How do I increase Towing Power on 90 Series Diesel

[eddyafro Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close eddyafro]

Calling all Prado power experts
Have a 2002 TX Diesel, which I love, it's done 313,000 has new head, new injectors, uni foam air filter, regularly serviced etc. Runs smoothly and in generally good condition, fully kitted out for off road with Old Man Emu lift, ARB Bars, Safety barriers etc. Had her for 7 years, towed 2.3t caravan all over WA with no problem, came to NSW/VIC last year and discovered she didn't like hills (we don't have them in WA!) Been down to first gear and 30 kph at times. Starting to overheat if I go over 2200 revs on steep hills. If I can get a good run up and keep up the speed then manageable but other than that its tortoise stuff, and very disconcerting as it seems to be getting worse. A brilliant off road vehicle, but come towing - then crap. Even had a 2.2ltr competitor overtake me on a hill with a bigger van than mine - embarrassing!

So how do I increase the towing power?

Need to get up hills for the next few years (we live on the road touring Oz)
1. Do I sell her and get more powerful vehicle
2. Is there a way to increase the power - and is it worth it with so many clicks on the clock?

Happy to spend bucks on her if I can get some results, a new car will cost me at least another 20 grand - is it better to invest in the TX or cut my losses and pass her onto someone who wants a beaut of an off road car?

[D4Dforme Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close D4Dforme]

!KD-FTV Transplant...

Dan

[AJ120 Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close AJ120]

A chip and a larger 3" exhaust would be the obvious place to start for more power from 1kz!

Cheers Andrew

[Walky88 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Walky88]

A chip and a larger 3" exhaust would be the obvious place to start for more power from 1kz!

Cheers Andrew

X 2

[gphcald Member Find all posts View Profile Close gphcald]

Try changing the foam with a paper one, sometimes too much oil is used in the foam filter and then plays with the sensors.
Be aware that you are getting right on your limit, the van weighing 2.3t if that is bare, then with everything in it will prob be over the 2.5t limit. run it over a weighbridge to check your weights, also what you are carrying in the tug, from memory there is about a 1000kg (approx payload), check the GVM and get the tug weighed with full tanks and fully loaded. Not sure if yours is a manual or auto, if auto has the trans been looked at? maybe a upgrade kit with HD trans cooler could be the go.
failing that a full service of the fuel; system , injectors etc by a reputable co (if nr Syd Berrima Diesel gets my vote) then a chip and full turbo back exhaust will help
hope this helps

[fridayman Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close fridayman]

I wanted more towing power for mine and would suggest:
1 - 3" exhaust
2 - chip
3 - pyro gauge and manual boost controller to up boost to around 14
4 - intercooler with bonnet scoop (upping the boost will increase temps which needs to be managed) - this made a surprising difference!
5 - Econokit on 50/50 meth mix
This setup allows me to maintain 90 to 100kph towing my camper trailer on all but the longest and steepest hills, with temps rarely going over 500C, and returns around 14l/100km.

My next mod will be some turbo work followed by a session on the dyno. I'm hoping that this will get me to acceptable towing power.

[Heath74 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Heath74]

If you are currently doing 30k up steep hills, you might spend $3000 to add a bit of power, so you will then be doing all of 50k up hills.

Or... You could just relax, and take your time, and enjoy the drive.

[RobCrick Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close RobCrick]

I am watching this post closely as I have the same issues as eddyafro. My 2000 model Diesel is Manual.

[kav Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close kav]

Don't waste your money . Your towing 2.3 tonnes . Live with it , or buy a 200 series .

[clarkie383 Member Find all posts View Profile Close clarkie383]

Start with a 3" exhaust.
Best thing i have done.
I have not tried a chip so cant comment.

[Limo Guy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Limo Guy]

Make sure the fuel filter under the body near the fuel tank is not partially blocked, replace regularly.
This one is the one most forget and I agree go back to a paper filter.

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

I think even with a few mods you are not going to get the improvement you seek in towing performance up hills. Probably wiser to bit the bullet and invest in a new machine that will do what you want it to. You need something with more torque than you'll ever squeeze out of your current ride. I know if I upgrade from my current camper to an off-road van that I am going to be disappointed with the towing performance in similar circumstances to what you describe.

[croozza Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close croozza]

Upgrade the turbo, buy a more efficient turbo with a water to air intercooler, add in a chip and do the exhaust

[JKAF Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JKAF]

I added a DP Chil and a 3" Tipan exhaust to mine (2000 manual 3ltr diesel) after it had over 250,000km on the odometer and the performance increase was great.
I don't do any towing (other than the ocasional 4x6 trailer to move somthing) but even with all the gear I load up when we go off road it still performs great.

[eddyafro Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close eddyafro]

Thanks to everyone who contributed valuable information. A lot to think about but at least I know where to start
Cheers
Eddyaro