Thread: 300Tdi 130 Conversion to 3.9 V8?

I wouldn't live in the illusion that you are going to have all that extra power.
Rover V8s aren't know for their power converting petrol into noise yes.
I have a V8 Land Rover and love driving it even if I use a bit less than a tank a day it will still cost me $100 per day.
My TD5 outperforms the V8 and doesn't use anywhere near as much fuel.

I'm thinking that you will be surprised by the lack of power increase if you go with the V8.

See if you can drive discos with both engines and see for yourself if there is any apparent increase in power with the V8. As I wrote above, I think you'll be surprised.

Thanks guys. There seems to be mixed opinions with the 3.9's. The mate that gave the motor to me had spent quite a bit of money getting it rebuild but pulled it out after the county he had it in gave him too much trouble. He also said it was no power house but it has quite small extractors on in and twin SU's. I'm thinking I would have to put EFI back on it to get it regod and was hoping this would have to improve then power. I think my 300 was pretty tired in the end so it may be hard to compare..

I have an 85 County with a bored and stroked 3.5l in it (roughly about 4.3l), I have also put the range rover intermediary gearing in the transfer box (lt95), extractors and 2.5 inch exhaust with 1 muffler with a hotdog on the end to keep it quiet, original carbs (re-jetted for the larger motor) and an after market electronic ignition which replace the points (got sick of changing them every 5k km or so), and standard size tyres.

It goes like a rocket, and on the highway I have got usage down to 14l/100km.

I do day trips in it, and usually go through 1/2-2/3 tank for a day of off-roading.

Don't know how the 3.9 compares to what I've got in the county, but every one who sees it offroad likes it, especially the noise it make.


Richard

As someone who fully rebuilt a 3.9 V8 with flanged liners, high compression pistons, new cam, lifters - the works - I wish I had put my money into a diesel. Yes, it's nice to drive. Makes good power, lots more torque. But it's dual fuel and even though it's running on LPG 99% of the time I wince every time I fill it. Very happy with the build, but $4,500 could have gone a long way towards a healthy 300TDI with a long life.