300tdi auto conversion questions

[Pacemaker]

Hi everyone

I replaced the transfer case on my 110 and the splines on the output shaft are half worn away. The new transfer has the later gear in it so its mating further along the output shaft where there is much more spline.

Ive been hunting around for another r380 with not much luck so im now considering putting an auto in. My missus wont drive the manual and occasionally it would be beneficial if she did drive it.

For those that have done it:
Did it eliminate some of the start off lag
Did your original drive shafts still fit
Does the original gbox cross member fit
Where did you get the kick down cable brackets
Where does the shifter end up being
Where/are you completely happy with the auto.

Ive owned a few td5 autos and the stall of the standard converter drove me insane through hilly sections and it wouldnt lock until about 85 kms hr. So through the 80 zones where there is hills it was annoying sitting on 2800 rpm at 75kmhr when it easily could have had the converter locked at that same speed.
so my question is, is the converter bigger? Im hoping it is and if so what rpm does it lock? Will I find it kicking back as much as the td5 does because if it does im keeping the manual.

Many thanks.
Michael.

[Pacemaker]

Sorry im referring to using a disco 1 automatic and convertor

Cheers
Michael.

[bee utey]

The gearbox is the same length as the R380, the kickdown connection should be salvageable from the donor disco (if your injection pump hasn't already got a fitting), the shift lever is on a bowden cable so within limits can go wherever you want it to go. I've never driven an auto 110 but a few D1s. The torque converter stall point is below the start of boost pressure so the lag is still there. Lockup converter happens around 82 km/h in 4th only so you still have a bit of flare at 75.

[Dougal]

Ashcroft information suggests the 300tdi and defender torque converters are the same.
I haven't even got my auto 300tdi on the road and the torque converter is already annoying me. 2000rpm to move off the spot!

[Bazzle218]

I've converted my Defender to an Auto, nil real issues other than I put the flywheel on arse about and had to pull it out again. All bolts up the same. Just remember to get the complete flywheel and spacers. I have a post in tutorials I think. Fell free to pm me any questions

[Pacemaker]

Thanks guys. Much appreciated.
Bazzle I read your posts prior to starting this thread. I just never found any comments as to how happy you were with it. Also did the economy or power change? Im not sure if the auto will eat up any power.

I have a td04 11g turbo which was on the car when I bought it but from what ive read they make power a couple hundred rpm lower. Hopefully this will help.

Bee utey I have not yet ruled out the lpg I spoke to you about. I just need to get the car to the point im happy to drive it down for a holiday. Would the lpg help get it on boost or only works on boost?

Thank you.
Michael.

[Pacemaker]

Ashcroft information suggests the 300tdi and defender torque converters are the same.
I haven't even got my auto 300tdi on the road and the torque converter is already annoying me. 2000rpm to move off the spot!

Hi Dougal
Are you currently driving a 300 tdi auto in a disco?

[Dougal]

Hi Dougal
Are you currently driving a 300 tdi auto in a disco?

Soft-dash rangie.
I rescued it from a paddock and it's not yet back on the road. I've driven it a little offroad but it's got a cracked head so driving is limited.

[bee utey]

Bee utey I have not yet ruled out the lpg I spoke to you about. I just need to get the car to the point im happy to drive it down for a holiday. Would the lpg help get it on boost or only works on boost?

Thank you.
Michael.
It does help a little low down (say 10%) but its best effect is still in the power band where the turbo produces lots of extra air to combust the LPG.

[redrovertdi]

I run the auto with the disco transfer case and a td04 turbo with a full front intercooler, love the auto and wouldnt go back, also run a radiator pipe style tranny cooler between radiator and intercooler and a bullbar mounted heat sink cooler as i do a lot of heavy towing, but a tdi still doesnt go like a td5.
Richard

[alan48]

Hi,
I have a 130 big cab 300 auto and it is the best thing I have ever done. It used a new Disco box and was fitted by Bruce Davis at Annangrove in Syd--everyone who drives this car loves it and it has a beaut center console for the shifter-also Disco. There were no issues fitting it but make sure you do have a second transmission oil cooler as initially we only had a small one near the bull bar/bash plate and saw the transmission show 150 degrees in Vic High Country with a heavy slide on on board so then added a larger Davis Craig fan cooled cooler behind the cab just in front of/below the tray and it now runs 75 degrees which is about correct temp for these autos. the car now is much quicker off the mark in traffic, and we did fit a 200 tdi manifold which moves the turbo position for a bit more go, it hits top at 78kph and returns about 12lts/100. We do a lot of towing and no problems at all--best Defender as we hate manuals in traffic.