Engine opinions.

Hi,

I have read through a lot of previous posts regarding 2.25 petrol v diesel and have been struggling to make my mind up.

I am restoring a series 3 from the ground up, I've done the axles, gearbox, replaced the chassis and am now looking at my engine.

It came with a diesel unit and I believe it to be in good condition, I changed ballast resistor and she started no problem and ran happily, smoked a bit but I expected that.
I also have an old 2a that I used to trial, which has a proven 2.25 petrol engine that needs (a good service) and a bit of TLC.

My dilemma is that I want to keep everything original, that's why I'm not just putting a 2.5 or a 200tdi in. It won't be my everyday vehicle and Its not going to be put on any (expeditions) possibly some green laneing when completed and will be mostly on the road with some occasional towing. I'm a marine engineer and have a farm so am more knowledgeable on the diesel side, but I was just wondering whether it would be more sensible to pop the petrol in. Economy isn't an issue.
On another point within reasonable budget on both engines, what can be done on either? I know there isn't much on the diesel side, timing, injectors and pump etc.

Thanks in advance.

Joe

petrol is better option,a bit more power and quieter,you can do whatever you want both have all parts readilly available for full rebuild to a service

Thanks James.

Yes I would go with the pertrol 2.25 every time.

The diesel makes a lot of noise but thats about it, the petrols are longer lived and better performers.

My money's on the petrol too. Quite a bit more power, and one in good fettle will rev more happily. I found that with a slightly uprated head and electronic ignition, it was happy at 60mph (with O/D), and had enough torque to go up anything I had the nerve for.
Oh and a spray of conformable silicone will really help with waterproofing the dizzy.

I have had both:
The 2.25 diesel is a pathetic , weak, noisy, excuse for an engine.
The petrol, esp 5 brg is good.
the 2.5 petrol is surprisingly better.
The 2.8 power plus is sublime.

I should mention the 2.5 NA diesel too. Not as bad as it sounds - about the same power as a 2.25 petrol, and 30mpg.
Not as nice to drive though, a bit noisier and you are into an engine with a timing belt instead of a chain.

Avoid the 2.25 diesel!
less power,
less torque,
possibly worse MPG than petrol.
LPG even better.....