GU 2.8 vs GQ 4.2 diesels,opinions???

[tennismark]

This might have been covered but I struggled to find info. Got around $20g for a truck and the price of the GU 2.8 is attractive but is the problems worht the $$$$, or better to get the gq 4.2 diesel.hard to find a good one..Can get chip for the 2.8 which helps power so it will equal the 4.2. newer model vs older, more up to date vs older design.
Like to hear what you boys have got to say....cheers

[bogged]

2.8s can be had for roudn $11/13k not 20.. that may help you decide.
2.8 wont = 4.2

[tennismark]

thats why Im looking at the 2.8 as they are much cheaper and then can fitout with some gear....money for a performance chip/suspension etc. they are more modern too, as i want it as daily driver and weekend fun/trips/touring.

[bogged]

thats why Im looking at the 2.8 as they are much cheaper and then can fitout with some gear....money for a performance chip/suspension etc. they are more modern too, as i want it as daily driver and weekend fun/trips/touring.

plenty of threads on 2.8's here... few in last week or so.. Even with powerup, dont expect a rocket.

[mattstar]

I just got myself a 2.8 99 GU st, my previous ride was a 82 MQ swb.
Maybe the fact that I was driving 25 year old car makes me abit biast but I am really happy and impressed with the 2.8, I got it with the same plan of daily driver, weekend tour and camping with occasional towing (only rated to 2800kg towing capacity) I have driven about 500klm since owning it, with about 4-5hrs offroad time in that. It is a little slow below 1850-1900rpm but then boost kicks in and it takes off, I haven't towed but am quite happy with drivability and power. I was a little concerned that it would be difficult off road but is really capable, as in boost range doesn't limit or change driving style. I was looking at a 4.2GQ but couldn't find for good money in good condition, I haven't looked back from the GU and still have my MQ ute to thrash
Also look in general 4x4chat, as I asked other 2.8 owners to tell me what they thought, it's under "2.8 owners speak to me"

[badger]

there was a 4.2 gu in reasonable nic on here last week for 16ish
need i say more

[nath69]

Hi Tennismark

I have had my 1998 2.8GU for about 6 months now after upgrading from a 4.2 petrol GQ.

I have had a bigger exhaust and dump pipe fitted, chipped and blocked EGR with great results.

It is a much nicer ride for daily driving, lot quieter ans smoother. The gearbox in the 2.8 is a smaller unit from the skyline but is so much smoother than the big 4.2 box and still capable of much abuse.

I recently had a set of Federal mud tyres fitted (285/75R16) and was pleasantly suprised when we recently drove up a North coast beach with heavy sand. Despite leaving the tyres at road pressure we cruised up in 3rd high sitting on 3000rpm without a problem. My mate in a 4.2 petrol Maverick had to go into low range following us and we kept up with a 3.0 Auto GU fittted with a DP chip.

On the trip up from Sydney we had a full rack on the roof with a canoe and to Crescent head, 443km, we used around 55lt sitting on the speed limit so the economy is pretty good for a big truck compared to the 30lt/100km for the GQ.

I reakon the 2.8 is a pretty good truck for the money you can pick one up for. yes I would love the 4.2TDi but I could not afford the extra 15K.

Good luck on your decision

Cheers Nathan

[tennismark]

Thanks for all your help boys, seems like value for money the GU2.8 is the dogs nuts!! Hard to find a gq deisel in good order, as Im not handy with tools it needs to be in good nick. Whats the total cost of doing the performance chip/exhaust/and anything else thats needed? Approx cost I know,

[nath69]

Chip and Exhaust could be between $2000 and $2500 all up. The EGR can be done for next to nothing. Check out the topic by doing a search on the Patrol4x4 forum.

My Exhaust is a 2 3/4" from Beaudesert exhaust in Qld fitted by my local Midas. The chip is a SanCo one from Denmark that they sent me at cost to trial and tune for our conditions. To date it has given me a huge power increase. The guys in Denmark suggest I should achieve with the exhaust and chip around 118kw and 335Nm. That's a good increase from the standard 96kw and 252Nm.

Motsons in Qld do a great chip and they were my first choice before the SanCo trial offer. Steinbauer and ENGTEK do chips here and there are several choices from Europe.

The end of the day you don't buy a 4wd for outright on road performance.

Several things to check for when looking at the 2.8. Research them on Patrol4x4 as it is a wonderful source of information.
The only problem I had was the hot start issue.

Regards

Nathan

[badger]

are the gu 2.8's a different setup to the gq ones. my uncle used to own a 2.8 gq and a 75 series with a 2h in it. the 2h used 2 litres of oil a week it was that worn and the 2.8 still had nothing at all on it.

i test drove one before i got my 4.2 and to me i fealt i had to work it hard to get around.

if the gu motors are better perhapse they are worth a thought but otherwise id forget it cos you will spend the coin modding the 2.8 and it still wont be the 4.2 you coulda bought with the extra coin spent

[nath69]

The 2.8 engine in the GU is the same but intercooled and electronic injection as opposed to mechanical in the GQ.

The power outputs are better in the GU and with mods can be greatly improved.

When I had a budget price and was looking around I quickly steered away from the 3lt diesel and looked at 4.2 and 2.8 diesels. I would have much preffered the 4.2 turbo diesel any day but with all things being equal in every other way but engine, the 4.2 was around 12K more than the 2.8. Not sure how the used market prices are in QLD or WA though.

If 20K is the budget and you want a GU in diesel then the 2.8 is the best option. I am yet to spend over 20K on mine including purchase price, exhaust, chip, 4 new 285.75R16 mud tyres, new battery, oil and filter change, new A/C belt, extra earth leads to chassis, New Spotties, bonnet amd headlight protectors, dash mat, seat covers, second power outlet. etc etc. Mine is about to roll over 200K and the timing belt is to be done and I will do it myself.

Guys on other forums have reports of GQ and GU with 2.8 doing in excess of 400K without problems.

If in doubt, buy the GQ with a 4.2TD. Both models are great trucks but the GU is a much nicer daily driver.

Cheers

Nathan

[tennismark]

looks like a big thumbs up for the 2.8. Value for money at least. If $$$ were no problems the the bigger 4.2 would be the one . With the chip and exhaust it would be fine. has anyone done the gas to it. Is that better than the chip. I heard it was more expensive but is it better.

[bogged]

looks like a big thumbs up for the 2.8. Value for money at least. If $$$ were no problems the the bigger 4.2 would be the one . With the chip and exhaust it would be fine. has anyone done the gas to it. Is that better than the chip. I heard it was more expensive but is it better.

if your going to that expense, wait a few mths and buy a 4.2.