Upgrade New Defender 90

[LouisW]

I have just ordered a new 90.

But want to upgrade the performance and add a Auto gear box. Can it be done ? Any suggestions who to deal with or approach to do this for me.

AND what would you do any Ideas I should consider ?

I don't care about the land rover warranty or resale this is my toy and I don't plan to sell it.

10 years ago I was forced to sell my toy due to moving to Australia - ( 90 with 3.9 v8 with Auto box). And I had never got over it. So 3 weeks ago when at the dealer ordering my wife a Range Rover Sport. I saw a 90 and bought one as an impulse purchase and I am once again as excited as I was at 18 about a Toy

Regs Louis

I see people do this so here are mine

"Waiting on"
Defender 90 2015
RR Sport 2015

"Past"
Defender 90 V8 auto 1990
Discovery Tdi 2000
Discovery V8 ES 1996
Defender 1970's. First car

[weeds]

I know a guy that pulled the whole puma drive line and install a golden V8 with auto paddle shift the works.......and it was still in warranty

[loanrangie]

Well there aint no performance upgrades or auto option from the factory, cancel that new vehicle and by 2nd hand, use the savings for the auto conversion and performance upgrade if you can get some one to do them.

[chuck]

Yes there is an auto kit made in the UK.

The name of the manufacturer escapes me ATM.

They got a rave write up as they also include a performance upgrade something to with running the auto.

They are expensive

But you should be able to offset by selling your 6 speed gearbox.

Ritter or one of the other good indy's should be able to fit for you

[Pickles2]

We've got a MY13 '90,...love it,...even with its 90KW.
Performance üpgrade", And an auto?!..... Mate, I reckon you're gonna need a BIG performance upgrade, if you're gonna run an auto.
I don't think the 2.2 Puma in ANY configuration, would have enough grunt to make an auto Puma a satisfying experience.....just not enough power.
I know plenty will disagree, so it's only my opinion which is, if ya want an auto,....drop in a V8 at the same time.
Pickles.

[isuzurover]

You say you are not worried about warranty, but LR will use it as an excuse to void the warranty on the entire drive train. You would be much better off buying one out of warranty and then doing the mods.

I believe Ashcroft have an auto conversion available?

However if money is no object then fit a TDV8 and auto box from a RRS.

[Pickles2]

You say you are not worried about warranty, but LR will use it as an excuse to void the warranty on the entire drive train. You would be much better off buying one out of warranty and then doing the mods.

I believe Ashcroft have an auto conversion available?

However if money is no object then fit a TDV8 and auto box from a RRS.
What an awesome Defender that would be.
Pickles.

[disco man]

What an awesome Defender that would be.
Pickles.

X2 That would an absolute weapon.

[justinc]

The 90 when not towing, chipped and auto'd would be a great vehicle. Modern autoboxes and their control systems are so sophisticated that who would want a manual anymore. The TC locks in almost all gears during even normal driving for efficiencies sake, just the same as a manual in that state.

Driving a modern 5spd auto turbo diesel daily is just a breeze and at 8.5l/100 city cycle and all the torque you would want with no wasted revs, makes better sense than a manual trans IMO.

If I were to buy a Puma, it would ONLY be on the proviso that I will be fitting an auto trans.

JC

[chuck]

Interestingly the PX Ford Ranger runs exactly the same 2.2 TDCI motor with 110 kw 375nm & a 6 speed auto with a transfer case.

[justinc]

You'd have a job on your hands with electronic control, would have to move over the engine and trans PCM to the Defender as AFAIK noone has developed a stand alone trans controller to talk to 6 spd gearboxes...

Good idea though :)

JC

[bob10]

Perhaps you could talk to these people, Bob


Land Rover modifications, Land Rover used parts, Land Rover spare parts suppliers for Brisbane, Queensland and Australia wide (http://www.mrautomotive.com.au/land-rover-modifications.php)


We can transform your Landrover with the following



Defender Cruise Control
Defender Automatic Conversions
Performance Upgrades (Defender, Discovery 2 & 3, Range Rover Sport)
Hi Rise Tow Hitch (Discovery 3 & 4, Range Rover Sport)



Diff Locks
Modified Axles
Heavy Duty Suspension
Engine Conversions


https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1297.jpg (http://www.mrautomotive.com.au/images/mods1.jpg) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1298.jpg (http://www.mrautomotive.com.au/images/mods2.jpg) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1299.jpg (http://www.mrautomotive.com.au/images/mods3.jpg) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1300.jpg (http://www.mrautomotive.com.au/images/mods4.jpg)
call us to discuss your modifications (07) 3284 6688

[LouisW]

Thanks to all of you - it is really good to have such an active community of enthusiasts that can help a Mechanical dunce like myself.

For those who are interested - yes I could have bought a secondhand 90 and have it rebuilt but I wanted to buy a new one, to call mine, and to keep for life. - before they stop making them.

I will run the 2.2 with an upgrade chip / exhaust or what ever they do and add a few "******" bits like Kahn 18" wheels; mesh Front grill; Momo Steering wheel.

If I find the manual a nuisance I will upgrade it to Auto .

My long term plan however is in 5 years is to Replace the Motor and Gear box with a Discovery 3.0 Turbo Diesel with Auto box.

I have one last Dumb Question:

"I am ordering Kahn 18x8 wheels what is the widest size tyer I can fit on the rims with out modifying the car/rig. And what should the new profile be to maintain the standard circumference ?


Rgs Louis

[Pickles2]

I don't think you should instal a "chip" under any circumstances,...specific ECU upgrade for sure, but a generic chip,...no way.
IMHO, of course, Pickles.

[chuck]

It would depend on the offset of the Kahn Wheels.

You should be able to get something like a 285 x 65 x 18.

Mulgo on this forum should be able to tell you about the Kahn wheels as he sells them and is a specialist Defender outfitter.

cheers

[LouisW]

OK I will ensure i do the right thing and check on this forum before I go ahead

[LouisW]

I will contact Mulgo As I plan to but from a local dealer - He may be the same Guy who's site I am looking at.

Cheers Mate

[LandyAndy]

Perhaps you could talk to these people, Bob


Land Rover modifications, Land Rover used parts, Land Rover spare parts suppliers for Brisbane, Queensland and Australia wide (http://www.mrautomotive.com.au/land-rover-modifications.php)


We can transform your Landrover with the following



Defender Cruise Control
Defender Automatic Conversions
Performance Upgrades (Defender, Discovery 2 & 3, Range Rover Sport)
Hi Rise Tow Hitch (Discovery 3 & 4, Range Rover Sport)


Diff Locks
Modified Axles
Heavy Duty Suspension
Engine Conversions

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1297.jpg (http://www.mrautomotive.com.au/images/mods1.jpg) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1298.jpg (http://www.mrautomotive.com.au/images/mods2.jpg) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1299.jpg (http://www.mrautomotive.com.au/images/mods3.jpg) https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2014/09/1300.jpg (http://www.mrautomotive.com.au/images/mods4.jpg)
call us to discuss your modifications (07) 3284 6688

I dont belive it I just cliked on one of 2 Bobs links:eek::eek::eek::eek:
Andrew