To Keep or Not to Keep 3.1 Vs 2.8

[Jimmu]

I find myself in a predicament. I now have two ISUZU MU.

1x '96 Model 3.1

Rear LSD, Open front, 2" Suspension, 2" Body lift custom bar with LF 240s, snorkle, duel battery, rock sliders etc

1x '93 Model 2.8

Modified Rear LSD, Lokka front, 2.5" Suspension, 2" Body lift, TJM bar with Roo Lights, Intercooler fitted, Dyno tuned engine, snorkle, 33's and flares.

The toss up is to swap the Diffs across to the '96 model, swap the wheels and tires, possibly the bull bar and then go through fitting a new intercooler and dyno tuning the beast or to swap the sliders duel battery across to the '93 model.

Then sell the other one.

The 2.8 certainly makes significantly more power than the 3.1 does but the gearing on the 3.1 is better and the torque curve feels like it relies less on the boost.

I thought the decision would be easier but it is not.

My only real hold back on the 3.1 is that the 2.8 is such a bullet proof engine and the economy of the 2.8 while really not significant for my purposes is nice.

feedback required

Jimmy

[geeves]

The 3.1 would sell for more.
What are the milages and conditions If ones about to become a rust bucket then obviously thats the one to sell otherwise its a hard choise.
Before swapping diffs check the ratio the 2.8 is likly to have 4.56 diffs the 3.1 most likly 4.3
You already know the ecconomy and performance and that the 2.8 apears to be a better motor except at low revs. My 2.8 has lived on the rev limiter for a large portion of the 10 years Ive owned it.
The rock sliders might not fit straight on the other one due to minor differences

[turnturn]

Why sell either? I'd keep both.

[mudgrip4]

I'd definitely keep the 2.8.

The 3.1 can give good mileage but has turbo and occasional head cracking issues which the 2.8 doesn't have - 2.8 regarded as the best of isuzu engines by isuzu agents. Sounds like your 2.8 is well set up. I'd keep it ( depending on mileage and condition ) and sell the 3.1 which will have more street value as newer vehicle.

[geeves]

A slight off shoot on this subject. The 2.8 is used in the Mu,bighorn,Rodeo and a whole heap of trucks and campers etc but the 3.1 only seems to be in the Mu,Wizard, and bighorn. Am I mistaken on this or is there a reason this motor wasnt used elsewhere. Even the Rodeo stuck with the 2.8 till 99 when the 3.0 came along

[dasnoboarder]

Go the 2.8. I just think it's a nicer engine. It's also very common as Alan said. Must be for a reason.

[Vineboy]

Keep the 2.8............give me the 3.1