so after much deliberation and research, we have decided to attempt it. We are going to turbo charge the naturally aspirated 2.8 diesel 3L toyota engine. There have n\been many discussions online as to its feasibility, since the 2.8 litre engine has one ring less per piston compared to an already turbo "L" series engine. for example, toyota made the 2L, 2L-T, both 2.4 litre engines, except the latter being a turbo engine, commonly found in the surfs. Then there was the 3L and? nope, no 3L-T 2.8 diesel. instead they created the 5L and the 1KD (prado, sr5) engine. The 3L and 2L of course cosmetically look the same. Many companies in Australia produce turbo kits for the3L. These turbo kits utilise the garret T25 turbo and start at a whopping US$3,000.00! So why not just use a turbo charger from a 2L-T? Many have done so but have failed, since the engine dies only after 1 yr.
Last week i couldn't believe my eye when i saw a 3L engine, already turboed, for sale in the Bamboo. Whoever had done it utilised everything from the 2L-T and tranplanted it onto the 3L. Guess what, it was the only diesel engine on sale that day, go figure (busted engine)
My plan is to buy everything off a used 2L-T, manifold, cooling lines, piping etc, but utilise the Garrett T25 turbo. Because of the low operating temp of a diesel engine, intercooling would not be necessary.
will post tyhe results as they come.
here are some useful links:
www.atxturbo.com
www.safari4x4.com.au
etc here in New Zealand with aftermarket bolt on turbo kits on them and seem to work fine, I know that it is been done quite alot in Australia aswell and have not heard of any engine troubles.