Improving a 2.8 Turbo Diesel Rodeo

[Woodster_rodeo]

I am chasing some tips that will allow me to improve the performance for my 1996 Rodeo Dual Cab. I have not done much to the Rodeo (snorkel, extra leaf on back and reset springs) but over the coming months would like to do a little bit more.

What lift can I safely put under the car? I don't want to go overboard but I need an extra bit of height. I have been told that there is not much that can be done to a Rodeo but I am sure there are people who dabble a bit in this area and do what can't be done.

Also, what can be done to improve the top end. To explain my engine has been rebuilt and the fuel pump has just been overhauled. I can only achieve around 3000 RPM which provides me with a top speed of around 110 Km/h. It slowly goes up from here to around 125 - 130. I am not out to drag but there are times when travelling along the highway and you need an extra bit of power. Can any one provide any ideas on how to improve (without changing motors preferably).

Thanks

Michael :truck:

[Ducky103]

Michael

I owned a 99 model 2.8. I fitted a 3inch mandrel bent exhaust from the turbo. It allow bout another 2lb boost out of the turbo. I did quite a bit of towing during 2004 with a gross weight of bout 4.5 to 5 tonnes, It would cruise at that weight at about 105 to 110 without drama. and would return about 15L/100kms which i was more than happy with.

If your motor is the earlier 2.8td I think it is quite hard to fit a mandrel bent exhaust all the way to the turbo. The problem lies in the positioning of the oil filter which is behind the turbo. The later models had the oil filter down near the bell housing above the front diff.

You should be able to get a 2 inch lift out of the suspension without 2 many dramas.

[patro1]

As stated by Ducky103 the pre 97 Rodeos need a custom made dump pipe to run a 3 inch exhaust all the way to the turbo . I had a mandrel bent 3 inch exhaust fitted from the bottom of the factory dump pipe on my old 90 Rodeo and it freed the motor right up improving top and bottom end . You can also buy an adjustable waste gate controller ( boost controller ) from Autobarn for about seventy bucks . These plug into the vacuum line on the turbo and you can wind up the turbo boost . I safely ran mine at 14 pond with out an intercooler factory is about 10 pound. This makes a lot of difference to the performance. Having someone adjust your diesel pump makes a big difference aswell . The local Holden dealer charges about $150 and the cars accelerate like a petrol .

[Woodster_rodeo]

Thanks Ducky and Patro - I will investigate further and hopefully I can get some improvement. :)

If anyone else has some ideas please feel free to reply as I am eager to improve my machine.

[Baldricks_Mate]

Mine is a late 2.8. I fitted an MTQ intercooler and boost controller, had the pump settings at first overhauled for 18lb boost but were backed it off to 16lbs after the results were more than I wanted or needed (see below). Max revs is cut off to 4000rpm as even that is higher than max power output, now it is at 3800 rpm. The exhaust was shortened and is routed to outlet to the LHS (as its a single cab) so the muffler was relocated and the shortened length meant I didn't have to change exhaust diameter.

Outputs at the rear wheels are 89KW & 298 Nm vs stock (if I recall) of 75Kw and 210 Nm at the flywheel. Fuel usage is as low as 8.5l/100 city (careful driving) and 10.25L/100 country (with aircon on).
That the fuel usage is more on the highway than city I put down to that cruising rpm is now too high for best economy because the torque improvements. Also an intercooler fan was put on for offroad situations but actually made the biggest difference in slow (ish) city traffic.

The great changes in drivability that came from the torque increase was remarkable, especially noticeable when loaded.

Height was gained by 245/75/16's and a lift via TJM torsions as well as Firestone airbags under the back springs but I was never after articulation but load carrying capacity. Also the brake porportioning arm was since reset as it's calibration would affect brake bias when carrying max load at what was effectively an unladen height. (thanks Dave Russell!)

[Ducky103]

another way of gaining power is to have a lpg conversion done.

[patro1]

Speak with Ken at Performance Offroad in Brisbane what this guy doesnt know about Rodeos isnt worth knowing. Another trick is to replace your diesel pump with one off of a post 98 model 2.8 . Make sure you get it dynoed and tuned so that it wont over fuel and over heat your motor . The earlier 2.8 motors pre 98 with the later pumps and even the later Hi-flow turbos have heaps more grunt than a post 98 motor but have to be tuned correctly. This is a trick used by racers .