The 19j is far superior to a Series III on the road. A petrol Series should have a claimed 72bhp vs 89bhp for the TD. The Ninety weighs more, but still. A 2.25 diesel is nearer 60bhp. But the real difference is the torque, thanks to the turbo.

Out on a dual carriage way bypass style road the 19j will feel sluggish compared to modern traffic and maybe not all that much better than a Series, but should still be a noticeable step up. But get one on some twisty narrow lanes and roads in say Mid/North Wales or the Peaks. And they feel quite lively and will easily keep up with a tuned Td5 unless you are being utter wollies on the public roads.

Well that is part of the problem, my diesel series 3 is a soft top swb but the 19j was in a 110 that was kitted for offroad ie heavy! i am also comparing distant memories, side by side it might have been better it couldn't keep up with modern traffic which for me is the biggest problem with the series although it is old enough i don't expect it to. Although the 19j is only slightly newer than my series (1982) because it is in a 110/defender body it feels far less acceptable to be sat in the slow lane holding everything up than a classis series.
Even if they are good on smaller roads most of my country driving these days is on the fosse way that is a comfortable 60mph road with people doing a lot more. for me it will probably all boil down to if I can get the 200tdi running after the fire. Currently at least the 19j will fire up.
 
Well that is part of the problem, my diesel series 3 is a soft top swb but the 19j was in a 110 that was kitted for offroad ie heavy! i am also comparing distant memories, side by side it might have been better it couldn't keep up with modern traffic which for me is the biggest problem with the series although it is old enough i don't expect it to. Although the 19j is only slightly newer than my series (1982) because it is in a 110/defender body it feels far less acceptable to be sat in the slow lane holding everything up than a classis series.
Even if they are good on smaller roads most of my country driving these days is on the fosse way that is a comfortable 60mph road with people doing a lot more. for me it will probably all boil down to if I can get the 200tdi running after the fire. Currently at least the 19j will fire up.
Not sure it should really be in the slow lane with a good running TD. The gearing is largely the same as a Tdi, although 5th gear is a little shorter, but they should quite happily cruise at 60-65mph. And the potential to exceed 70mph should the need arise, although you will be working at quite high rpm due to gearing. My Ninety is on slightly short tyres at the moment and 60-65mph feels like you are buzzing the engine a bit, but it has enough poke that I honestly believe it would happily pull an OD taller than 5th.
 
Fitted a new battery which helped hugely with starting
I've also fiddled with injection pump timing ,having settled on advancing it quite a bit and smoke has massively reduced
Hope to get a better go at it at the weekend
 

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