3l Rover 6cyl into a S3

[Phoenix]

Ok, i've read an article about putting a 3L rover car 6 cylinder engine into a landy a while back (LROI, don't have it on me at the moment) and from memory it worked well.

Now as some of you know i've been messing about with some problems with my holden conversion, and was given a phone number of a bloke who has one of these engines for a good price.

Now the questions.

Anyone remember any details of the conversion. I think it drops straight in as it's a very close relative of the 2.6l 6 cylinder that was originally in my landy.

Parts, where can I get them

Is it any good, compared to the original 2.6 which is known to have some problems.

speed, will I still need to install the overdrive, or will this be enough.

Chances are this would take the place of an original 2.6 (which are hard to find now) and would be as close to the original as I would probably come, but I just wanted some more info before I got too carried away.

[Hellspawn]

You ask some cracker questions phoenix.... :wink:

That motor is the one out of a P5, which later became the P6 which dumped the 3L in favour of the V8 or something, isn't it ?

I don't know a great deal about it however they weren't exactly well loved the engine or the car.

They weren't fast engines more high torque so I wouldn't know how long it would last in a series pegged at 4 grand due to standard gearing. Might be okay with the overdrive.

Chances are it would bolt up okay, just don't follow the concept of depowering from the GM. 8O

[Phoenix]

Well it was offered to me, and having seen an article on it I was intruiged at the idea, the holden conversion is still giving me a headache, but i've almost got it sorted.

I'll have to grab the article tonight so that I can see what they thought of it.

[Hellspawn]

I know about the holden problems, have the transmission out of mine again :roll: Figure eventually it's got to stop breaking stuff.

We'll see if anyone else has some imput.....

[Phoenix]

The P5 had various models of the 3 litre, and the P5B had the 3.5L v8 (also found in the Range Rover).

From what Rocket has told me, the 2.6 is esentially an underbored, low compression version of the 3L. It's also a conversion that's common in the UK apparently.

It appeals to me because it's easier to fit than the holden (drops right in), it's mroe original than the holden, and i'm restoring the vehicle. If I wasn't restoring it, that would be an entirely different proposition.

[Hellspawn]

Fair enough then. 8)

[OldDog]

Evenin Gents, When i originally posted looking for a suitable replacement for my tired 2.6 someone did suggest using the 3.0 as it was the same block but with overhead inlet and exhaust valves, due to this alone the engine should be fairly powerful, torque wise and it will bolt straight up. Trouble was i couldn't find one and they seem to be fairly uncommon :roll: . For the price style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif i'd get it and give it a shot. I'd suggest the overdrive would be a good idea no matter what you fit up.
.....Or you can have a look at the FFR on ebay at present which comes complete with what appears to be a rebuilt spare 2.6 + winch etc, looks tempting.
Bill

[Phoenix]

I'm off to e-bay to have a look :wink:

Minister for finance has approved the purchase, so now i'll have to find out what condition the engine is in!

[Import]

Stick with the holden. When you see the size of the big weslake head and manifold the reasons will be obvious. Theres so many reasons why its a better swap is why there is so few 3lt. Rover conversions about. In Aus. though with the proliferation of holden sixes for spares how could you go wrong using this icon of down under motoring. Also consider how long the holden 6 was in production compared with the Rover 3lt. Bottom line is the holden is a better unit.

[Phoenix]

No doubt the holden is a better engine, especially the one I have as it's quite a new unit, and if I was just using the land rover for driving, i'd leave it. But as I mentioned before, not only do I drive this vehicle, but i'm restoring it also, and the rover engine is far closer to the original rover engine than the holden ever will be.

[101RRS]

Phoenix

I was just driving around the back streets of Queanbeyan looking for the castrol distributor to get gearbox oil for my Freelander - I came across this big shed that has about 30 different rovers cars (no Landrovers) in various state of being pulled apart lying around the block including the ones that have the six cylinders in them. Looks like it is some sort of business but there are no business names or phone numbers. It is on the corner of High Street and Hinksman St - just up the road from the Castrol Distributor.

Can investigate further if it would be of any use to you.

Gazzz

[Phoenix]

I haven't got the engine yet, but I should know by tonight if I am or not, but if I am that would be great, I don't expect rover parts are any easier to come by than landrover parts are.

Thanks for that!

[OldDog]

Or if it all turns sour Richard i may be able to hook you up with another 2.6 up in QLD, it was running and probably rebuildable..........unlike mine which is completely worn out :cry: . Cost of freight might be $$$. I put my 2.6 beside the new holden motor thats going in and it's bloody huge!

[mick88]

U can't beat a Holden transplant...if u want pulling power go for a 202..as they have a longer stroke than the 186, 161, 179, and if this isn't enough put a heavier flyweel on it. Good reliable and cheap for parts. Chuck in some 3.5 rover banjo's and u are laughing.

Mick.
Member 88

[Import]

Land Rovers Owners Club PO Box 422, Glenorchy, (03) 6273 4666
Rover Fwd Club PO Box 69, Sorrell, Tasmania (03) 6393 6305
CLASSIC ROVER CAR CLUB PO Box 129, Zeehan, TAS 7469. Mr I.D Brade (004) 716 708
POST VINTAGE CAR CLUB INC PO Box 520 Moonah Tas 7009 Adrian Gray (002) 72 3309

I did a quick google search of "Tasmania Rover club" and came up with the above. You've probably already done it. On the off chance its helpful there it is anyway. I'm sure someone affiliated with one of these clubs will be a good source of the parts you require or know someone who will be.
Best of luck with the search and may the best engine win.
cheers
Import.

[Phoenix]

Mmmm, I knew about the landy clubs, neither of which would be of much use (especially as there are stuff all landys in the clubs style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif ), but I hadn't thought of seeing if there were any rover car clubs, they might be of some use, thanks style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

I didn't manage to get the bloke on the phone last night, but i'm trying again all day today and tonight.

[Import]

Hi Phoenix, any joy? The Rover car club is pretty big over here I heard but postage would break the sturdiest piggybank.
cheers
Import

[Phoenix]

Umm, a combination of forgetfullness, bad luck and being busy nas see me move nowhere as yet, I hope to get somewhere tonight :oops:

[Phoenix]

Ok, i've finally spoken to the bloke, and the cost is $200.

It's a long motor, manifold, dizzy etc are all in place, as is the auto gearbox bolted to it.

So now I need to know / find out if the auto and manual had the same stud pattern. Also (depending on what is in mine currently), I presume i'll need a clutch and flywheel, although i'd like to be proven wrong there.

I also need to find out the best / cheapest way to transport it from QLD to Tas. Anyone know a good freight company? Freight cost really is going to be the killer factor here in the end, more so than cost of repairs.

[Import]

Little bush in the crank for the spiggot (?). I'm not sure if my terminology is correct. You'd do well to make sure the crank is drilled for the gearbox shaft that sticks into it. Not all manufactures have this as standard. I came accross this problem with a vechicle engine swap in the past. One of the Rover car club buffs should be able to put you to rights.
Am I right in thinking $200 for the 3 lt Rover engine?
cheers
Import

[Phoenix]

Originally posted by Import
Am I right in thinking $200 for the 3 lt Rover engine?


that's correct, although I have come across a good 2.6L in tas which may end up being a cheaper option, we'll see.

I kinda understand what you are talking about with the shaft, but i'm not technically minded enough to understand properly :oops:

[Import]

Where your gearbox shaft goes through your clutchplate and into your flywheel it pushes into the crank of the engine. An engine made for a manual geargox has a drilled and usually brass bushing inside the said drilled hole. Some manufacturers dont drill the crank for auto vechicles as its not needed.
Others just use manual (drilled/bushed) cranks for all models.
Its not the end of the world if its not drilled as you can get it done. It just adds to the expense.

[Phoenix]

Ahhh, ok then, if it goes ahead it's something i'll have to ask. thanks for the explanation style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[p38arover]

Originally posted by Import
Little bush in the crank for the spiggot (?). I'm not sure if my terminology is correct. You'd do well to make sure the crank is drilled for the gearbox shaft that sticks into it.

Pilot bush - usually a bronze bush.

If you fit the 3 litre, perhaps a change to RR 10 spline diffs would be in order - that's 3.54 ratio. Alternatively, Rover 90 car diffs of about 4.3:1

See all the useful ratios at http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~lloyd/tilde.../LRO/diffs.html (http://www.csse.monash.edu.au/~lloyd/tildeLand-Rover/LRO/diffs.html)

Ron

[Hellspawn]

Originally posted by Phoenix

I also need to find out the best / cheapest way to transport it from QLD to Tas. Anyone know a good freight company? Freight cost really is going to be the killer factor here in the end, more so than cost of repairs.

Cheapest way would be find out who of us does the east coast run regularly, then give them a few extra dollars to lump their trailer on and bring the motor south. Then again I have carried motors in the back of a wagon, anchored heavily mind you to the tie down points, so maybe the trailer idea is redundant if need be.

I would think it would be fairly straight forward with main city changeover points. If you could get it to Melb, the only real "cartage" cost would be maniland to Tas.

Requires a bit of organising but would be the cheapest.

[joe]

G'day again Phoenix style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif .

If you want a hand with all this I can help as I have Been working on and doin' Engine swaps for many years.
First af all, if you end up staying with the good old GMH red six.......TALK TO ME :twisted: as I have all the gear you need to make it sing.
The best ones for S111's are the 186, 179, 173 or 161 Reds as they gear well to rover box. The 202's are bad as they are too powerfull (Axel stripers) and have a bad fault with the gudgen pin on pistons being too close to oil rings (GM did this to get more stroke 8O ) this will shear pistons in two.
As for going to a rover type six it could be done but at max price to do it right (you get what you pay for) and after its all done you will have an engine that is a gas guzzler, producing less torque and costing heaps more to repair than a Red Six (and then you still dont have the cars original powerplant :cry: ) So all this trouble to what end? but its up to you :wink: I will help you come what may, mate.

[Phoenix]

Mate, recently the red has been singing quite sweetly, and that's without adding some of the bits you gave me :wink:

Freight is looking to be too costly from brissy, but i've got a possible one in hobart (an original 2.6L unit) that i'm also looking into.

[Phoenix]

An update.

Freight for the QLD motor will be at least $250 + GST, but it has to be clean and draind of all fluids. Plus engine at $200 without a distributor and of unknown condition as it hasn't been run for ages.

Look like that idea has become pretty unfeesable style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif

The option closer to home in hobart (2 hours drive away) is looking ok, but at a price. I can go down tomorrow and jim can start it up for me on the spot. Apparently it runs very well. He drove it in a vehicle that he is wrecking, but the owner gave up on it because it kept stopping on her. Ironically that was due to a bad spring in the ignition barrel and the key just spinning freely.

Where is the but you say, $700, that's the but. I just can't afford that mush dosh. I can put a deposit on it and save up, but i'm not sure the minister for finance would let me spend that much on it anyway, especially as I don't know how much I can get for the holden and associated bits and pieces I have to sell.

What is a holden red and conversion worth?

[101RRS]

An engine that runs for $700 plus time and a bit of fuel vs an engine of unknown serviceability for about $475 plus maybe a little bit of time.

Personnally I am sick and tired of cars at the moment so for me - the local one would be the go - hey just get another credit card.

However before I got all car-ed out, I would like a bit of mechanical excitment and uncertainty so would have gone the interstate option. I guess you pays your money and takes your chances.

If I was happy with the local engine and unsure of the interstate one - I would go for the local.

Thems my 2 bobs worth style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

Gazz

[Phoenix]

I prefer the more certain local option, but SWMBO may not see the $700 that way style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif