2.8 turbo diesel mtr or 3.1 turbo diesel?

[vitafresh]

hi,
I have a 2.8 L diesel turbo high mileage mtr that needs to be repowered. The cost of geunine isuzu eng parts are very high. Aftermarket price seems reasonable. Maybe i could spend this money on a 3.1 diesel turbo mtr. Are these two engines interchangeable? would a 3.1 diesel mtr fit my 2.8 diesel gearbox? I was told it is a straight bolt thru. No need for changnig eng mounts,adpter plates,computer,wiring looms etc.
Are there anyone out there with ths know how. Is the information provided above true? I am a bit of DIY guy and if isnt a major I am looking forward to the transplant.Thanks

[MattMU]

VF I went through this a few years ago and the basic answer is yes, they are a straight swap physically.

Only a few little things that need attention. The clutch on the 3.1 is bigger so use the flywheel off that one, you need the extra clamping force.
The wiring loom is a tiny bit different but the engine loom unpugs at the fire wall and just plug the new one in.
The exhaust is routed differently due to the oil filter location, vertical on the 2.8 and lays down rearwards on the 3.1. If your pipes are standard then they might swap over and still fit, mine was custom exhaust and had to be changed.
The quick preheat on the 2.8 is on the exhaust manifold, the 3.1 is down the way on the exhaust near the gbox. Basically dump it, not worth the trouble to make it work.
Mounts, gearbox, starter motor, ancillaries etc all match up no worries.

Matt.

[vitafresh]

hi,
thanks for the info. I have added confidence in swapping to a 3.1 diesel turbo motor. Only 1 more bolt to remove to remove the 3.1 mtr. Got too dark. Will change cambelt & water pump when mtr is out. signs of rust under water pump - must mean water leak? will replace if needed.
Thanks to everyone for sharing information & knowledge thru the message boards.

[MattMU]

Vita, the pump is easy to change after you have installed if need be, or if possible do a pressure test before you rip it out (too late I think)!

My pump OEM was $400 but Im sure you can find something better there, with Jackaroo World etc.

Definately change the timing belt and ALL the rubber water/coolant hoses, some of those are a nightmare to change when the engine is in the vehicle...hey J?

Goodluck

Matt.