How much water do you intend going through?? Petrols don't like the stuff :lol:
2.5 Timing Belts to worry about where the 2.8 has timing chain. If you get a 2.5 make sure you know when the cam belt and balance belt was last changed and if not change it as a matter of urgency. Should be done every 60k.
2.8 SEEM to blow heads a lot more than the 2.5 and have more problems with the fuel pump seals going.
There are loads and loads out there to choose from and they're cheap cheap cheap at the minute. Take your time and find the best one - plenty to choose from. Try to find one with a decent service history. If well maintained they are reliable and shouldn't give too many problems, if not they can be a bit of a money pit to sort out :shock:
Paj's have more shiny bits than Shoguns and usually more toys - the Japs love their toys and optional extras. Red sticker on the drivers side door pillar indicates limited slip diff although a lot of the petrol shoguns seem to have a rear diff locker
hth
Cheers
TAT ;)