Hilux 2.8 power increase help needed.

[ricduza]

After procrastinating for ages between a Navara or a Lux and having to wait ages to sell a couple of other vehicles, I finally purchased a 94 dually SR5 with a 2.8 diesel. My original intention was to fit a 1UZ V8 and I still will probably do that. However there are some advantages in staying with diesel, one of which is that it would be more useful around the farm paddocks with the hand throttle and the diesel fuel rebate would mean cheaper running costs, but I had forgotten how ridiculously gutless they are.

So, before I go down the V8 engine route, I need some firsthand info from people who have actually powered up their 2.8 diesels. All the adds in 4x4 mags for turbos etc claim 30% or 40% increases, but I haven't seen actual Dyno results for step by step add on mods and all the forum comments just say things like, "It now goes heaps better". I'd like to hear some actual figures from people who have actually been down this path.

Firstly, what is the standard power and torque figures of the 2.8.
Secondly, what power and Torque increase with extractors etc.
Thirdly, what power and torque increase if I fitted say a Surf Turbo.
Fourthly, What power and torque increase for an intercooler.
Fifthly, any other recommended mods to get this thing up to a safe highway car passing vehicle, or am I dreaming. I'm not prepared to spend big $ fitting new turbo and intercooler, but could do all the work myself if I source secondhand equipment.

Ric

[Gribble]

1. 67kw@4000rpm and 183nM@2400
2. Not much but a difference none the less.
3. I havent had my 2.4 surf turbo dynoed but it makes a strong difference down low in rev range but chokes the top end quite a bit. On the freeway when i had 4.3 diffs and 33's it was fine and had plenty more overtaking grunt than a standard lux. Most aftermarket systems quote around the 85kw mark and 220nM and above.
4. Questionable, you can loose some responsiveness of the surf kit by doing it, but i wouldnt bother intercooling a surf kit unless you hi-flowed the turbo or had a larger turbo fitted.
5. Do the 1uz-fe convo if you want real power, dont try and make a silk purse out of a pigs ear by doing up the diesel with turbo's and extractors if your looking to go fast, it will be a waste of money you could spend on a good strong yota v8.

[MissDrew]

There is only one way of making a 2.8 even close to driveable and thats by adding 4 more pistons, another head and some petrol

I had the 2.8
I added the turbo, this made it ok to drive but still crap.
I`ve now done the v8 swap and love it

[ricduza]

Thanks, guys. You've confirmed my thoughts. I won't waste money on it. I will definitely go the 1uz path. Now, I just have to decide, manual or auto.
Ric

[striker99]

Manuals a hell of alot better downhill when you want to go slow aposed to burning the brakes out in auto