Pajero Owners Club of South Africa

Hi guys,

I need accurate info on the differences between the old 3,8 engine (150kw) and the new 3,8 engine (180 kw). What did Mitsubishi done to increase the power output by ± 30km. This is quire a lot - approx 20%. In the old days to get a power increase of 20% you had to fit "big" cam, rework the cylinder heads, raise the compression, add extra / bigger carb, etc.

Some background: I was well on the way to trade my Gen 3 3,8 with only 116 00km on the clock for a 2010/2011 Gen 4 3,8. Fortunately I came to my senses and after making the sums, realized that for a payment of R200 000 plus the only real advantage that we would get are xenon lights, 30 kw extra, a much better radio plus some extra air bags. On the down side I shall have had to make and install a new semi- permanent 100 lit fuel tank, a new drawer system, body lift, modify the existing roof rack to make it a proper roof rack, add a new dual battery system, install a rear lock diff, etc.

So, the decision made late last night was to keep my existing Pajero, spend some money on the engine to increase the power and use the rest of the money to travel in Southern Africa.

If anybody knows what changes Mitsubishi made to the engine, please let me know. Graphs reflecting the torque and kw outputs of both engines will also be most welcome.

Cloyd.

Cannot comment on the 3.8 motor as mine is the Gen 3 3.2, but can sympathise with you on the trade-in dilemma. My local dealer often calls me with specials on demo models. I have been very tempted by the new car smell and the motor plan, but at the end of the day reality sets in.

Apart from an extra 20kw (on the diesel) and a better radio, the Gen 4 does not give me much more than my car for an additional R300k-R400k. I will also have to fit OME and a dual battery system on top of that.

So unless Mistubishi gives me a real reason to upgrade, I will continue to run my Gen 3 untill is is no longer cost effective.