Thread: Puma power??

They're not a powerhouse standard, but they're not a slug either. They start to feel a bit under gunned when you load them up with accessories and gear - which is when a remap etc comes in handy.

My 2.4l usually runs at GVM and with a remap/intercooler/exhaust mods goes about the same as my mates similarly loaded (but stock engined) V8 70 series LC. I think that's pretty decent in the scheme of things, but when my engine is finally due for a rebuild I'll go a 3.2l Ranger or a 6.6l Duramax conversion.

I had a 2.4 litre Defender and have a 2.4 litre Transit van for work. My 4x4 is now a 3.2 Ford powered BT 50. I know, it is no Defender and I still miss it.


My 3.2 BT 50 feels like a slug until it gets up to speed. May be the 2.2 Ranger feels the same. Although the 3.2 supposedly has heaps of torque, it is not evident low down although I don't thrash it. On up hill starts it easily gets left behind until it winds up then I am back in the game. For me the driving experience is different to the advertising hype. My Transit van seems to fly in comparison, but the 3.2 will just keep spinning up. In the N.T last year it easily got to the 130 km/h speed limit. I don't know what it would top out at. I never felt that the 2.4 Defender lacked get up and go, but beyond 130 - I don't think so.


Given that the Defender and BT 50 have the MT82 six speed manual (Defender and BT 50 ratios the same and not sure about transfer ratio) and weigh much the same, there seems to be a difference in the ECU mapping as I never found the Defender slow as such. The Transit has an MT82 as well but the final drive ratio is different (I believe) therefore can't compare directly. The Transit drives completely differently to the others and is very difficult to drive in traffic as it is easily stalled. Go to accelerate away and it just stops unless you feather the clutch. Others who I have spoken to who drive 2.4 Transits have the same problem. Hence my feeling is ECU mapping plays a major role in how these trucks behave.


I haven't had the BT on the tracks much but I suspect it won't be as capable as the Defender is out of the box.


The Latest Spring issue of Land Rover International suggests a new Defender in 2019. I hope LR don't muck it up. If they don't, then they can put me on the list of purchasers.