Buying a gu 2.8

[Ajsgq]

Hey guys

I'm new here so I hope this is where to post this I also did a search but nothing came up. I'm wanting to buy a 2.8 gu as they are fairly cheap and I'm not wanting to buy a 3.0 as they blow up and need somthing reliable. So my question is are they a good reliable motor that is going to last or are they a waste of time.

Thanks in advance AJ

[growler2058]

People with a 2.8 love em sorry can't tell ya 1st hand I got a td42. Don't be scared off by the 3.0 tho with minor mods (NADS) they can be reliable


Tappin N Crappin

[paulasandmark]

I have a 2.8 1999 turbo diesel Gu and Love it, unfortuantely we also have a landcruiser as well and I am selling my GU to pay off some bills and get a small car for school drop offs and pick ups.

We have had no problems with ours at all and I wouldn't sell it otherwise.

[97_gq_lwb]

2.8's are crack heads lol
If buying one take it in and have the cooling system thoroughly tested.
And take it up a nice big steep hill and load it up hard see if the temp rises.
I had a 2.8 loved it great little motor little more boost and fuel and they go quite well but changed to a 4.2 and then turboed it hoping i'll get a lot more k's out of it..

[gbab01]

Hi. I have a 2000 GU 2.8 and love it. Had it for about 12 months. Yes the engine is a bit quirky and likes to be revved. My thinking was along the same lines as yours in relation to cost and concern about some of the earlier 3.0. That said, I think the problems were sorted with the later models but that of course means more money (I did see a 2007 with a blown motor but who really knows why that happened?) and there are mods you can do to assist the early 3.0 survival (plenty on that in this forum). I have heard that the 2.8 can have head issues later in life. i was lucky enough to find one with 118,000 Kms on it when we purchased it. Now on 135,000 - no problems as yet. Had a head of modifications and additions so we paid a premium but everything on it was what I wanted to do anyway (and I was sick of looking). I had the timing belt done straight away and the big 120,000 service as we were heading to the NT. Dealer went halves which was handy. My research indicates they are a good little motor. Regular maintenance and oil at 5000 k's is highly suggested. They could do with a bit more grunt but again there are things that can be done to assist that. You won't have the power of the 4.2 but you also won't have the concerns of some of the earlier 3.0's. Cheers.

[Ajsgq]

Thanks alot guys, now when I buy it (already talked myself out of a 3ltr lol) and do some mods ie lift it and bigger tyres are 35" tires going to be to much for it or would 33" be better ?? And how much can i up the boost?? Thanks again

[gbab01]

Sorry can't help you with the tyre size. Something in the back of my mind says I have read that 33" would be about it. Try a google search. Can't help with the boost either as I leave mine alone. Someone here should know. Cheers.

[Ajsgq]

I was thinking along the same lines there cobber. Want to turn this one into a bit of a beast. I want it as an extreme tourer/weekend warrior.

[patrol2.8]

I have a 98 2.8 and think they are fantastic i used to run 35s on mine without to much drama didnt like to take off from a standing start unless you wound it up with the 35s on now run 33s and it seems a lot betterto drive but ive also done all the mods egr catch can chip and a 3in exhaust etc havnt had aproblem with heating yet as above i service it on time every time

also have a 3ltr dx ute for work and havnt had a problem with it yet and it usually has a 900kg water tank or a small excavator hanging off the back of it

[Gnasher]

Hi, I have a 98 2.8, have owned it for the last 4 years, and now has 280K on the clock. As long as it is looked after, its a very reliable motor. Have toured with 6 people towing a camper trailer, drives a bit like a truck but we love the character.

[Rob Johnston]

hey mate, I bought a 99 2.8 about 6 months ago. The only issue I have with mine is its popping out of 3rd gear but im not sure if thats a common problem with these? Apart from that, engine wise it hasnt skipped a beat and ive done two trips from sydney to darwin in that time. Lacks a bit of power when your trying to do 130kmh up the NT highway but thats the price you pay for owning a 99 model 4wd i guess. lol. Hope this helps

[kowalski]

hi there,
2,8td shorty here :) as long as you keep in the oil changing intervals (5000km, now THATS short), always a small eye on the oil temps and drive her like you would ride an elephant, there shouldn't be many issues.
i've heard about installing an intercooler or an oilcooler afterwards (only 5 litre oil in that engine is quite shorthanded) there shouldn't be any issues with the engine. mine has 310k km in it and sounds like a real healthy diesel. don't bother a few oil spots under the hood: a diesel engine without oilstains is no diesel engine. (sounds good, will make a sig out of it :D ) i've heard about 2.8's running a 700k-800k kilometres, now that's a distance.
the heart of my car will be THE part i'm the least concerned about, there are a few other things i gotta take a much closer look onto, for example rust...but that is another story :)

[robbo0001]

Mate, bought a 99 GU 2.8TD in November last year and love it.
Usual things to check....crank bolt, clean MAF, regular servicing (5000 as above, thats what I have done on all our cars), fan blades and viscous hub, radiator (replace or get rodded)....

This thing is great...engine stock, exhaust stock.. running 33s, front and rear bar...it does exactly what we need. Without worrying about a 3L donk blowing up.

I have fitted ECU-Talk to watch whats going on, as well as EGT and boost guages (might be over-kill,but I like to know whats happening if possible)

We can't complain at all....even with the online reputation of a 2.8.
If we towed....it MAY be another matter. But we don't yet, so I can't comment.

Love it.

[Jamesandlizk]

My 2,8 is strong and reliable. Great for a part time off roader with a family.
I make weekly 300km straight trips and have no problem, she goes every time.
Bit slow off the. Ark but once your there it cruises along just fine.
I think your gonna love it as long as you look after it the way it should be looked after.
Good luck with the hunt mate and i hope u get what our after.