2.5 TD in series3

I'm searching for a new engine for my S3. It now has the 2.1/4 3bearing diesel engine. That thing is so slow, not that I mind, but I would like to travel a bit further so a little more power and a normal cruzing speed of around 55 would be nice. When I get to 55 now, it feels like it could explode any time, not to mention slight hills.
So, I came across a 2.5TD ('86) with a blown head gasket, I would first give it a full restoration.
What are you're remarks on this sort of engine, because I read some bad stuff about it on Glencoyne?
Thx,
Bram

Glencoyne promote a 2.5D installation - that i have driven and it's a nice drive - so he'll not be slagging it off to much - but you have to think how much it would cost to do a good rebuild on the TD, for about the same money you could get a 200 to fit

as with most engines if you look after it it will look after you

The 2.5td is ok but not a patch on the 200tdi for power or longevity. My td was smoky again about 15k after a top end rebuild at 120,000. 200tdi is the sensible choice.

If i was you, but iam not i would put a 200 TDI in. Iam about to put one in a serise one 80.
Do be sure youre brakes are good and fit the Disco diffs, it will go well very well.
That other engine is not worth the effort.
Mark

I was also thinking of a 200TDI combined with range rover diffs (same as disco?)
problem is try to find one resonabilly priced in Belgium, I heard they go quite cheap in the UK..
I can get the 2.5TD for 150€..doesn't seem that much and enough money left for refurbishing the engine, but if it really isn't worth the effort it is indeed a waste of time and money..

..still keep those opinions coming please

I bought my 200 TDI for £500 great engine.
I dont understand these euro things but trust me that 2.5 is not worth it.
Buy one on ebay come over and drive it back.
Try and talk to people with them and get to drive the 2 if poss the 200 will blow it into the weeds

mormond said:

Iam about to put one in a serise one 80.

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you should be shot for doing that

Doing what

isn't that a bit overkill for a series1, thats like my great grandfather on speed

what if I can't find a fine 200TDI, better to put in a 2.5 N/A than a Turbo-one?

zojdson said:

isn't that a bit overkill for a series1, thats like my great grandfather on speed

what if I can't find a fine 200TDI, better to put in a 2.5 N/A than a Turbo-one?

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Yes a 2.5 n/a would be better than a td and should be plenty powerful enough in a series.

I've got a 2.5N/A is my series and even with 9.00 tyres, it's fine.

Ford transit di engine is another option, ideal power for a series and good economy/reliability, would probably be a lot easier to find in Belgium than any Landy engine.

They are damn noisy buggers though.

can't imagine an engine noisier than the 2.3D .. is it really worse in a DI engine..
isn't the 2.5TD a normal NA with turbo, cuz then I might as well leave the turbo off