Rover V8 and LT95 or 77 into 109?

[65SWB]

Hi All - I’ve recently acquired a series 2 safari wagon with a Holden 186. (6 cylinder chassis) It was in another state and on the big drive home to Brisbane the front crank seal and rear main both went. It started to leak - this was maybe 300 km into the trip and then seized 35 km outside of Hay NSW. I have feelings of hostility towards Holden 6’s now that I think I’m unlikely to readily resolve. I want to go the Rover V8 path - with an LT95 or 77. I understand that many feel that a tdi swap is more sensible - but if I was inclined to be sensible I wouldn’t have bought a 52 yr old series truck - from inter state in the first place. There is lots info on the net about the v8 swap - but it’s piecemeal and often contradictory. I’d sincerely appreciate the direction of someone who can provide me with detailed guidance on all the steps of doing this - from radiator back. Ie engine mounts, bulkhead, floors, gearbox Mount, tunnel mods. If they’re in QLD and have a modded (non stage 1) series truck with a v8 in it - so much the better. Cheers, Rich

[JDNSW]

Can't give any details, but the main issues are that the V8 with either of these gearboxes is full time four wheel drive - which means CV joints in the swivels like the Stage 1. Or convert the transfer case to 2/4 - there are kits to do this. The other issue is that of convincing your engineer that the conversion is viable, particularly brakes, and you probably want to fit Six cylinder brakes or a disc conversion anyway.

[pop058]

You stated 6 cylinder chassis so the front brakes should be the big ones. A pre-facelift Disco donor car would give you a cheap 3.5 V8 and LT77 and all the little bits for the conversion.

[Slunnie]

I’d be more concerned about all of the cross-members that need to be cut out to make it fit, and the bodywork also.

[JDNSW]

If you have access to a competent welder, that is a (relatively) minor issue.

[65SWB]

Hi All - thank you for your replies so far. Yes - it has the larger - 11in? brakes on front. Thanks for the disco suggestion. Can anyone please recommend someone in SE QLD who has done this kind of swap?
Cheers, Rich