Thread: considering auto conversion

Originally Posted by wozapinin

Just bought a 300tdi defender and I'm considering converting to auto as the boss won't drive a manual. Not unfamiliar with auto 4wd as I had a c4 in my 2a and it worked a treat, I guess it's a good thing in a defender?
Wondering what would be the better donor vehicle to source the box and parts from and anything I should be aware of.

zf from a disco 1 would the easiest option.

Manual to auto update

this will help

jc

Check out my post's. I just finished mine. 300 tdi defender ute. Nil issues just need to source all the parts. Pm me if you want a contact number to speak about it. Baz

Hi,
I have recently done a 300tdi big cab defender with a new box from a disco. Am in Sydney and it is great--but we did need to fit a second cooler for the auto. Davis Performance Landys also does a magic centre console for autos.

I did it nearly 2 years ago to my 95 110, best thing for a defender, mate did it to his county and cooked the auto on fraser due to poor cooling-he had a rail/finned tank cooler on his bull bar only, i have the same plus a radiator/tube style in my grill behind an air con thermo pusher fan, i havent had any dramas other than the governor o rings which i would reccomend everybody to replace as a matter of course befor fitting the box to the car. I believe the auto is a lot easier on the driveline than a manual box. Dont forget you need the bell housing adaptor off the back of the disco 300tdi block.

I reckon auto in the bush and on sand seems to be the way to go; try following a D3 or 4 crawling up a hill and you're constantly slipping the clutch or stopping because they're going SO slow.
Is anyone brave enough to let us know the typical overall costs?
cheers gerald

COST-i picked all the bits up on ebay over time and it set me back approx $1100, i fitted it on the driveway and sold the r380 for $500, clutch $50, adaptor plate $50, mate picked up an auto with t bar etc for $500, just got to play the game or buy a tdi disco as a donor

Thanks redrovertdi, I was hoping someone would suggest that course of action. Does the motor have to come out or did you drop it in from behind or from below?
cheers gerald