Thread: To Renovate or Not

My suggestion is cover both bases. Do what you want, new engine gearbox, diffs suspension and soundproofing the interior, BUT keep all the original parts protected, not rotting in a paddock. This means if the value of a series 3 with matching numbers gets tempting, it's much easier for you to drop out the new engine, gearbox and diffs as the previous good nick original items are in the back of the shed soaked in oil.
A lot of the uk series owners drop in ex disco or defender tdi's and gearbox with lower diff ratios. Also 2.25 series diesels are less common so a well preserved original may be worth a bit more in the futur, this could be a good reason to take it out and rebuild/box it for x years and put in the engine you want.

I agree with frantic on this one . That engine was not a good engine , don't spend any money on It , because even if It was like new It wont be any good , with standard 4'7 diffs It wont do 100kph and that's down hill with the wind behind you , plus It would be screaming It's head off . But yes If you put a 200 or 300 tdi in plus a 5 speed box , change the diffs It would make It a better truck !! just saying ...Jim

Of the dozen or so Land Rovers I've owned over the years the Series III 2.25 litre diesel Wagon was the most woefully underpowered. This engine totally defines the term 'gutless'. BUT it was extremely reliable and would have been perfect for a 'put put' type boat. If you only want to 'put' around it will do the job but even if you dropped this vehicle out of an aeroplane you'd be going to hold 80 Km/hr .

If you want 'originality' better to change it over for a 2.25 litre petrol engine which is comparatively power packed in comparison. If you want a 'useable' Land Rover vehicle replace the engine/drivetrain with 200/300 tdi entrails.


Deano