new engine time - what sort?

[reg of the overflow]

I have a 1961 Series 2 which I have been rebuilding (not restoring) since it blew the Holden 186 some time back. I am getting close to the time when she will be ready for a new transplant... however...

I have a few red motors sitting here but all need rebuilding but getting someone to do it is getting harder to come by as the builder chappies are getting older too. I can't get a change over as there would be no warranty with it and i'm not prepared to take the risk.

So.... what donks do people put in their jalopies these days other than the original?

[chazza]

Land Rover 200tdi, or 300tdi is a much better choice than the red motor - buy an old Disco and get all of the bits with it,

Cheers Charlie

[87County]

if you can't do what charlie suggests, even a rebuilt LR 2.25 petrol or diesel would be better than a Holden 6 IMHO

[mick88]

You may need to consider if it is engineered with the red motor in it!
A motor change may require another engineers certificate.
If so it may be easier to rebuild the 186 or another red motor, they are easy and simple enough to rebuild and work on. The 186 is a good donk.

Cheers, Mick.

[GaryFrank]

Dunno about your legislation down under, but here in sunny SA anything goes....
Chev 2,5: 4100: ADE diesels: Nissan Rd28: QT32 : Ford V6: Rover V8: Lexus V8: and my personal favourite...Toyota 4Y....
Bottom line is that the stock 2 1/4 petrol pushes out 60kW...that's all you have to beat for any kind of improvement

[Nighthawk]

Higgenbottom was running a special a while ago $1960 or thereabouts for a reco long engine delivered. Great price. Some holden clubs get discounts on reco engines through repco and others, ask around.