Fiat 2.3jtd vs Fiat 2.8jtd

[Ironjaws]

Having sold our Elnagh with a 1.9td engine now looking for a replacement and had intended to get a vehicle with the 2.8 engine. Have seen a very good C I with a 2.3jtd engine, 110hp. Anyone have any knowledge or experience of the newer 2.3. I believe it is more economical and service intervals are longer with a good bit longer on cambelt changes. The proposed camper has max weight of 3.4t. Any advice gratefully received.

 

[jamesuk]

well...

I have a 2.8... good on fuel and lots of power. Get a 2.8

 

[robjk]

I have a 2.8 coach build with a big Luton over cab average 25 mpg used daily. Short daily commute to work and weekend trips.

Rob

 

[m30]

Does the motor you've seen have a 5 or 6 speed box? If its the 6 speed then I'd go for that every time, over a 2.8 with a 5 speed. The difference between 4th and 5th on the old box was too much and makes cruising on hilly motorways much harder work than with the 6 speed.
The difference in real world performance between the much older 2.8 and the more modern 2.3 is very small indeed, infact I dont think it would be a plus or minus point when considering a motorhome, if the layout etc was what you were after.

Stu

 

[Deleted member 12539]

When looking for our latest m/h, the engine was pretty irrelevant, the layout was the most important thing.
Usually a motorhome has been built on a chassis and engine that would be able to cope with the habitation body they put on it. If they didn't, then that company would go out of business very quick.
If mpg is the first thing on your list then avoid the big vans.

 

[cavy]

The 1.9td is a very old engine now, it was first fitted to peugeot 205's 309's 405's etc in the mid 80's! So even the 2.3jtd is going to feel like a very different motor compared to your old motorhome

Ive got a 2005 mclouis glen low profile with the 2.3jtd and average around 28-32mpg and find it powerfull enough in my van, but have to agree with above post that the difference between 4th and 5th gear is huge so high revs are needed before you shift up to 5th gear

 

[m30]

I was thinking about this again this afternoon whilst driving my 2.3 work van with the loaded trailer on. I suppose the best way to put the argument for the 6 speed 2.3 is that it may not make just as much power as the 2.8, but it can make better use of what it has got with a better selection of ratios.
I believe there was a mod or option for a lower 5th gear ratio to be fitted, which would probably make the 5 speed a lot better.

Stu

 

[Ironjaws]

Bought a 2.8jtd

Thanks for suggestions. Fell for a very well priced Burstner i660. Bit concerned about the level of luxury and very strange being so far back from the windscreen. Picking it up in a weeks time. Certainly went well on test drive. Thanks for pointers all.

 

[LongdogCymru]

I was thinking about this again this afternoon whilst driving my 2.3 work van with the loaded trailer on. I suppose the best way to put the argument for the 6 speed 2.3 is that it may not make just as much power as the 2.8, but it can make better use of what it has got with a better selection of ratios.
I believe there was a mod or option for a lower 5th gear ratio to be fitted, which would probably make the 5 speed a lot better.

Stu

There is indeed a so called upgrade lower 5th gear for the 2.8 JTD

How do I know? It was fitted to mine today in France after my van lost 5th gear on Monday. The garage owner and chief mechanic tells me the high 5th gear is no longer available as spares.

WooHoo! No more changing down on inclines! :wacko: