v6 gas or 2800 diesel

[chefcoconut]

Hi,
I am just about to buy my second Delica.
My first was a L300 and as much as I loved a lot of things about it, I couldn't deal with the lack of power going up those BC hills. I travel Vancouver, Whistler regularly and Okanagan from times to times.

I am now looking to buy a L400 and would like your most valuable knowledge on the difference and advantages of both the gas and diesel models.

Thank you

[FalcoColumbarius]

I've driven the 2800 Diesel Space Gear, it definitely has more power going up the Cut (long uphill section of highway in North Van), held 100 KPH with ease and could have gone faster. I've heard many opinions from experience but I gotta say ~ not as much mojo as the Starwagon. Drives more like a car, very comfortable, kinda like sitting on a throne, but not like a truck. Does that make sense? Space Gear's a great machine for getting you there sooner, the Starwagon is more "the journey", as it were.

I not driven the gasser, 'though I've sat in them while someone else has driven. I understand they also have the power.

Falco.

[Firesong]

Having owned both a L300 and a series 2 L400 I like to compare the L300 to riding in a bench seat of a horse drawn wagon. The L400 a truck. Mine drives nothing like a car lol.

[thelazygreenfox]

I'm on my 3rd delica, an L300 diesel and 2 L400 gas engines, now a V6 3000 litre 1999 Chamonix. I weighed my beast at a gov highway scale yesturday with 6200 lbs on board. Hard to believe.... that was with an empty fuel tank. I need all the highway power I can get so will stay with the gas engine.

In this heat I was surprised the engine and transmission didn't overheat. The temp needle didn't budge off normal. That would be my concern with a diesel. Hi and low temperatures are where the gas engines outshine the diesels.

The AC works great but I wish the interior free air circulation was better. Oh for the day of side vent windows!

If you search you can find lots of posts about the differences. As frequently said before, all delicas are great vehicles....

good luck
TLWF

[islander20]

I've got a 2.8L diesel L400. I love it, its the LWB which I much prefer to the SWB. Looks a lot more beastly. I'm getting awesome fuel economy with the diesel (around 10L/100km going 100km/h average on the highway). I had a hard time finding fuel economy information for the gasser. I've only driven the gasser for a short trip around the block. With diesel being cheaper than gas now I am really coming out ahead. The engine noise from the diesel doesn't bother me, i've usually got the stereo cranked on the highway anyways. Best bet would be to try them both. One other thing, if your getting a higher mileage Delica diesel will likely last longer and hold its value better.

[Feds]

I think it comes down to how handy you are. If you can spin your own wrenches, get a diesel. If not, get a gasser.

A diesel is going to need glow plugs once in a while, plus fuel filters, expensive oil changes, and maybe an injector pump seal. That's just the needs. I finally got around to putting on an exhaust, wiring the PRV closed, upping the boost and tuning the IP, and I can honestly say you should do those things before you drive your van for the first time. You also need to be close to a dealer, or handy with google/ebay, as parts are available, and not that expensive, they're just in China, Australia, and the UK.

On the plus side, I've averaged 13.7 l/100km over 80,000 kms spinning 31" all terrain tires. This is on a long wheelbase and includes a fair amount of towing, lots of fast highway driving, and the occasional tuning screw up:

http://www.fuelly.com/car/mitsubishi/de ... /fuelchart

The gasser is going to be quieter and smoother, and out of the box will have more power. It will need a timing belt at some point, and there's no way it is going to do better than 15/16 l/100km. The very nice part about the gasser is that it's the same engine that went into millions of Chrysler vehicles, so many more mechanics will be familiar with them, and you can get parts anywhere; which is why I say it's the better choice for someone who doesn't do their own work.

[chefcoconut]

thanks all for your response.
I love my v6 98 Chamonix. It fit my needs and deliver enough power for our BC roads and hills.

I am looking for a manual with details of all maintenance recommendation. Any advise would be appreciated.

thanks and enjoy the drive!

[thelazygreenfox]

Hi CC
I share your feelings for my gasser. Great vehicle, best one of my 3 delicas, unfortunately my manuals are all in japaknees . All the paperwork from day one came with my deli but, no reedy the language.

Check the other deli websites, maybe someone has translated the manuals.

I'm very handy with tools and have done all the maintenance on my delicas including transmission flushes and belt changes etc. I'm doing a body lift as we speak then timing belt and a water pump change, followed by new tires and 16" rims.

good luck
TLWF