"I need the power" - its time to replace the hilux d/cab 2.8D with a d/cab 3.0TD

Going from the 2.8D to the 3.0TD, I would expect a big jump in performance.

I was thinking of bolting an after market turbo on the 2.8D. I've read a few good and some not so good stories in the forum about after market turboing.

Hi Simon,
You are right, its a lot of dollar. I had looked at an after market turbo. I stopped looking when I looked at the insurance issue which had been discussed previously in the forum. As I undertand it, you are limited with the amount of power increased provided by a turbo.

On the second hand point .... I guess I'm still hurting from when I bought my first 4WD, a Toyota '84 SWB BJ70 for $20,000 ... they saw me coming. It cost me a packet.

The 2.8 and the 3 litre SR5 turbo are actually quite different once you get past the shape. They drive differently, the 3 litre is a heap quieter, interior is 100 times better and they look a lot more up to date. I have had both and the latest one is a mighty better vehicle.. With a canopy on the back they will hold about 70% more than a landcruiser wagon and will not get damaged like a LC wagon when you load it up. The rear passengers have a heap more room than the 2.8 and the interior trim is really nice. You get dual airbags and ABS if you want to pay a bit extra. I upgraded and I am really pleased that I did. If you have the cash then go for it you will get a better vehicle by a mile. Go for one that is almost new and you wil save a few grand and pick up a few extras in the deal. I bought mine almost 2 years old privately and got $16,000 of ARB extras in the deal for the same price as a stock standard one from a dealer. Look around they are out there. Mine gets 1000 kms to a 115 litre tank and I only have to fill up once per month.

suggest you change your insurance company then Anthony. I put an aftermarket turbo on my 2.8 and the power increase is such that I would never go back to non turbo and my insurance company didnt give a rats about the turbo except to say that they would not have covered me if I had not informed them.

Mate good luck with the new td. i have had one for 8 months and it goes like a dream. Do your self a favour and keep an eye on the govt auctions.I did my research, waited 3 months and picked up an 3lt td sr5 dual cab for $36300, it had 18000 ks on it at the time and came with a canopy and air. I was able to see the owners manual before bidding and was cheeky enough to contact the guy who drove it (he was a council boss)> He assured me it was never driven hard and had not been off road. I have since done 20000 ks woth out a problem.

good luck with your future purchase