tuning options 1991 3.1 etc

[mudgrip4]

Am pondering some ideas for next machine - will probably go for a lwb which I can build up with big lift, fit with 33s, tune and put front and rear lokkas in. Would prefer a 2.8 as so easy to tune but wonder with eg a 1991 3.1 how easy is it to tweak the diesel pump for extra power. Are all 3.1s EFI, or EFI after some point. What are your tuning options with this non direct injection motor? What increases can you get out of this motor - and doing what?

It's a very heavy body (1970kg dry weight) and esp with auto needs a bit more grunt for hills and steep offroad stuff.

Found an interesting example with some work already done here in Chch.

www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=105038147

Am working on an idea however to do more than just 4wding - and a mate has a simple platform made to slide in back to easily create a double bed. Is cut out for wheel arches and has under-bed storage compartments etc. Am thinking of making this, then adding a side awning attached to length of truck's roofline, sliding into grooved slot as with caravan. Then extend it out the side say 10 feet to two corner poles, perhaps with front rear and side detachable canvas/poly panels. = Bed plus open or private living space. In this way create a camper/mega offroader in one. And for alot less dollars than you'd pay for just a camper van.

Something you could take on holiday anywhere in NZ, and do any offroading as well. I'd imagine a lightweight awning plus a couple of poles would take very little room - probably slide under raised double bed platform when not in use.

Just thoughts I'm toying with, but could add alot to our standard lwb and for very few dollars.

Mike.

[geeves]

That looks a nicly set up truck but if you buy get rid of those ora hubs. A 3.1 in wellington is on his 3rd set under warrentee.
The early 3.1s were mechanical so the normal options are there but they do already have a reputation for cooking heads so I would shy away from performance mods. They are a very torquy motor anyway so might be ok out of the box. Lpg injection seems to work well.
With the price of reasonable quality dome tents being what it currently is the bed might be a good mod but I wouldnt bother with the awning

[polcat]

mudgrip4 said:

Am pondering some ideas for next machine - will probably go for a lwb which I can build up with big lift, fit with 33s, tune and put front and rear lokkas in. Would prefer a 2.8 as so easy to tune but wonder with eg a 1991 3.1 how easy is it to tweak the diesel pump for extra power. Are all 3.1s EFI, or EFI after some point. What are your tuning options with this non direct injection motor? What increases can you get out of this motor - and doing what?

It's a very heavy body (1970kg dry weight) and esp with auto needs a bit more grunt for hills and steep offroad stuff.

Found an interesting example with some work already done here in Chch.

www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=105038147

Am working on an idea however to do more than just 4wding - and a mate has a simple platform made to slide in back to easily create a double bed. Is cut out for wheel arches and has under-bed storage compartments etc. Am thinking of making this, then adding a side awning attached to length of truck's roofline, sliding into grooved slot as with caravan. Then extend it out the side say 10 feet to two corner poles, perhaps with front rear and side detachable canvas/poly panels. = Bed plus open or private living space. In this way create a camper/mega offroader in one. And for alot less dollars than you'd pay for just a camper van.

Something you could take on holiday anywhere in NZ, and do any offroading as well. I'd imagine a lightweight awning plus a couple of poles would take very little room - probably slide under raised double bed platform when not in use.

Just thoughts I'm toying with, but could add alot to our standard lwb and for very few dollars.

Mike.

Hi Mudgrip, nice looking truck, I am unaware of Alans comment of cooking heads, have added extra things on mine including a late model ihi turbo running 13psi boost and an extra air cleaner to get the air in, works very well.

we use ours for trips and put our oztent on the roof rack, very easy to erect and not too heavy.
hope this helps your decisions

cheers
Stu

[mudgrip4]

Thanks for tips. The truck in above thread sold for $4500 which was quite a good buy for someone. Am unsure yet which model to buy and develop, though am now leaning towards a lwb 2.8 - a vehicle I know very well.

Mike

[geeves]

In the 4wd mag several years ago there was an artical on a ubs55 that had been set up similar to what you want to do. I dont have the artical anymore but think it was someone in Christchurch

[mudgrip4]

There are some great looking roof-mounted tent packages -esp from Aus - but the trouble with those is that while great in the open, they can't be used in alot of NZ bush tracks/trips. Even roofrack frames often have to be removed to avoid damage from trees - there is often very little clearance from overhanging branches - eg on the West Coast.

[JaSiN]

you could always try a hard top roof tent? they seemed pretty good. not too sure how strong they would be, but im sure its better than they usual poly / canvas covers.

[geeves]

Couldnt take one of those into NZ bush The branches dont start 6 feet up the trees.