dcwhybrew - thanks for the comparison chart. Right now, I think I'm closer to $29-30 a day per round trip commute so maybe the 16 mpg was a one horse wonder. My main concern right now is a relatively rust-free donor vehicle and I might have located one. Here's my rough costs comparison: Donor D1 - $4000, complete 300tdi kit with autobox - $4000, installation - $3000 = $11,000. Sell D2 with 18" wheels - $7000, sell 4.0 & autobox from donor - $1000, sell 2003 D2 16" wheels with almost new General Grabber AT2's (although I might keep the tires for the TDI truck) - $800 = $8800, difference $2200. Even if additional costs meant the price went up by 50%, it would still be around $3500 to move into a truck that gets between 60-70% better fuel economy. I will learn about maintaining it but I do have an excellent mechanic that is familiar with these engines. Please, tell me if I'm missing something here.
I've even been researching LPG or natural gas conversions for the D2 but these are more money - $4000 to $5000 but Enbridge Gas will install vehicle fueling stations at home or work locations as part of a rental contract.
I don't want a beater, I've been that route and extra insurance, repairs & maintenance ate into the fuel savings. I want to drive a Land Rover that can still go offroad or camping on week-ends without breaking the bank.
Maybe I'm asking too much
So the D1 you are buying doesnt have the Tdi conversion completed already? I think you're being optimistic. You really need to check around on the conversion cost, unless you are doing it yourself. I was quoted $10-$13k by multiple people to covert my 91 Range Rover. It will cost you about $5-6K to aquire the engine and transmission combination. That may or may not include the necessary rebuild. It doesn't make sense to install a 300 tdi with out rebuilding it first while it is out of the truck. Remember, those are old engines and most will have no less than 100k miles.
Additionally, you really ought to go find someone who has one and ask them/pay them to let you drive it. My mechanic in Las Vegas, Bill Goodman (who is from the UK, master certified LR mechanic, and plenty of experience with the Tdi's) said I would hate the power. The Rover V8 is anemic, and he said the Tdi's were "gutless." Actually his recommendation was a Chevy 350 conversion. That will give you regular unleaded gas prices, cheaper parts, more power and better gas mileage.
So, my opinion, you wont be able to justify the conversion financially (paying for it with cost savings). If you want it, you just have to do it because you want to and you have the cash. Otherwise you're going to be severly disappointed. I still think you need to keep the D2 and drive the hell out of it. You can drop in a new 4.6 cheaper than what you are considering. Or buy the D1 and drop a Chevy 350 in it...:sombrero:
