This summer, I acquired a 1993 HDJ81. Relatively high mileage at time of purchase, approximately 400,000 kms. I have several early and mid-90s Hilux, but this is my first 80 series. My initial impressions of the rig are very positive. More roomy and powerful than my other trucks, rides nice, and is happy at 120km/hr on the highway (will easily do 80mph which is the highway speed limit in these parts). The fuel consumption, however, is less than ideal. I struggle to get 250 miles out of a tank. Fuel capacity seems to be around 25 gallons. Plenty of grey/black smoke on startup, some grey/black smoke on heavy acceleration, nothing I would deem unusual for a diesel. Truck appears to have the "cold weather" package, although is not marked "snow version" like some others. Heated seats, fuel heater, and the weird blind which can be pulled down over the radiator. Starts on the first crank so far every time, we have had a few close to zero degrees F days, but nothing deep in the negatives yet. No obvious blow-by.
I performed the following maintenance items after purchasing the rig. Everything appeared to be kept up on, aside from BEBs, which were close to delamination.
I have read several threads on Mud about turbo kits; there are a plethora of options. But I am not sure if I have yet to come across my specific situation. I would like advice from those of you that have extensive experience in this area.
I am looking for a reliable setup which can bolt on to my stock exhaust and manifold with minimal or no modification. I would like to keep stock injectors and pump, although I understand I will need to tune my pump. Cost is a factor here; that being said, I would rather pay more for a reputable setup. I have looked at the PDI intercooler/airbox, but I do not know how important this really is. I would rather avoid the intercooler if it is not necessary. I have also considered having a local machine shop rebuild the stock turbo, I'm not sure if anyone has gone that route. I do a fair amount of towing, lots of highway driving, and I am almost exclusively at altitudes >5000ft.
Right now the Gturbo G300 green wheel seems like an attractive choice. I have ordered from HD Automotive in Australia in the past, but it looks like the kits can also be bought directly from Gturbo. Is there an American distributor? Kinugawa also seems like an "ok" option, but I am hesistant to put chinese/taiwanese parts on my rig.
Thoughts?
I performed the following maintenance items after purchasing the rig. Everything appeared to be kept up on, aside from BEBs, which were close to delamination.
- BEBs - ACL bearings & Conrod Bolts
- Transmission Maintenance (A442F Electronic)
- All four solenoids replaced
- Strainer replaced
- Drain & refill with Redline DT4 ATF
- Front & Rear diff drain and refill with Amsoil SVG 75w90
- Transfer case drain and refill with Amsoil SVG 75w90
- Fuel filter & Petcock replaced
- Timing belt
- Water pump
- Glow plugs
- Engine air filter
- Oil Change & Filter - Amsoil Signature Diesel 15W40
- Grease all zerks (Driveshaft, spider joints, etc)
- Fluid film undercarriage for wintertime
I have read several threads on Mud about turbo kits; there are a plethora of options. But I am not sure if I have yet to come across my specific situation. I would like advice from those of you that have extensive experience in this area.
I am looking for a reliable setup which can bolt on to my stock exhaust and manifold with minimal or no modification. I would like to keep stock injectors and pump, although I understand I will need to tune my pump. Cost is a factor here; that being said, I would rather pay more for a reputable setup. I have looked at the PDI intercooler/airbox, but I do not know how important this really is. I would rather avoid the intercooler if it is not necessary. I have also considered having a local machine shop rebuild the stock turbo, I'm not sure if anyone has gone that route. I do a fair amount of towing, lots of highway driving, and I am almost exclusively at altitudes >5000ft.
Right now the Gturbo G300 green wheel seems like an attractive choice. I have ordered from HD Automotive in Australia in the past, but it looks like the kits can also be bought directly from Gturbo. Is there an American distributor? Kinugawa also seems like an "ok" option, but I am hesistant to put chinese/taiwanese parts on my rig.
Thoughts?
all original pump, injectors and turbo though. No idea on if it’s been tuned. Runs great however. 
great thread and info.
