2.3 v 2.6

[chadburgin]

i know one is fuel injected but i want to know which one is more dependable and will last the highest miles.

[GonZu]

Originally posted by jyurs
i know one is fuel injected but i want to know which one is more dependable and will last the highest miles.

BOTH :flipoff2:
Why wouldn't you go with fuel injected 2.6 (smooth power and no fuel slop problems on the trail) ?

Head stamps *might* be one thing to consider, tho.
Some cylinder heads were good, some weren't.
Head stamps range from 1 to 5, 4 & 5 being the best IIRC.
The bottom ends of these engines are VERY STOUT !
As long as you adjust the valves regularly, you should have minimal repairs.

What year/model are we talking about ?

[chadburgin]

its an 88. they want $2500 and it has 188k but is in great shape inside and out and runs out very good. i have an 87 that i have been working on for a while now and its got an LT-1,700R4. toyo t-case, and have 1 tons to be put in. it was a 2.3 when it started life. i also have a yj that i wheel with. i just want something for a DD.

[GonZu]

Originally posted by jyurs
its an 88. they want $2500 and it has 188k but is in great shape inside and out and runs out very good. i have an 87 that i have been working on for a while now and its got an LT-1,700R4. toyo t-case, and have 1 tons to be put in. it was a 2.3 when it started life. i also have a yj that i wheel with. i just want something for a DD.

So the '88 for purchase- is a Trooper, 2.6, auto ?
Are there any leaks underneath ?
Give up some more info.
Is it a TII ?

The 411 from KBB

1988 Isuzu Trooper II S Sport Utility 4D

Engine: 4-Cyl. 2.6 Liter
Trans: Automatic
Drive: 4 Wheel Drive
Mileage: 188,000
Private Party Value $1,365




1988 Isuzu Trooper II S Sport Utility 4D

Engine: 4-Cyl. 2.6 Liter
Trans: Automatic
Drive: 4 Wheel Drive
Mileage: 188,000
Retail Value $2,500

I'd buy it for $2k... but that's just me :p
It sounds like it would be a good DD.


Screw that, let's see pics of the '87 LT-1 - 700R4, ya bastid :flipoff2:

:beer:

[chadburgin]

its a 5spd, LS model. wouldnt it have 4.77 gears? i would give pics of my 87 beast but i have no scanner. i will try to find someone who does.

[GonZu]

Originally posted by jyurs
its a 5spd, LS model. wouldnt it have 4.77 gears?

Quite possibly.
That or the 4.56.

I'm not a Trooper expert :flipoff2:

Look under the hood and there might be a code plate that tells you which one you have OR you can jump over to 4x4wire.com and search the Zu forum.

[randii]

... you can jump over to 4x4wire.com and search the Zu forum.
Good answer. :p

There you would find that both engines were delivered with fuel injection, depending on the year, and that other significant changes were made resulting in better power and drivability in later models.

You'd also find that higher numbers are generally better for cylinder heads, but that date of production makes even more difference, and that there are some recent '3' aftermarket castings that are better than Isuzu's early 90's 4 castings.

These are stout engines, and are HIGHLY similar, since they are based on the same block family. If well-serviced and -maintained, either would be a good choice. The 2.6 has a bit more power, but we're talking pretty small amounts, and the real decider for most folks ends up being availability and maintenance history. If the previous owner can show a regular maintenance history (pay special attention to coolant changes and valve lash maintenance), pick THAT truck, regardless of 2.3/2.6.

Randii

[SSSRodeo]

Let's not forget that with a 2.3 L you can put an Impulse Turbo on it with fewer issues and get a great Daily Driver. You can turbo the 2.6 but the Impulse Turbo will not have the blow you need to keep you happy. Ask Houlster, He knows whow to fix that problem. And you can Fuel Inject the 2.3 L too! IF it isn't already. A little modifying on the Impulse Intercooler and you've got a cool runner. I've got some pictures of one around here somewhere. Or maybe, I'll take some new ones.

Go with the 2.6 l for better parts availability. There's a bunch of them.

SSSRodeo