By Steve (Oz93discov8) on Wednesday, July 25, 2001 - 02:44 am: Edit

I'm getting curious about the D1 300TDi Autos as my 3.9 V8i is becoming (always was!) a real fuel guzzler. Are they so underpowered that they are a pain to drive or do you get used to them? How about durability and servicing costs - say compared to the V8's?

By Chris Dillard (Cdillard) on Wednesday, July 25, 2001 - 03:34 am: Edit

Steve,
To get more information on the Disco 300Tdi you may want to give Mike Smith @ ECR (East Coast Rover)(www.eastcoastrover.com) a call. They seem to have a good bit of knowledge concerning the 300Tdi power, conversions, etc, etc.

Cheers,
Chris

By Leslie on Wednesday, July 25, 2001 - 05:20 am: Edit

The auto behind the Tdi is different than the one behind the V8i, so you'd have to change the tranny in addition to the engine.

The Tdi autos are generally regarded as a dog by most, but not all.

So, most who opt to do a Tdi conversion usually will opt to change over to the 5-speed at that time. It's what I'd do, if I was going the Tdi route.

Mi dos centavos, IMHO, YMMV, etc....

-L

By Ron on Wednesday, July 25, 2001 - 05:23 am: Edit

Hey Leslie,

Isn't our buddy DG getting an auto TDi? Also since steve is in OZ he can buy one and sell his 93 rather than do a conversion.

Ron

Steve you lose a bit with the auto but those who have driven it say it in not a big deal. Also the auto is better than the slushbox and auto TDI put out a bit more hp in some of the later 300TDi.

By Murray (Cdnrvr) on Wednesday, July 25, 2001 - 05:30 am: Edit

Another contact would be Mike at Britannica Restorations - [email protected] - he has over 20 years experience with Rovers and has done conversions before. I am also considering a 300TDi conversion down the road.

Murray

By Leslie on Wednesday, July 25, 2001 - 05:30 am: Edit

DG has a Tdi 300 for the 130 he's building... but it's w/ a 5-speed. I'm not aware of an auto coming in, but he may very well have one... And if someone did want one, he'll get one.

Good point.... if you can sell yours and by a Tdi one, that'd be much simpler.

But, I know that I'm attached to my Disco, and know it's history... If you do the conversion yourself, you know what you have, instead of buying an 'unknown' vehicle...

Autos are preferred for crawling in the J**p-circles... just don't expect a 1/4 mi road-rocket. And, Ron's right, the ZF is usually a better tranny than the 5-speeds...

Again, MHO, YMMV....

-L

By 200Tdi on Wednesday, July 25, 2001 - 05:48 pm: Edit

If you like the power of a V8, dont waste your time with a Tdi. Go to a dealer and drive one you'll see what i mean. Fuel economy is great though

John D

By Alastair Australia on Wednesday, July 25, 2001 - 07:19 pm: Edit

I have a 300Tdi manual ('97).

It's certainly not quick (esp off from the lights with the air con going). Once you get it revving between 2000-3000rpm, the turbo kicks in and it's reasonably quick (for a 4 cyl diesel).

The best thing is the fuel economy. On the highway, I can get near 1000kms from a single tank of diesel. Around the suburbs, I can get at least 800kms from one 75L tank.

It's nothing on a V8, but it keeps up with the traffic without having to thrash it along, and you can still drag Huyundais at the lights...

Email me if you want more info about what my diesel is like...

By Steve (Oz93discov8) on Thursday, July 26, 2001 - 02:03 am: Edit

Thanks for the comments. Here in Australia we've always had TDi Discos in manual & Auto ready to go so I wouldn't be looking to convert mine from the V8i. I hit 40 recently so I can afford to drive slower now that I'm an "Old Bastard" - so maybe I could learn to live with the diesel "performance" with double the fuel economy!!

By Norbert on Friday, July 27, 2001 - 08:21 am: Edit

Hi there, I`m posting from Berlin / Germany. You all are right, the Rover Tdi`s power is not comparable with a V8`s. But another diesel conversion might be. Motor & Diesel in England offer a kit to change for the high torque Mazda 3.5 SLT directly injecting Turbo Diesel with Intercooler. That one fits perfect also in Rangies with ZF auto. Personally I´m very sorry, that this engine is not available in Germany but in the US and Australia it should not be a problem? Have a look at www.mdengineering.co.uk
cu, Norbert

'86 RR 2.4l VM TurboD

By angler on Tuesday, July 31, 2001 - 12:33 am: Edit

I love my TDI, 30mpg against 15 or so that my V8 managed. Its a bit slow of the mark but goes well when the revs build up. I scare a few other oilers on the road no probs. Diesel here in NQ Australia is 89c litre petrol about 85c.
I would really like some measurements for two sill tanks for long range travel.

By 200Tdi on Tuesday, July 31, 2001 - 05:13 pm: Edit

Buy them from Long Range Automotive or 4wd systems