Which diesel for an 81 classic?

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dinsdale

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11
Hi all, I have an 81 Range Rover and was wondering what diesel conversion is recommended these days. It has a Perkins 4236 at the moment, but am thinking something a bit livelier may be nice.
 
300tdi would be the easiest, Td5 is a good choice if you dont mind doing electrics too
 
300tdi would be the easiest, Td5 is a good choice if you dont mind doing electrics too
Thanks Kev12, don't mind doing straight forward electrics but don't want anything to do with anything electronic thanks. Would the 300tdi fit straight on to my 4 speed bell housing?
 
No, plus you will already have a different bellhousing (or maybe an adaptor) to fit the perkins
 
I'd be looking at the OM606 if you want some power to play with - plenty of vids on the tube - obviously impacts historic status on the points system - but the 300 tdi can be tuned to 150+ HP whilst maintaining reliability ... with one proviso - you MUST keep an eye on EGT's ..
 
Thanks Kev12, don't mind doing straight forward electrics but don't want anything to do with anything electronic thanks. Would the 300tdi fit straight on to my 4 speed bell housing?
Tdi would probably feel quite sluggish with an auto. If you are after a performance boost. I’m pretty sure this wouldn’t be the way to do it. Td5 is far superior power wise. Electronics are pretty simple.
 
In standard tune, maybe, but not with a FWIC and the FIP tuned properly ... ask me how I know :)
Yep, tuned TDI owner here, it's my 3rd one. But in an RRC with an auto box, the TDI won't be that dynamic. No electronic control of the gearbox, no lockup and you are still lacking power. The Td5 when tuned like for like is circa 50hp more than a Tdi, which is very noticeable.
 
Yep, tuned TDI owner here, it's my 3rd one. But in an RRC with an auto box, the TDI won't be that dynamic. No electronic control of the gearbox, no lockup and you are still lacking power. The Td5 when tuned like for like is circa 50hp more than a Tdi, which is very noticeable.

My Tdi is 164Hp - professionally done anorl, so, forgive me, but, 214Hp out of a TD5 ? - didn't know that was possible .. - still wouldn't touch it - electronics = yuk.

My 4HP22 has lockup o_O..

no electronic control of the gearbox = thank feck for that ... :)

If the op needs more than the Tdi will deliver, then OM606 - which is why I mentioned it ;);) :)
 
Thanks for all the advise, I'm not looking for earth shattering performance, just something simple, reliable and able to cruise at the legal limit. Its a 4 speed manual with overdrive by the way.
 
Thanks for all the advise, I'm not looking for earth shattering performance, just something simple, reliable and able to cruise at the legal limit. Its a 4 speed manual with overdrive by the way.

300 Tdi all day long IMO.. you can tune it later, as required ;), oh yeah, and fit a proper gearbox too ..:D:D
 
My Tdi is 164Hp - professionally done anorl, so, forgive me, but, 214Hp out of a TD5 ? - didn't know that was possible .. - still wouldn't touch it - electronics = yuk.

My 4HP22 has lockup o_O..

no electronic control of the gearbox = thank feck for that ... :)

If the op needs more than the Tdi will deliver, then OM606 - which is why I mentioned it ;);) :)
What do you have done to your Tdi?

I know many places used to 'claim' x hp gains. Most are probably somewhat over zealous tbh. We've had a couple of club dyno days. An array of tuned Tdi's and Td5's. The Td5's are easily 50hp more than any of the Tdi's. I agree the seat of the pants kick in the back can be massively improved on a Tdi. But they are still fairly slow and underpowered in the wider world.
 
see post #9:-

n standard tune, maybe, but not with a FWIC and the FIP tuned properly ...

:)
Cool. Although I honestly doubt it is 164hp, probably more like 135-145'ish. Not taking away from your setup, just looking at what others make and rolling road results, including my own Tdi. Plus performance comparisons with other engines in the same vehicles.

What sort of tuning have you done?

Mine has custom exhaust, custom intake & cone filter, custom dual inlet intake manifold, increased boost, boost ring, Allisport front mount intercooler and a very heavily tweaked injector pump (rotated pin, diaphragm, smoke screw and power screw). When I dyno'd it last it didn't have the boost ring or dual intake manifold. It made good power, had people there at the day with tweaked pumps, big intercoolers and hybrid turbos. All of the tuned Tdi's made quite comparable power, although mine was one of the highest on the day.

But I struggle to believe it is over 'real' 150hp. A tweaked Tdi has masses more low end grunt and they should feel a lot more free revvy compared to stock. Which can make them feel like you've gained 100hp through the butt meter. But reality will be a lot less. All of the tuned Td5's made in the region of 25-45 more whp than the Tdi's. Which when you translate to include the drivetrain losses, is going to be 50 or more hp at the engine difference.
 
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