Thread: Engine and Transmission change 1996 Defender

If I was going to do what you are doing I'd drive a standard vehicle with standard parts,getting parts and repairs done in remote area's can be hard enough without the added complication of a one off back yard bodge job. Pat

I agree with Pat. Buy a td5 if you want more performance.

I would even go as far as picking a truck with a camper body on it, over towing a big offroad van with a Defender around the world.
That van weighs in a 1.7t empty. You would be dragging at least 2.25 to 2.5t easily with water and some personal affects. Add spares and long distance touring clothing food and extras then 2.75t becomes a reality. No way woild I ask a tdi to do that all day in remote areas with questionable fuel etc. A td5 or even a lt95 behind a turbo isuzu would be better.
But you still have the durability issue and if you decide to go without a big van behind you a well set up 110 wouldn't be an issue. I would advise looking for a decent 4x4 truck. They are designed for just that. No wonder there are so many of them used for overlanding.
I would be quite happy to point my 110 anywhere in the world with anout another 25k spent on upgrades like a decent aircon and extra water and fuel and storage and and and... but we'd have precious little room for living...����

Jc

keep us updated...........i will watch with interest as we too are heading off around the world in 2020 ish......maybe we will bump into each other, they say its a small world.

by the sounds of it you have done plenty of overland therefore are happy with towing, cast of thousands two big van around australia. 2 x 20ft containers or 1 x 40ft container?

we are taking the punt on a TD5 Hardtop with Mulgo Conversion.

Gents,


thanks for the replies, all valid but maybe I should have been a little more specific.

The 300tdi whilst a great little engine, is exactly that, little, took us all over southern Africa no issues, and the CSR. However to tow, the vehicle needs more power and whatever way you look at it a TD5 is the same, a little engine trying very hard... in terms of parts Cummins at last count made over several 100k of the ISF series every year, 140kw and 600nm would be nice. 4BD1, yes nice engine but also getting old... fuel quality is an interesting point, was in Africa in July -50ppm diesel was in abundance. 5 years in Africa I never had an issue with fuel, and that was at times purchased rather nefariously...

I want an auto, for towing they are best, T700 over engineered for my requirements. But nothing wrong with a ZF either.

Thought of a truck and have seen many, but have also seen many not going where a Defender will, many tracks throughout Africa/Australia are simply to narrow and or low. Point of a good robust, lock up, lock your self in...secure van is to use as a base station, park it and travel without for a few days, the move on, most park and wilderness areas run a on a loop system. I have done the whole roof top tent/camper thing and packing up everyday is a pain.
And I just don't like them.

Maybe the "new" Defender might change my mind but in essence we all like the current, and just want more power and drivability.

But yes early days but have started making enquiries, as its not an afternoon job.

Will keep an eye out for you weeds, compare plans.

cheers

Tim

My personal opinion is that the 3.8 ISF would be the ideal engine for a Defender. Much more sensible for a vehicle with a GCM of 7 tons.
Because of its size, it doesn't need to be highly tuned, making it more suitable for lower quality fuel.