Your statement about the D running way too lean may have something to it.
I recall that a number of times people have posted on the list that when
they disable the O2 sensor and the
computer defaults to open mode, their cars run better.
On the other hand, I have driven a 1986 Peugeot with the later 2.8.
It ran very strong.
Nothing like the stock D engine. I wonder if some camshaft profiles or
compression differences are present. ?