100 Series Diesel Cruiser

Sam,
I bought a 1998 100 series in May last year and like you have considered an aftermarket turbo - only because we are about to tow an off-road caravan weighing in at around 2000kg loaded. The non-turbo diesel is fine if we are not towing anything.
The current issue of Overlander has an article on the 100 series and, like many other commentators, observes that "while the naturally-aspirated diesel is a little down on power, it is a solid and reliable engine that is quite adequate unless you're looking to do some heavy towing." Further on it makes the comment that "the diesels are particularly reliable, but many were fitted with aftermarket turbochargers. If this is the case, keep an eye out for signs of overheating and/or head problems."
I'll be interested to see how the non-turbo handles the van when we go off-road. We are not in a hurry and may not need the extra power and torque. Otherwise we are delighted with the wagon which, at the time of buying, had done 130,000 kms - and quite a bit of off-road work.
Happy travelling!

Sam, interestingly enough, this morning I was reading a back issue of 4WD Monthly (Jan 2002) in which they ran a story on fitting an aftermarket (DTS) turbo to an "old" (320,000 kms) series 80 1HZ motor. It was fitted by a well known diesel "shop" in Berrima NSW. The cost was $3,500 with a caveat that you may need to spend another $700 for a pre-turbo check-up and tune. All-in-all it seemed very successful.Be good, or be quick.
Rohan (Sydney)

I fitted a DTS turbo to my 80 Series after it had done 240k klms It has now done 320k klms best money I have ever spent. TJM sell them up here for $2495 plus $500 fit and dyno tune. Mine puts out 85 kws at the wheels compared to 63 standard. Cheers RobCairns Offroad Training & Tours

A mate of mine had an after market turbo fitted to his new 100series and only one brand would carry the new vehicle warranty. Might pay to check with the turbo agent or the dealer if your truck still carries warranty.
I thought I read that fitting an aftermarket turbo could put more strain etc on the bottom end and shorten it's life.
Mine's normally aspirated and comparing to my previous factory fitted turbo 60 series it's a slug but I'll get used to it.
cya
AlpacaAlpaca

hi all, if you have a N/A diesal and looking for more power ie tourqe seriously look at fitting a super charger i fitted one to my 92 4.2 diesal after driving simialer turbo diesals. The turbo has nothing on what a S/C can offer and this can only be found by driving this set up. Try driving a turbo at 800revs in 5th gear put the boot in you will get nothing try the same with a S/C really amasing the tourge just pulls you away. My S/C puts out 8psi at idle, a normal turbo doesnt get taht till 1800- 2000 revs. this set up is the best for towing and ease of control when of road, i have foud i can go a higher gear and have lower revs ie 1000 to 1200 revs gives me real control with power to burn you have to drive it to know what i am saying. Unbeleivable on the nissan 4.2 diesal and feel on the more advanced ohc tojo would be the bees knees. In the future i feel S/C will be the go on fac tory fit over turbos Col

hi all, if you have a N/A diesal and looking for more power ie tourqe seriously look at fitting a super charger i fitted one to my 92 4.2 diesal after driving simialer turbo diesals. The turbo has nothing on what a S/C can offer and this can only be found by driving this set up. Try driving a turbo at 800revs in 5th gear put the boot in you will get nothing try the same with a S/C really amasing the tourge just pulls you away. My S/C puts out 8psi at idle, a normal turbo doesnt get taht till 1800- 2000 revs. this set up is the best for towing and ease of control when of road, i have foud i can go a higher gear and have lower revs ie 1000 to 1200 revs gives me real control with power to burn you have to drive it to know what i am saying. Unbeleivable on the nissan 4.2 diesal and feel on the more advanced ohc tojo would be the bees knees. In the future i feel S/C will be the go on fac tory fit over turbos Col

hi all, if you have a N/A diesal and looking for more power ie tourqe seriously look at fitting a super charger i fitted one to my 92 4.2 diesal after driving simialer turbo diesals. The turbo has nothing on what a S/C can offer and this can only be found by driving this set up. Try driving a turbo at 800revs in 5th gear put the boot in you will get nothing try the same with a S/C really amasing the tourge just pulls you away. My S/C puts out 8psi at idle, a normal turbo doesnt get taht till 1800- 2000 revs. this set up is the best for towing and ease of control when of road, i have foud i can go a higher gear and have lower revs ie 1000 to 1200 revs gives me real control with power to burn you have to drive it to know what i am saying. Unbeleivable on the nissan 4.2 diesal and feel on the more advanced ohc tojo would be the bees knees. In the future i feel S/C will be the go on fac tory fit over turbos Col

Hi
I wouldnt hesitate to turbo a new 100 diesel, but pay the extra for the best setup. Well worth the effortless torque they put out and you will actually get better economy towing than naturally aspirated. The early factory turbo 80 cruisers had bearing problems whereas the 1hz never did either turboed or not.If you were after towing power, i would steer you to a 98 factory turbo multivalve 80 series 40th annaversary unit.
People have problems with turboes when they try to extract too much power from them, making too much heat for the motor.
Andrew

'F' knows,
I've had two 100 series owners tell me that they'd prefer the good ol 80 series for reliablitiy etc etc etcLove the bush.
Chris

Mate the factory turbo diesel (1hdft) in the late 80 series not only pulled like a train,(more torque than a petrol powered 80) but got better economy (10 km/l) and almost as much power as the newer electronic controlled factory turbo 100 series you see for 77k now Add an intercooler from APS and it gives out 850mn of torque.
Andrew