Thread: 72 3.5 into a 86 rangie?

Originally Posted by otwaq777

Can I put a 1972 3.5 v8 into a 1986 Rangie? And could I then put the fuel injection onto it?

As our friend from the RTA says "You can in fact do anything" they just don't have to register it.

The problem is that the 1972 engine will have to pass 1986 emission control regs as specified in the ADR's. Which basically means that all the fittings from the 1986 engine need to go back on the 1972 engine. Then yes you can EFI the 1972 engine.

Another issue you may wish to consider, aluminium blocks crystalise over time and will therefore be more prone to cracks. The early 3.5 engines are not as strong in the block as the later engines, like your original 1986 block.

Thirdly, a 1972 is a very early Range Rover engine, in restorable condition the 1972 donor is potentially more valuable than the 1986.

Hope this helps.

Regards
Diana

Diana, all metals are crystalline. it is metal fatigue and corrosion of various kinds that stuffs them. You are correct about the ADR's and emission controls. If you put the '72 engine into the '86, then the '86 ADR's apply. If you put an '06 engine into the '86, then the '06 rules apply.

Sorry guys, it was 1977 engine

Originally Posted by otwaq777

Sorry guys, it was 1977 engine

Everything apart from the value of the donor still applies, although the 1977 engines had the worst of the emission controls, so the 1986 ancilliaries would be preferable.

Thanks Brian - you know what I mean about old alloy blocks!

C Ya
Diana

Try not to use the early 3.5 as they were not a "stiff" block. Have a look across the top where the cam is and you may find a crack if its been stresed.
A 3.9 can be found cheap
Cheers Tony