stefan P (Penrith NSW) replied:

Sorry can't comment on the GQ. But have a GU 2.8
They are fine once they are rolling, BUT the lack of torque off boost makes taking off a bit tricky with a load, on hill starts it is quite hard with out slipping the clutch a bit.

Keep the speed at around 90-100km/h max when towing should get you comparable economy to the 4.2.

Go over 100km/h PAY THE PRICE at the fuel pump!!!

Sticking to around 95km/h my GU returns around 12lt per hundred.

Sit on 110-115km/h it goes to around 16-17lt per hundred.

The 4.2 won't be any faster.....but heaps more drivable with the better low down torque.

Test drive both and see how you feel....better yet take the pop top with you and try both.

Cheers Stefan

Member - andrew B (Kununurra) replied:

Gday True Blue

Both Stefan and myself have been through a bit with the 2.8.....hindsight is a wonderful thing, my rig pics should explain with a new purchase. Altough I haven't sold the 2.8 (dark blue) I recently got a 4.2 GU and it is soooo much better at everything. Easier to drive, probably about a tie in a side by side drag race (probably not the most exciting quater mile to witness!) but cruises effortlesley, uses less fuel, will pull my boat out of the boatramp at low revs without riding the clutch (2.8 is a low range or change your clutch a lot job)......should I go on...not 'flighty' off road (throttle position and gear not as crutial) more reliable, stronger gearbox..

Any way, I would advise the 4.2 well above the 2.8.....Want to buy a 2.8 GU??? has a few problems....probably needs a new head.....V8 would go well in it......going cheap!

From what I have heard, the older 2.8 in the GQ didn't have the electronic injection pump and intercooler, and was a bit less powerful (not sure that word goes with these engines) and more reliable/cheaper to repair

Good luck

Cheers Andrew

Oldsquizzy (Kununurra) replied:

LOL, was going to say ask Andrew B...Doing much ?

Kiwiausie replied:

Hi . We have a GQ 93 model 4.2 non turbo diesel done just on 470.000kms . we were away at Xmas towing our camper trailer approx 1250 kg .I have a very heay right foot cruise speed 115kmh (when it gets there). it will sit on that all day long until i come to a hill , sure its a bit of a Slug on hills . but just keep changing down & keep the revs up & she goes allright......
Fuel Consumpstion i get just on 520 kms per 75 litres 14.4. litres per 100 kms . Thats not bad considering fully loaded vehicle 4 people fridge , safety gear , etc also roof rack kids bikes etc

Member - Barnesy replied:

I haven't driven one of these but common sense would say the 4.2 would be a lot better to tow with. There is no substitute for cubic inches, despite a turbo.
The 2.8 also has the smaller gearbox and drivetrain.

Kumunara (NT) replied:

True Blue


I had a 1997 GQ RX 2.8 TD patrol

I know have a GU 4.2 TD

I have towed camper trailers with both.

Buy the 4.2. It is an excellent towing vehicle and I get 15L/100km when towing the camper trailer and fully laden.



Tjilpi

True Blue replied:

Thanks to everyone who replied to this thread.

It was pretty much as I thought it would be, but just wanted to ask anyway.

thanks again and happy motoring to you all.

True Blue