Isuzu Trooper Owners Club UK™

[Smallcowsheep]

I have just bought a 1995 3.1 engine Trooper to replace a 1990 2.8 ditto.  Am I alone in finding this a much less agreeable vehicle.  I expected it to tow my horsebox much better but it doesn't really.  It's very exciting having interior lights that work and a rear light cluster without dents and cracks but it doesn't make up for the difference in the "feel"of the engine.
Grumpy Old Woman

[Google]

[rangielover]

i agree too, and economy is significantly worse too

[Hard1]

Well, ironically they changed to the 3.1 and indirect injection to make it more "sophisticated" as they thought the 2.8 and it's direct injection "too crackly". Talk about a backward step! However, the 3.1 can be made to behave when "optimised" and deliver around 26-28 mpg (similar figures to the 2.8 motor and it doesn't really matter what you do with it - it still delivers the same mpg) and the later 3.1's (from about '95) will have more hp than the early (92-95) models also making them a little better on fuel. Companies such as Van Aaken can optimise the average 3.1 and get 20% more hp whilst also improving the MPG.

Your local "diesel doctor" can usually tweak the pump to get better oomph at a more reasonable cost which will also improve the mpg if you don't take advantage of the extra hp! Closing off the EGR's improves power and driveability a bit too.

The 3.1 is a solid workhorse though, and will be good for 250-400K miles at least without problems if serviced regularly, every 3-4,000 miles The other major difference (and negative) is timing chain versus timing belt. The 3.1's belt will need changing every 60K miles. (or else)
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1999 Cougar with a NICE motor..

Click HERE to see under my bonnet!