Discovery 300 TDI auto is too slow?

[Markone]

Hi all, we're on the verge of joining the many happy owners of Discoverys out there and have gone as far as putting a deposit on a 1996 TDI. Actually its a Jap import with 45k on the clock and virually immaculate and rust free. Not hugely expensive for the condition and mileage but one problem so I'm told!!!
and that is its AUTOMATIC and as such ,when towing (we tow a 1300kg caravan) apparently it will die. ie very very sluggish to pull away with the TDI engine not suited to an autobox at all.

I say apparently, because this is what I've been told today by a past Discovery owner who knows his stuff. I've also read this negative about the auto version in the past but was prepared to be open minded.

I've driven the vehicle solo and seems ok to me. I need to know if its true, in auto form, this vehicle is too slow.

If we tow with this vehicle will it struggle for speed???

Its important for us to get to the bottom of this as the balance for this vehicle is payable in a few days time. A small deposit I'm happy to lose, a big chunk of money on something that will be dissapointing is different!

Helppppppp, anyone?????????

[oRGie]

welcome to the forum :) not had a 300tdi myself, so I cant really comment, but I can tell you that its possible to improve the performance with a better intercooler and tweaked fueling, better air filter and perhaps slippery turbo pipes and an exhaust system upgrade :rolleyes: :D

[Porny]

If you do find it too slow...

(although actually the 300Tdi as fitted to the Auto Discoverys is the most powerful version of the 300Tdi Land Rover produced - with 122 bhp compared to the standard 111bhp)

.... then unlike the manual version, you can have the engine chipped.

As unlike the manual Discovery (and any other version of the 300Tdi in Defenders and manual Range Rover Classics) the Automatic version has an ECU (and not just an EGR one) - hence any info on 'tweaking' the pump is not applicable to the Auto Version.

People like Jeremy Fearn, JE Engineering and Allisport (I think) all offer a chip replacement either with or without the use of a bigger intercooler.

This chip with put the power output upto around the 130 bhp mark, as well as increasing the torque output - thus making it better for towing.

With a big intercooler you would be approaching 140 bhp and again recieve a helpful boost in the torque.

(Depending where you are I also know a bloke Nr Coventry who can chip the engine for you - and will be cheaper than those mentioned above).

These chip (and intercooler) replacements will make the performace of the Auto 300Tdi quite presentable.

Ian


- Sorry... forgot - welcome to the Forum

[BrianH]

I tow a caravan with a manual Discovery 300tdi and it's ok. It's not the quickest towing vehicle but it can tow at 70 on the flat (I keep it at 60) and even on a very steep hill it's extremely rare that it'll fall below 50, and we've got a big caravan so it's not too bad. I do find that the gearing isn't ideally suited to towing on the 300tdi because I quite often find myself in between gears, so I'd expect the automatic to fare better in that respect at least. I find the low ratio gears to be invaluable when towing the caravan - it's great for manoevering around tight or very steep lanes and it's especially good for reversing the caravan up steep driveways! For this reason alone I'd never ever go back to a car.

I've been on a couple of water-logged pitches where the fields became boggy and the Discovery was excellent in this respect. 3rd gear in low ratio, diff lock and gently move forwards. The discovery got off the field where lots of other 4wd's failed and I even went back to pull the stuck 4wd's - with their caravan's still hitched up on the back - out of the trenches that they'd dug themselves so in that respect I feel the Discovery does very well and is extremely useful. I know this doesn't answer your specific question but I thought you might like to hear how another LandRover owner manages when towing his caravan.

I didn't realise the auto version had such different engines. I wouldn't have minded doing a bit of tuning to mine but from what porny is saying the options are quite a bit more limited with the engine that's fitted into manual Discoverys. Shame.

Brian

[Porny]

I wouldn't have minded doing a bit of tuning to mine but from what porny is saying the options are quite a bit more limited with the engine that's fitted into manual Discoverys. Shame.

Didn't quite mean that... lots of tuning options for the 'normal' 300Tdi... actually it's easier... you can do it home!!

Have a look here for the DIY option...http://www.orrp.com/smf/index.php?topic=4722.0


Though if you want it done professionally (with a bit more than the DIY tweeks) JE Engineering are a good bet, or Buryas Bridge, Jeremy Fearn, Allisport, Van Aarken to name a few.

With a big intercooler and a pump tweak you will get between 135 bhp and and 145 bhp on a non ECU equipped engine.


Ian

[Markone]

Many, many thanks for the quick advice! I'm surprised to hear about the chipping option as the guy today said Discovery TDI can't be chipped although he did mention about tweaking the pump and a bigger intercooler. He obviously didn't realise the difference with the auto engine so thats positive news.

However, is there a ballpark figure for this sort of work??? What with the purchase price of the vehicle and bits and pieces we have to buy for it anyway, I don't want to see it getting too dear:rolleyes:

Also, bearing in mind this machine has been tootling around a Japanese city's rush hour for 45,000 miles would sudden heavy/ tuned useage be a problem or a bit of a shock to the system?

As I said, thanks for the advice so far..........................

[Porny]

Must be said though, I'm not sure all Auto's had the ECU control, but the majority did...

Best bet would be to email somebody like www.allisport.com or www.jeremyjfearn.co.uk for a quote.

Also, bearing in mind this machine has been tootling around a Japanese city's rush hour for 45,000 miles would sudden heavy/ tuned useage be a problem or a bit of a shock to the system?
With a full service and a cambelt change (if you don't know when it was last done) I really don't think you'll have any problems.


Ian

[Bush Tucker Man]

'Matstro', I take that it's you???


Whatever are you doing so far from the Big White Shed Forum??? (T&T)

[Markone]

Yep BTM, its me! Came here for some serious advice from techies. Looks like its been forthcoming too. I knew you'd pop your head up sooner or later somewhere. Guess where I got the link to this site - your sig!

Ian, thanks for your help...............