Thread: 1995 Defender 130 - TD5 auto conversion??

Hi,
I have a 1999 130 big cab auto with the 300tdi. the auto was a new Discovery one fitted by DPL in Sydney and is absolutely great even though I feel 300tdi's are a bit noisy and gutless as compared to say a puma. One thing that I recommend is an extra transmission cooler as we did overheat ours while carrying a slide on camper on a Vic High trip--since the extra cooler no issues --sits at 70-75 degrees now. We often tow a horse float with no trouble --except a bit slow due to 300 motor even though rebuilt.

I have been told that it is harder to do a TD5 due to the electrics but maybe ring Bruce Davis at DPL and pick his brains. he also supplies a really top custom centre console to go with the autos he does.

It makes the Defender so much more user friendly and your wife will love it.

Cool will have a chat to him.
yeah i reckon would be harder but would be a sweet conversion.

worst case would try auto to the current tdi but just feel could do with a little more power,
and a td5 has that with minimal extra fuel usage. chip and exhaust and they are close to being on par again.

whats your economy like with the auto?

If I recall correctly, George130 had a Davis Performance Landys auto conversion (it may have been a John E Davis Motorworks - the previous incarnation of DPL - conversion).

(Bruce Davis and John Davis are brothers)

Looking on the interwebs recently, it's quite a common conversion. Type in 'automatic defender' in the search bar on the bottom left of the page and you will find a lot of info. Good luck with it. Sounds like a great plan.

I had to convert my ex-army Defender after losing right leg (ouch) Kevin at Jordan Rova-Tech did a fantastic job and used it to perfect the conversion. 2 years down the track and its been hassle free and hasn't missed a beat, can't recommend him and the crew highly enough.

Tdi to Td5 conversion is not hard if you get all the bits or ideally a d2 wreck .

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Strangie (i think) on here has one he's done

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I am thinking of finding a sub 200,000k disco seem some for round $7,000 which would supply me with the engine, auto and all necessary bits.

would be a beast.