Series build threads

[SlowRide]

Hi guys. Thought i'd ask for your help. I've been looking for some comprehensive Series LR build threads, but i'm coming up short. I'm not sure if i'm using the wrong keywords but i'm not finding much at all. I'm guessing a lot of long-term forum members would have seen a few interesting build threads (whether it be on here, or on another site), so if you recall where you saw them i'm hoping you can link them up.

Bascially, i'm looking for a new (long-term) project. There's a couple of 2A utes to be found locally that have been sitting for years and screaming for a new home, but neither are runners. Otherwise they seem pretty neat and straight... and are virtually being given away. I like the idea of a 2A ute, but I don't like the idea of 50yo British running gear in 2014. It's gotta be Japanese and EFI at the very least. So they could make perfect donor vehicles.

Seeing i'm an offshore welder with a shed full of tools I like to think a running gear conversion and general vehicle spruce up isn't beyond me... with a little help from my friends. It won't be my first car rebuild. And like I say - i'm looking for a good long-term project to keep the mind ticking over.


Anyway - do any build threads come to mind?

[Mick_Marsh]

There are lots.
I know the Wait Awhile authorities are pretty anal about modifications. Check out if what you want to do requires an engineers report or not first.
Here's a good one
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/series-ii-iia/148131-new-project.html
and another that might be of interest
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-chatter/147813-land-rover-series-3-100-a.html

[MR LR]

Depends if you want to restore the car (including an engine transplant) or just start with a Landy body and 'build' a car, if it's the latter then there's a few in the LR section on pirate, some here too I think, but I wouldn't know where to look.

Cheers
Will

[SlowRide]

Thanks guys.

My hare-brained idea is to fit a Toyota (prob Hilux) running rear to a 2A. Nothing too outrageous, but not a hodge-podge job either. It won't happen overnight, but a road registered car capable of sitting on 100kph, a bulletproof and easily maintained running gear, and as good an MPG as I can fettle out of it. Dual lockers, roll cages and 35" muddies aren't part of the plan.

I wouldn't mind checking out a couple of threads to see what's been done before, get an idea of costs, limitations, unforeseen issues etc. Just to get a general idea of project practicality.

[SlowRide]

Is there a reason why you don't see Commodore V6's slotted under Series rides at all? After a bit of thought it'd seem to be the perfect upgrade - plentiful, cheap, simple, reliable, powerful, light, small footprint...

What's the catch?

[isuzutoo-eh]

Is there a reason why you don't see Commodore V6's slotted under Series rides at all? After a bit of thought it'd seem to be the perfect upgrade - plentiful, cheap, simple, reliable, powerful, light, small footprint...

What's the catch?

gearbox and transfer adaptation?

[Bigbjorn]

Have you fallen for the Hilux total reliability myth? I have news for you, they are not. They are just as bad as any other cheap Asian ****box ute.

[SlowRide]

Isn't Land Rover a Chinese brand now? So does that make them a ****box?

If you're trying to suggest that 1960s British build quality is on par with Japanese auto engineering of the 1990s/2000s - i'm sorry, but we'll have to agree to disagree on that one. It's not even close.

I grew up around Land Rovers and can barely recall a time there wasn't at least one issue shadowing each cars reliability. Contrast that with my experience with Toyota - I don't think i've ever needed to spend a cent beyond a regular maintenance regime to keep an old Hilux or Landcruiser happy. Nor my parents or family.


There's a reason why so many of these old Series are left to rot out in a farmers top paddock. Unfortunately i'm a sentimental fool that wants to gift a forgotten 2A a second chance at life.

[JDNSW]

Is there a reason why you don't see Commodore V6's slotted under Series rides at all? After a bit of thought it'd seem to be the perfect upgrade - plentiful, cheap, simple, reliable, powerful, light, small footprint...

What's the catch?

I suspect you will find that the shape of the torque curve is quite unsuitable for the gearing. Also probably a bit uncertain how they would stand up to off road use (angle of tilt, lack of cooling air).

The Series 2/2a (and 3) Landrover has the advantage that the engine is, as far as I am aware, the only engine that has ever been specifically designed from a clean sheet for a utility four wheel drive. In both petrol and diesel versions, it is tractable, durable, and for its vintage reliable, and stands up to abuse better than most. The vehicle does, however, require more maintenance than do modern vehicles, but on the other hand, is designed for owner maintenance and repair. (Unlike all modern vehicles!)

In my over fifty years experience of driving Series Landrovers, I see most, if not all, problems arise from either lack of maintenance or abuse (including overloading), and have not seen them as noticeably less reliable than, for example, Hiluxes.

However, the most recent 2a is at least forty years old, and the design is nearly sixty years old, so it is unreasonable to expect reliability unless you can restore them to something close to original condition - and you will need to keep in mind the design limitations and maintenance requirements.

John

[SlowRide]

Interesting. I won't give up on the V6 idea just yet. Surely a camshaft change could drop the torque curve to a lower cycle? I'll do a bit more research and see what I dig up.

I should mention i'm not totally against keeping it 'all Land Rover', but i'm not prepared to pay a premium for parts/sourcing just to do so. I also want a car that can go years without ever leaking diff or engine oil, has a gearbox with clockwork gating (perhaps even an auto), and no carby in sight. Disc brakes all around, 2WD and 4WD hi/lo.

I mean, I love tinkering on my car, but I prefer to be out four-wheel-driving than constantly fixing niggles with the four-wheel-drive.

[SlowRide]

Are there any EFI kits that can be retrofit onto an old 2A 2.25?

[Homestar]

Are there any EFI kits that can be retrofit onto an old 2A 2.25?

Not sure about kits, but I know of people fitting EFI to these motors. Think they would be a home made job though, with an aftermarket ECU.

If you have decent fabrication skills, it is certainly doable.

Found a thread on someone who at least started this - http://www.aulro.com/afvb/projects-tutorials/100151-my-2-25l-series-2a-gets-efi-supercharger-3.html

And here's a really good how to of doing just that :) - http://www.melsteve.plus.com/LandRover/

[SlowRide]

And here's a really good how to of doing just that :) - MegaSquirted Series3 homepage (http://www.melsteve.plus.com/LandRover/)

Fantastic!! Looks like my kind of project. I'm actually quite surprised there's no off-the-shelf aftermarket kit for just this mod.

[Homestar]

It's more fun if you make it yourself.:). Don't forget to post a how to if you do this, and include plenty of pics.:)

[debruiser]

Check out some UK threads, seems that there was a trend to fit V6 Fords over there, if my memory serves me. Might be able to get an adapter plate from over there, fit it to something suitable....

[The ho har's]

Timj on the forum has done this to his series III game 2.25, pretty sure he used megasquirt. Interesting when doing a run and he pulls out his laptop to fine tune his motor, every one else just checks their water and oil:D

Mrs hh:angel:

[SlowRide]

I think i've found a winner.

Still got the Series bug, but i've since discovered Perenties LR's... if I get one of these i've got nothing to do but find a hard canopy and maybe tone down the military vibe a little. I was keen on a 2A or a 3, but of the half dozen i've gone and seen the chassis or firewall area have just looked like too much work to break even.

Does anyone know where/when the auctions take place for the newly discharged Perenties? And are these road-registerable vehicles or do they fall under some special classification?

[isuzutoo-eh]

Plenty of info in this thread:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/showthread.php?p=2082568
In short, yes Perenties can be normally registered. The auctions are monthly at Minto and sometimes in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane, Townsville and Darwin.

[Slunnie]

I suspect you will find that the shape of the torque curve is quite unsuitable for the gearing. Also probably a bit uncertain how they would stand up to off road use (angle of tilt, lack of cooling air).

The Series 2/2a (and 3) Landrover has the advantage that the engine is, as far as I am aware, the only engine that has ever been specifically designed from a clean sheet for a utility four wheel drive. In both petrol and diesel versions, it is tractable, durable, and for its vintage reliable, and stands up to abuse better than most. The vehicle does, however, require more maintenance than do modern vehicles, but on the other hand, is designed for owner maintenance and repair. (Unlike all modern vehicles!)

In my over fifty years experience of driving Series Landrovers, I see most, if not all, problems arise from either lack of maintenance or abuse (including overloading), and have not seen them as noticeably less reliable than, for example, Hiluxes.

However, the most recent 2a is at least forty years old, and the design is nearly sixty years old, so it is unreasonable to expect reliability unless you can restore them to something close to original condition - and you will need to keep in mind the design limitations and maintenance requirements.

John
I don't think there will be anywhere in the torque or power curves where the original motor is better than a Commodore V6. The Commodore has a pretty strong bottom end power and will still pull through into high rpm. These were pretty common in Australian rock crawling buggies and in other 4wd conversions, and seem to be able to handle use in those. I suspect a series won't see those types of vehicle angles. That said, fitting most suitable gearboxes into the series chassis would be an interesting task.