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itolond



Member Since: 16 Jan 2016
Location: Singapore
Posts: 193
Singapore 1997 Defender 110 300 Tdi SW Alpine White
performance boost TDI300 Defender
Hi Forum,
I have added some weight to the defender - through larger wheels, roll cage and soundproofing, etc. So I am looking to (possibly) boost the performance of the TDI 300 (PS I live in a humid 29-34C climate so I have A/C as well)

some mods to date include mostly keep temperatures in check and these are:
Alisport alim full-size radiator (the thicker one) + thermostatic ho flow fan
Ali sport full-size intercooler
Gearbox cooler
Transfer case sump cooler (larger sump and ribbed fins)
I also have a number of read points- boost pressure oil and gearbox temp/ pressure, etc.. (jus tin case)
So, for the most part, it keeps cool

I was considering a turbo / boost pin upgrades (although I know very little about what boost pin does or VNT vs larger flow turbo)

any thoughts as I dont need a rocket but better proformance is nice - also not something that would cause less reliability
Post #773795 19th May 2019 12:44am
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JimC



Member Since: 22 Jan 2011
Location: NOVA
Posts: 164
United States 2007 Defender 130 300 Tdi HCPU Arles Blue
The variable nozzle turbo from Allisport or BAS (I think they’re the same part) is transformational. Install is relatively simple and the drive ability and power at all rpms is very different.
Post #773853 19th May 2019 11:20am
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buckers19



Member Since: 02 Jan 2018
Location: London
Posts: 95
1993 Defender 90 300 Tdi CSW Barolo Black
Apologies for the sidetrack.

JimC, is the VNT turbo really that transformational? I’ve been toying with the idea but have been hesitant as I haven’t really found anyone that’s running it on a tdi.

If it’s as good as claimed I’ll go in search of one. Instagram.com/mattbuckley19
Post #773865 19th May 2019 12:54pm
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JimC



Member Since: 22 Jan 2011
Location: NOVA
Posts: 164
United States 2007 Defender 130 300 Tdi HCPU Arles Blue
A friend just recently installed one on his TDi, it’s so much better that it’s not even funny. Where normally you have to shift a lot to keep the turbo spinning and the engine in its power band, this just moves off like a petrol car. The turbo is always working for you and it will climb hills without downshifting and is much more drivable around town. It doesn’t add top-end power and speed really, but it improves daily driving substantially. Since the OP already has the improved intercooler and radiator, half the kit already is already bought.
Post #773869 19th May 2019 1:15pm
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buckers19



Member Since: 02 Jan 2018
Location: London
Posts: 95
1993 Defender 90 300 Tdi CSW Barolo Black
Sounds like it could be an expensive week... Instagram.com/mattbuckley19
Post #773874 19th May 2019 1:42pm
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windy81



Member Since: 14 Mar 2018
Location: North Wales
Posts: 311
Wales 1992 Defender 90 200 Tdi HT Firenze Red
I have a VNT on my 200tdi which is equivalent to the 300tdi and I can vouch for the previous testimonials already mentioned. Definitely transformational but one thing to bear in mind is that a VNT will be weaker than a regular turbo, especially true if you increase EGT temps with the use of a Boost Pin. However the VNT remains the best upgrade IMO with a mild tune up on the pump along with the Boost Ring it quite honestly drives like a 'modern' diesel, without the lag and power everywhere where it wasn't before.
Post #773880 19th May 2019 2:21pm
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CarMan



Member Since: 29 Nov 2010
Location: Cotswolds
Posts: 1875
United Kingdom 
I want one Mr. Green Rob

1993 200tdi 90 hard-top
1998 300tdi 90 soft-top
2016 2.2 XS 90 hard-top (sold)
Post #773892 19th May 2019 4:20pm
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itolond



Member Since: 16 Jan 2016
Location: Singapore
Posts: 193
Singapore 1997 Defender 110 300 Tdi SW Alpine White
windy81 wrote:
I have a VNT on my 200tdi which is equivalent to the 300tdi and I can vouch for the previous testimonials already mentioned. Definitely transformational but one thing to bear in mind is that a VNT will be weaker than a regular turbo, especially true if you increase EGT temps with the use of a Boost Pin. However the VNT remains the best upgrade IMO with a mild tune up on the pump along with the Boost Ring it quite honestly drives like a 'modern' diesel, without the lag and power everywhere where it wasn't before.


I was looking @ alisport site and noted the following: (VNT TDI 300)

we advise against the use of a raised or nonstandard air intake "e.g. snorkel" and there is a reference to larger exhaust

anyone has experience - as I don't want to lose the snorkel at this time
Post #773901 19th May 2019 6:13pm
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itolond



Member Since: 16 Jan 2016
Location: Singapore
Posts: 193
Singapore 1997 Defender 110 300 Tdi SW Alpine White
there is also mention (forums) of a 3in exhaust option with VNT ?

rule of diminishing returns?
Post #773903 19th May 2019 6:23pm
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sako243



Member Since: 08 Jul 2014
Location: Wales
Posts: 1231
Wales 1994 Defender 110 300 Tdi CSW Alpine White
Have you considered just playing with the fuel pump and giving it a good service?

After snapping two cranks I sourced another block and timing case complete. Previous owner had fiddled with the pump and what a difference! OK it just squeaked through its MOT but with a 2 tonne trailer and 1.2 transfer box it out pulls a mates Td5. Ed
82 Hotspur Sandringham 6x6
95 Defender 110 300Tdi
Post #774118 20th May 2019 8:51pm
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L110CDL



Member Since: 31 Oct 2015
Location: Devon
Posts: 10854
England 
^^^

Was the " VNT Turbo " the cause of the 2 cranks snapping sako243 Question Clayton.

1996 Golf Blue 300Tdi 110 Pick up.
Keeper.
Post #774130 20th May 2019 9:11pm
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sako243



Member Since: 08 Jul 2014
Location: Wales
Posts: 1231
Wales 1994 Defender 110 300 Tdi CSW Alpine White
Don't have a VNT...

No a £30 crank pulley. Ed
82 Hotspur Sandringham 6x6
95 Defender 110 300Tdi
Post #774132 20th May 2019 9:11pm
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L110CDL



Member Since: 31 Oct 2015
Location: Devon
Posts: 10854
England 
Thanks for the reply sako243 Thumbs Up Clayton.

1996 Golf Blue 300Tdi 110 Pick up.
Keeper.
Post #774138 20th May 2019 9:20pm
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sako243



Member Since: 08 Jul 2014
Location: Wales
Posts: 1231
Wales 1994 Defender 110 300 Tdi CSW Alpine White
No worries. Boggo standard 300Tdi (albeit on it's third block and crank), original head back on it. Tweaked pump makes a hell of a difference though. Big hill eastbound on M4 by Bristol and accelerates comfortably pulling a trailer up it. Ed
82 Hotspur Sandringham 6x6
95 Defender 110 300Tdi
Post #774140 20th May 2019 9:23pm
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L110CDL



Member Since: 31 Oct 2015
Location: Devon
Posts: 10854
England 
Luckily i'm still on the original block / head, turbo and pump and yes the pumped tweaked a bit does help Very Happy Clayton.

1996 Golf Blue 300Tdi 110 Pick up.
Keeper.
Post #774154 20th May 2019 9:47pm
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