Re: [ihc] To Diesel or not to Diesel

[Dave Nuenke <dnuenke@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

I not only have driven both but have both, heck the only common IH 
motor I don't have is a 266, anyhow getting back to the point. The 
SD33T will not have anywhere near the acceleration of the 304, it's 
kind of like driving the big diesels at work. It will however cruise 
very nicely on the highway and once you get used to it is a competent 
rig in town. If you live in the mountains, I'd probably avoid the 
diesel as it doesn't much like grades. Definitly get rid of the 
muffler and run at leaast a 2.5" straight pipe, it's not any louder 
and lots more power. Check out Dieseltalk on the bulletin for more 
diesel performance stuff. You have to be a stickler with maintance on 
the diesel, but if you take care of it, it will take care of you. If 
you live in a cold weather climate be prepared to plug the Scout in 
every night, below about 10-15 degrees it won't start without being 
plugged in, and ether is a big no-no on this motor, it makes them 
blow up, literally. Mileage is great, expect low to mid 20's 
depending on your gearing, etc. A close 4 speed is by far the best 
tranny, I've had a wide and a close behind the diesel, and the close 
wins hands down. The closer ratios really help out performance. 3.73 
or 4.09 gears are best for 31-33" tires, 3.54's work good for stock 
size rubber (29-30"). If you have any more specific questions I'll do 
my best to answer.

Dave Nuenke


> I currently have a Scout with the 304 engine, but I was always thinking
> about converting to the NISSAN TD engine. I now have the oppotunity to
> get a 1980 Diesel model for a rerasonable price. But I still wanted to
> check w/ someone who actually drove both, the Diesel and the gas engine
> for comparison. How does the Diesel behave compared to the 304, or the
> 345?
>
> Any input is appreciated.
>
>
> Andreas

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