Which Diesel? (3 Viewers)

[BadPaddler]

So we are looking at picking up a diesel Hilux surf for the wife. Here are my options.

2LT-E
1KZ-TE

I would love to find a 3L to match the Hilux, but it doesn't look like that is an option anywhere near me. Which of these engines would be the best bet? We have a Honda pilot now tha just won't deal with our roads. I have replaced the suspension at least 3 times on it.

 

[AirheadNut]

Given the choice I would definitely go with the 1KZ-TE. I don't have any direct experience with them, but I've had a couple of 2L-TE's and they're what I would consider "fragile" engines, very prone to overheating, cracking cylinder heads and in general just gutless. The 1KZ suffers similar problems but to a lesser extent, and has far better power potential. Either option will require some modification and a conscientious driver to be reliable. I would highly recommend a full set of gauges (water temp, boost pressure, pyrometer), a full cooling system service and an intercooler.

I see you're a fellow Montanan! If you're around on the 11th of October and can make the drive to Helena we'd love to see you at the Montana Oddball Diesel Meet. Come show off your Hilux and talk diesels with a bunch of fellow enthusiasts.

 

[Eurasiaoverland]

Why would you want either of these flawed engines when you can get a third gen 4Runner (which apart from LBJs is in all ways a better vehicle than a second gen) with the near flawless 3RZ or 5VZ engines? And the left-handed configuration to suit your traffic direction.

 

[OGBeno]

Why would you want either of these flawed engines when you can get a third gen 4Runner (which apart from LBJs is in all ways a better vehicle than a second gen) with the near flawless 3RZ or 5VZ engines? And the left-handed configuration to suit your traffic direction.

^^^^. this.

 

[BadPaddler]

I was kinda hoping to find a 3L so that I would have the same powerplants in both vehicles, but having thought about it I would say you guys are right. Just gotta find a 3rd gen with somewhat decent mileage that isn't beat to s***......

 

[BadPaddler]

Given the choice I would definitely go with the 1KZ-TE. I don't have any direct experience with them, but I've had a couple of 2L-TE's and they're what I would consider "fragile" engines, very prone to overheating, cracking cylinder heads and in general just gutless. The 1KZ suffers similar problems but to a lesser extent, and has far better power potential. Either option will require some modification and a conscientious driver to be reliable. I would highly recommend a full set of gauges (water temp, boost pressure, pyrometer), a full cooling system service and an intercooler.

I see you're a fellow Montanan! If you're around on the 11th of October and can make the drive to Helena we'd love to see you at the Montana Oddball Diesel Meet. Come show off your Hilux and talk diesels with a bunch of fellow enthusiasts.

I live outside Augusta on the Bob. We do our shopping in Helena. Granted it is like 80 miles away, but still the closest shopping. Unfortunately I have a trip I will be coming back from on the 11th. I wish I could just find a quad cab 70 series. I already have a bed for one.

 

[AirheadNut]

A quad cab 70 would be awesome! Unfortunately it seems like the fire trucks have gotten really expensive in the last couple of years.

 

[BadPaddler]

A quad cab 70 would be awesome! Unfortunately it seems like the fire trucks have gotten really expensive in the last couple of years.

Yeah. Almost as easy to find an actual pickup than it is to find a fire truck.