffcaf866