Thread: why a 110??

Thanks for the link Chicaro re the outfit that retrofits autos to Defenders. Does look a neat job indeed. I am looking around for a 110 project vehicle, say 1990 to 1995, that has already had a few mods (saves me the trouble) and hopefully an Isuzu conversion. When re-built, I intend to do a few miles and take the kids camping regularly, and an auto would make life easier. I've taken a '79 RR from Perth to Brisbane via the top end and that vehicle had an early 3-speed auto conversion that didn't miss a beat in the five years I owned it. I also used to race a Series II years ago in club meets, and was always beaten by the blokes with Tojos that had autos fitted, so I know an auto can handle the rough stuff. Anyone have any pointers on a Defender/Isuzu/auto conversion that can be handled by a home mechanic?

Richard

Originally Posted by rlysnar

Thanks for the link Chicaro re the outfit that retrofits autos to Defenders. Does look a neat job indeed. I am looking around for a 110 project vehicle, say 1990 to 1995, that has already had a few mods (saves me the trouble) and hopefully an Isuzu conversion. When re-built, I intend to do a few miles and take the kids camping regularly, and an auto would make life easier. I've taken a '79 RR from Perth to Brisbane via the top end and that vehicle had an early 3-speed auto conversion that didn't miss a beat in the five years I owned it. I also used to race a Series II years ago in club meets, and was always beaten by the blokes with Tojos that had autos fitted, so I know an auto can handle the rough stuff. Anyone have any pointers on a Defender/Isuzu/auto conversion that can be handled by a home mechanic?

Richard

The other mod that I would do if go auto is fit the oil cooler from a P38 RR which is largher than the one on the Tdi 300.

Originally Posted by p38arover

Many? Or some?



'Tis a pity the Defenders don't use it. It seems, from reading this forum, that the later gearboxes in Defenders just aren't up to the task for long term reliability. Tusker has had 3 (or is it 4) gearboxes in his Defender.

For the first one, I guess we would need a poll -but in the absence of one, I stand by my thoughts and would predict most defender and 110 owners prefer manual.

For the second, what I wrote is definitely more to do with the second hand market than new - I'll admit that I'm biased that way. Early defenders certainly did have the LT85, which changed from the LT95 sometime around 1985-86 and its not uncommon to see newer TDi powered defenders with older gearboxes and transfer cases - at least in part due to the supposed weakness of the R380 and/or "rover" diff when compared to the LT95 and salisbury diff for example.

This is why the 4BD1 powered 110 is held in high regard by quite a few members on here - the factory spec is/was considered about as good as anything every build by land rover, but it can still be quite easily modified into whatever the owner wants it to be: tourer, mud plugger, rock climber...

Which is also why what once drove out of Solihull has little relevance to what is driving around now in my experience, especially on vehicles older than 10-15 years.

New ones, well that is a whole different story again... but any defender can be made into what the owner wants, including auto if so desired.

Originally Posted by dullbird

I would upgrade my defender to an auto in a heartbeat, it has nothing to do with the clutch...although our 200tdi clutch is heavy especially in stop start traffic the puma clutch is not heavy at all.....

Put a 300 TDi master clutch and clutch peddle box on your 200 Tdi and it will make the clutch alot light to use
What i did to my winch challenge 200 Tdi 90

yeah, he wouldn't go to that trouble........of changing the clutch.

I find the 200 really heavy when I haven't driven it for a long time once I have been in it for a while its usually OK, the first time I get out of the car after clutch controlling to work, when I haven't driven it for a while my clutch leg is usually shaking.. I know I'm a weakling

Originally Posted by dullbird

yeah, he wouldn't go to that trouble........of changing the clutch.

I find the 200 really heavy when I haven't driven it for a long time once I have been in it for a while its usually OK, the first time I get out of the car after clutch controlling to work, when I haven't driven it for a while my clutch leg is usually shaking.. I know I'm a weakling

Nah its not the clutch just all the bit behind the pedal and the other side of the bulkhead. Don't need to touch the clutch or slave or anything

Another thing you can do is to take of one of the heavy duty return springs on the pedal (inside) . Makes it lighter and no differance to the workings of it

110 - Crappy switch gear (can't comment on the latest cars)

D2 - better switch gear

P38A - Ditto.

You have a camper so space isnt the issue..

Family taxi excludes defender in most peoples eyes... (I used mine for everything for the time I had it)

D2 is better as a 'mile muncher' as its quieter.

Some people dont like seating in Defenders

A/C in Deefer (pre Puma engined version) was useless

Defender will take more before exceeding GVM... (1010kg on 110 Wagon)
which sounds like a lot till you factor in:
-4 people approx 250kg
-Bullbar + Winch 110kg
-LR Tank (Full) 250kg
-Fridge 80kg
-Water (80litres) 80kg
-Wheel carrier 25kg
-Roof rack 60kg

Already you've used 855kg and havent put recovery gear, draws, food other than fridge, electronics/gadgets etc... in.... leaving only 155kg

So yes, its better than the Disco in this regard for sure.