Series V8 Idea

[Series3 GT]

I've been thinking of an idea that I think would be a great conversion. Take a Series of your choice, Find a 302 or 351 depending on you budget, Find a Ford Toploader and an adapter for a Series Transfer Case, upgrade your axles and enjoy. I know this has definetly been done before but I'm wondering what everyone thinks of it and if anyone could tell me what it's like. I'm not thinking of actually doing it but I love the idea and would like to do it one day but not right now cause I'm working on my 100" V8 Series 3

[Mick_Marsh]

Seen a 2a with a Valiant V8. Don't know what size but it was bigger than 3.5.

[Series3 GT]

The Valiant V8 would be good but I was just thinking that the Ford V8's were a bit more common and you can find a toploader which isn't that hard to find and are a straight fit to a Ford engine obviously because they came from a Ford. Also I think an F series gearbox (older version) would be great but would require a bit more cutting and fabricating. An engine I saw and liked was an International V8 (unsure of size) at the wrecker I bought my Series 3 from, never got a price on it but looked pretty heavy duty.

[Slunnie]

The Valiant V8 would be good but I was just thinking that the Ford V8's were a bit more common and you can find a toploader which isn't that hard to find and are a straight fit to a Ford engine obviously because they came from a Ford. Also I think an F series gearbox (older version) would be great but would require a bit more cutting and fabricating. An engine I saw and liked was an International V8 (unsure of size) at the wrecker I bought my Series 3 from, never got a price on it but looked pretty heavy duty.
I'm not sure, but I thought the F's had the front diff on the wrong side.

[Series3 GT]

I'm not sure, but I thought the F's had the front diff on the wrong side.

I'm not sure if you can but what I was thinking the F series gearbox attached to a series transfer case. Can the series transfer handle the power of a 302 or 351?
Another thing, can a Salisbury diff handle the power or could the series diff's handle it.

[mick88]

A few years back when I was over in Bega for a holiday I seen a LWB ute, Series 3 I think it was and it had a Ford 302 with an auto box in it. I didn't get a look under the hood, but the owner was more than happy with it's performance.

Cheers, Mick.

[Slunnie]

I'm not sure if you can but what I was thinking the F series gearbox attached to a series transfer case. Can the series transfer handle the power of a 302 or 351?
Another thing, can a Salisbury diff handle the power or could the series diff's handle it.
I'm not sure re the transfer strength, though I was under the impression that it wasn't bad. I'm not sure re adaptation, I would expect it would be a custom job though. The Salisbury diff would laugh at it, though the axles might need upgrading. Is the series Salisbury still 10 spline or did they move to 24 spline?


A few years back when I was over in Bega for a holiday I seen a LWB ute, Series 3 I think it was and it had a Ford 302 with an auto box in it. I didn't get a look under the hood, but the owner was more than happy with it's performance.

Cheers, Mick.
I'd heard talk about using a C4 auto which apparently is strong and very compact - which is what series landies need.

[Series3 GT]

I don't think it's a salisbury, I have seen toploader to series T-Case adapters but can't remember the price. I can't take on this project at the moment but possibly take it on down the track. I prefer the Idea of a manual but the auto is quite common.

[Bearman]

I've been thinking of an idea that I think would be a great conversion. Take a Series of your choice, Find a 302 or 351 depending on you budget, Find a Ford Toploader and an adapter for a Series Transfer Case, upgrade your axles and enjoy. I know this has definetly been done before but I'm wondering what everyone thinks of it and if anyone could tell me what it's like. I'm not thinking of actually doing it but I love the idea and would like to do it one day but not right now cause I'm working on my 100" V8 Series 3

Can't say what a manual would go like but I have done the Ford 351/C4 auto with series t/case into a S3 with a Sals rear. I used everything Ford under the bonnet including radiator, fan, a/c compressor, alternator and engine mounts onto the chassis. No problems with sump clearance. Used a Marks adaptor from C4 to t/case. I replaced the t/case gears with the earlier lower ratio ones (dont ask me what ratio - was over 20 years ago) and upgraded the diffs to 3.54. Had a RR front end with discs and a widened rear Sals with maxi drive. Had to fit an adjustable modulator valve to the tranny as the upshifts were a bit harsh. It was an unbelievable smooth conversion, great power for overtaking/touring and fantastic off road - hardly ever had to engage 4wd. Even with a 4 core radiator I had some heating issues offroad as the clevos run at 192C but fixed it with twin thermos off a 110. Only downside was the fuel consumption:( . That,s when I decided to go 110 with the Isuzu. There are a couple of photos of it on here somewhere.

[wpalmo]

I appreciate the engineering that has gone into creating a conversion like this and before the introduction of the Series 3 Stage One V8 I can see why people would do it, but really if you want a V8 Series Land Rover get a Stage One. The engineers at British Leyland did a pretty good job of it, The only mod I think that should of been engineered into the Stage One was at least disk brakes on the front end. It was sorted however when the County V8's went into production.

Stage One gearbox-LT95 with constant 4WD and centre diff lock, Salisbury 3:54 ratio rear and Rover 3:54 front diffs are pretty much bullet proof in this set up and the Buick small block V8 can be easily stretched to 4.6 or even over 5.0 litre if you want to spend money, so power should not be a problem. It has been all engineered to fit together and in my opinion is the best petrol powered Series Land Rover built.

You can probably pick one up for somewhere between $3000 to $5000 which is cheap for the running gear underneath it. Try to put a V8 Ford powered Series together for that sort of money and then get it licensed with the bull**** and hoops you have to jump through at your local licensing centre. The engineering report for a Ford powered V8 conversion won't be cheap either and you are going to have to cut up the floor and fire wall of a beautiful Series Land Rover to do it too.

I have seen some amazing Ford and Chev powered Land Rovers in the USA but it probably is more cost effective to build in North America than here. I am not sure if the Stage One was imported into North America which could also explain why the V8 conversion has been so well thought through in the US and so many have been built. I would do some research into some of these builds and the components used before starting a project like this if you really do want to cut up a Series Land Rover.

Check out some of the Timm Cooper built Land Rovers getting around on North American Roads as it has been done many times with a diverse range of drive line components.

Timm Cooper Ford powered Land Rover porn below to get you excited!!

Regards Warrick.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/07/1130.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/warrickpalmateer/7349688948/)
Testi_Lg_TimmC4 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/warrickpalmateer/7349688948/) by wpalmo (http://www.flickr.com/people/warrickpalmateer/), on Flickr

[Series3 GT]

Again thanks for the advice, but I'm not currently working on this project. You are very right though, the stage 1 would have to be one of the best Series land rovers ever made, the only Series that would of beaten it would have been the 100" V8 series prototype. This is what I'm currently building.

[wpalmo]

Again thanks for the advice, but I'm not currently working on this project. You are very right though, the stage 1 would have to be one of the best Series land rovers ever made, the only Series that would of beaten it would have been the 100" V8 series prototype. This is what I'm currently building.

Are you building it with a Range Rover chassis? What is the deal with licensing a set up like this, does it have to be engineered certified and what body type will be on the 100 incher?

I watched that series called "A Four Wheel Drive Is Born" and if it is something like that then you will certainly have a very nice vehicle at the end of a lot of work. Looking forward to seeing some images of the build if you can post them.

Regards Warrick.

[Mick_Marsh]

They do need an engineers report in order to be registered. Mine has one.

Body types? Here are a few possibilities:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/

[wpalmo]

Thanks Mick. I saw the green one a couple of months ago for sale on E Bay. It looks like a very well engineered set up. Probably the ultimate Series Land Rover as far as performance and capability goes. A friend of mine has built one as an 88 inch wheel base and it goes very well but I think the longer wheel base is much more practical as an every day vehicle.

I am looking forward to putting my Stage One back together in the coming weeks as it has been off the road while I sorted out some parts that had to come from overseas. All bits are here now, so happy days around the corner.

Regards Warrick.

[drifter]

...

I watched that series called "A Four Wheel Drive Is Born" ...

Regards Warrick.

I only got to see a little of that program so I bought the DvD of it. Not bad value for money and the copy I got came with a heap of build pictures that weren't included in the program on a separate DvD.

[Series3 GT]

Are you building it with a Range Rover chassis? What is the deal with licensing a set up like this, does it have to be engineered certified and what body type will be on the 100 incher?

I watched that series called "A Four Wheel Drive Is Born" and if it is something like that then you will certainly have a very nice vehicle at the end of a lot of work. Looking forward to seeing some images of the build if you can post them.

Regards Warrick.
Yes I am using a Range Rover chassis with the 3.5 V8. I got the idea from watching the 4x4 is born series and I've been re watching it. When the whole things finished I'll definetly post some photos. I'm going for the ute using a series tub so it'll look like the one of 4x4 is born (not quite as radical suspension lift only a 2" lift). I checked with the department of transport and the local place to run your car over the pits and they both said you need an engineers certificate on the chassis modifications, the vehicle itself is completely legal with the certificate. My copy came with some build pictures and Mark Evans signiture all for $30 that's with postage.

[Mick_Marsh]

Thanks Mick. I saw the green one a couple of months ago for sale on E Bay. It looks like a very well engineered set up. Probably the ultimate Series Land Rover as far as performance and capability goes. A friend of mine has built one as an 88 inch wheel base and it goes very well but I think the longer wheel base is much more practical as an every day vehicle.

I am looking forward to putting my Stage One back together in the coming weeks as it has been off the road while I sorted out some parts that had to come from overseas. All bits are here now, so happy days around the corner.

Regards Warrick.
I've seen pictures of the green one as a van, ute, and I think soft top. It is certainly very well built. I don't think it sold on ebay.

Good to hear yours will be back on the road soon. I have a soft spot for Stage 1's (and 101's).

[Series3 GT]

I've seen pictures of the green one as a van, ute, and I think soft top. It is certainly very well built. I don't think it sold on ebay.

Good to hear yours will be back on the road soon. I have a soft spot for Stage 1's (and 101's).
Most Land Rover fans have a soft spot for stage 1's and 101's, I know I cetainly do.

[Series3 GT]

I've been looking on the forum at other posts and a good few people say that you can fit a Rover 3.5 V8 to a series box and the gearbox will survive. I've read that about 120 Hp is the max for a series box and most old 3.5's wouldn't have that anymore and if you fitted a Stage 1 carby to bring the power down a bit it wouldn't tear the gearbox to pieces. If anyone has an adaptor or has done this let me know.

[d@rk51d3]

I've got a magazine here somewhere with a v8 lightweight.

That one tickled my fancy.

[bingrames]

Hi guys,
I was reading last months L/R Owner international mag last night & there is a team from alldrive 4x4 in England who is in the middle of building an 100" 109 coil sprung pick up. using an disco 1 chassis engine & running gear. According to there reports there welding in a pair of series bulk head out riggers,then using defender bulkhead, series 11a windscreen, series 11a or 111 truck cab & a series 111 back body. They have also purchased a new 110 rear cross member. I was wondering if a range rover chassis could be used instead of the disco chassis? I was also wondering if there was still adequate room for the v8? I'm in the process of sending off some emails to various companies involved, as this would be a great way to still have a v8 in a series body. I too would love to have a v8 in a series land rover, & i have received my inspiration from Mr Slunnie, i loved looking at his " ute 2 " build up. Well done mate.

I was thinking that this might be a cheaper alternative that incorporates newer running gear in an older vehicle. I currently have an 4.6 92 vogue, that would look great converted in to a series 3 coil cab ute.:)

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.;)

[pop058]

Hi guys,
I was reading last months L/R Owner international mag last night & there is a team from alldrive 4x4 in England who is in the middle of building an 100" 109 coil sprung pick up. using an disco 1 chassis engine & running gear. According to there reports there welding in a pair of series bulk head out riggers,then using defender bulkhead, series 11a windscreen, series 11a or 111 truck cab & a series 111 back body. They have also purchased a new 110 rear cross member. I was wondering if a range rover chassis could be used instead of the disco chassis? I was also wondering if there was still adequate room for the v8? I'm in the process of sending off some emails to various companies involved, as this would be a great way to still have a v8 in a series body. I too would love to have a v8 in a series land rover, & i have received my inspiration from Mr Slunnie, i loved looking at his " ute 2 " build up. Well done mate.

I was thinking that this might be a cheaper alternative that incorporates newer running gear in an older vehicle. I currently have an 4.6 92 vogue, that would look great converted in to a series 3 coil cab ute.:)

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.;)

One of the main issues you may have is the year of the vehicle is usually decided by the chassis. In your case, 92. This would mean you would have to comply with 1992 ADRs. Side intrusion bars in doors is an obvious one the a Series cab does not have. There would be hundreds of other "little" things.

[chazza]

pop058 is dead right! Your car will have to comply with every ADR on its compliance plate.

Your first port of call should be with the licencing authority in SA; they probably have a website that lists the requirements for modifications. Once you have established whether they allow modifications of the nature you are proposing, have a look at the Federal Govt site here: Vehicle Standards Bulletin 14 (VSB 14) (http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle_regulation/bulletin/vsb_ncop.aspx)

Cheers Charlie

[Series3 GT]

Thats what I'm building as my project car using a 1976 Series 3 body and a 1976 Range Rover chassis and running gear. If your interested in doing this read my thread on my Series 3 100" in the technical chatter section. I just want a different engine in my IIA farm ute.

[Mick_Marsh]

Most of this one is '81 series III stage 1 body on a '81 range rover chassis.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/12/350.jpg

[pop058]

Most of this one is '81 series III stage 1 body on a '81 range rover chassis.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2012/12/350.jpg

Mick

what engineering is required if you are (effectively) just swapping non-structural body panels?? e.g. 81 to 81 ??

PS sorry for the hijack :D

[Mick_Marsh]

Yes, '81 on'81.
An engineers report was done on this one. Various supports had to be welded on the chassis to support the firewall, cab, etc.
On the plus side, it has constant 4wd, 4 wheel disc brakes, coil suspension and power steering.

[Series3 GT]

All good reasons why I'm building it, the V8 with a gearbox, transfer case and axles to handle it, coils all round (excellent articulation), Disc brakes all round (excellent braking), rust free chassis, far better turning circle and a good wheelbase length. It's also something different as well. We've been looking at a Stage 1 and we possibly might get it. so another V8 Landy what a shame:D

[Mick_Marsh]

Here's a starting point for someone.
1977 Land Rover Range Rover Ute | Cars, Vans & Utes | Gumtree Australia Gosnells Area - Maddington (http://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/maddington/cars-vans-utes/1977-land-rover-range-rover-ute/1011360698)
I wonder, did he get an engineer on early? Was the engineering component more than he expected? Did he just lose interest?
I wouldn't mind it myself. I'd be tempted to make it a 4 cyl diesel with S1 panels.

[Series3 GT]

Good starting point and a good price, I paid $800 for my Range Rover and $350 for my series 3 plus all the costs of towing them and the parts. My Rangie was in working order though and the body was rough so cutting it off wasn't too painful. Still think my 100" looks better but I've spent a lot more on it than that ones going for. They are a great project so i encourage some one to buy it and save a bit of hassle of cutting the old body of and fitting the new mounts.

[marko66]

Hi All

Makes me want to go and play with my 109 hardtop 4.4 litre leyland 2a with series box or my stage one modified 2a military chassis:):Dwhich has a stage one body on it.

Then again the hemi series is also sitting there too as well as the series 3 109 ute that has holden engine mounts and was last registered with a 5016cc engine

But i really must play with the holden 5 litre efi 4 door rangie and get that all set up first. Anyone love playing with electrics :D

Regards Mark

[Series3 GT]

You've got too many cool toys for my liking:D Now hand one over. I'll take the 4.4 Leyland IIA of your hands. Can you show us some pics of all of them please.