Originally Posted by
Baytown
Hi Dave;
Apologies for the lack of updates on how the vehicles been driving since the engine/transmission swap.
‘First thing I need to say is that it’s amazing how fast you forget what a standard Puma 2.2 Defender drives and sounds like, so that biases my impressions some what. Also, my 2.2 had a BAS 170 tune with larger Intercooler etc so was somewhat more responsive than stock before the swap process either way.
I use to tow my 16 ft van with it and it was fine. No rocket ship, but fine. My 21 ft van would be another issue though. I bought the Disco 4 for that.
‘So, after 7000 kms in the modified vehicle:
Pure and simple, I love it. It’s smooth, relatively quiet, no diesel rattle, responsive, pulls, you forget there’s no clutch pretty fast, gear changes are unnoticeable, it’s just a different animal.
Ok, re fuel consumption, I am using around 40% more, I.e, my 127 mai rear tank gets around 640kms general driving before I need to refil, (when the light comes on) as opposed to around 1100km with diesel in the 2.2 but that’s the nature of the beast. I don’t know the fuel consumption figures, I’ve not worked them out, but you don’t buy an LS3 for fuel savings.
I still find myself driving on country roads here in Tassie at 80kph when there’s no traffic, it’s the Defender handling/vibe thing, it’s just it’s sweet spot, and I tent to sit on 100kph on the highway even in 110kph stretches, even though I’ve cruise control. The vehicle can easily handle it, but it’s just where it’s comfortable.
Revs at 100kph highway are around 1800rpm, engine head temp on 25 Deg days around 90 Deg C, water temp around 100 Deg C.
Engine braking is great off road, although I’ve only done very limited soft core tracks in the two months I’ve been back from Victoria after lockdown so can’t say much. I’ve not even in sand or extensive mud etc.
Andrew at Les Richmond has been nothing but supportive and an absolute professional to deal with. I’ve only had one issue with the actual installation, and that was a loose connection on the US supplied loom at the Fuel pump relay end which Andrew easily diagnosed and rectified, as well as as devising his supplier.
‘Justin Cooper here in Tassie has driven the vehicle and was very impressed with the fit, workmanship and drive ability/smoothness as were other Defender Puma owners. Again, I’ve forgotten what stock drive is like.
I tend to forget the sound that my vehicle makes at the exhaust, but so many people notice at car parks and come up to me to discuss, and are blown away when I lift the bonnet!
All I can say to anyone seriously considering the investment involved and keeping their Defender as a long term prospect, do it. Andrew Richmond and his team are gold and you won’t get a better installation or after installation support.
I hope this is of interest Dave.
Best wishes mate.
Ken
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