Engine choice

[Deleted member 9101]

5.3 hands down

 

[Rovertrader]

Funny thing Oliver- that was the first 110 I built from scratch, and by far the best powertrain. We adapted it to the ZF auto- a fella in the UK built adapters, but cannot put my hands on it now. I am doing a new SBC in the 130 only because it had already been started that way, otherwise it would be the Isuzu- largest diesel manufacturer in the world!! And who GM went to for consultation on the Duramax. If you remember David Gage @ Thatched Roof Garage- he is who got me tuned on to Isuzu, and he had done many of them. They flat fly for a small diesel, and return fantastic economy, and all mechanical to boot. Geared in lieu of timing belt- just waaaay robust. I was a bit afraid of parts availability initially, but really not a problem, and Chevy dealers can get most items since they shared their box truck diesel with the NPR back in mid 80s. Bottom line, as I said earlier- SBC if gas, but must say if diesel, Isuzu for sure. On a side note, Robt Davis is about done with his adapter to the MB diesel as well as modified oil pan, etc... Sorry to ramble- been up two days and fading fast- cheers

 

[owhiting]

Thanks,
Thats got it nailed down to two engine choices. I have been doing a little looking around for the Isuzu engine but the ones I find have had a pretty hard life.
It's all a pipe dream until I sell the 110.

Thanks again

 

[Quill]

I would like to have one of these with a GM 4.3 in it.

 

[tacr2man]

These were engined with the izuzu called the perentie land rover for the Australian army

there were several versions 4x4 and 6x6 just google it

 

[owhiting]

I have read a lot about the 3.9 Isuzu in the Land Rovers but have never had my hands on a 3.9 diesel here in Durango. I know it will work it's more down to cost factor between the 3.9 Isuzu or the Vortec V8 now. MPG I think would be pretty close between the two different engines but the aftermarket support for the GM engines is probably the best in the world and the cost of the GM engines and components is less so may lean toward the vortec. The 3.9's seem to lead a fairly hard life in delivery trucks and if not low milage would need a rebuild and will that cost out weigh any fuel savings the diesel will return over the V8. I have a pretty good shopping list compiled for the GM vortec and the Isuzu and related parts for transmissions to transfer cases. Guess I will put some numbers to it and see what happens.

Thanks for all the in put so far. If I can pull this off i will have to start a build thread.

 

[Rovertrader]

While I love the Isuzu, my first post came from the your last post logic- if you are basicly traveling North and Central America- SBC is hard to beat. And honestly, even if you do head to Africa or far East, a rental is the way to go. We have been building a truck in DC as a consultant for over a year for world exploration. Meantime, he has been to Africa for a couple two week forays, and has realized shipping is not an exact science time wise- nor cost wise. So after well north of $100k, he is going to use the 110 for this continent, and rent elsewhere. Something to consider...

 

[owhiting]

When I traveled Australia for 3 months I just rented an SUV. If I had to do it again i would buy a used toyota, travel the country and sell it when done.