Thread: Engine Swap Question

i am not sure but i thhought the firewalls might have been diferent around the belhousing?im sure some one else will say otherwise but while your waiting check the series 3 section of the forum you will probably find some good info there oh and btw welcome

Originally Posted by griffdog

Hi Guys,

I am new here and this may be a question answered a million times already but my attempts to search for threads has not helped.

I have access to a s3 pickup which is in very good condition with its original 6 cylinder engine. I also have access to a another 4 cylinder trayback with a very good engine.

I know the consensus is that the 6 can cause issues, and so I am inclined to look at an engine swap if it starts to play up. I know that this will require a change of engine mount points and the I assume the use of the 4 cylinder bellhousing, but I am wondering if there are any other potential issues with this swap.

I would prefer to keep a LR engine and the 6 might be fine for years (its running well), but I want the option of an easy swap down the track if things do start to go wrong.

Am I on the right track with my thinking here? What other parts would I need to salvage from the 4 for the swap?

Hi and welcome to the forum.

One of the easiest swaps to do would be to a Holden Red motor in the 6cyl Landy. No need to cut the cross member, the original radiator can be used and doesn't have to be moved, you will need to put a thermo fan in the front though. I have adaptor plates here that suit both 4 and 6cyl bellhousings and I imagine they are still pretty easy to get.

If you wanted to stick with a Land Rover engine, besides a 4cyl 2.25L, the Defender 200tdi would be the easiest, but you're looking at up to $3500 for one. They will fit in with minimal modification to the bellhousing (you will need a 4cyl one).

Both will require new engine mount brakets and exhausts.

The advantage of the 6cyl Landy is that is has more room. The firewall is different, the engine and gearbox sit back further so you have more room in the front.

The only thing you will really need from the 4cyl is it's bellhousing. I'd grab the engine mounts too if you're pulling the engine out as a spare.

OK thanks thats all good information.

So if I fit the 2.25 landy engine it essentially sits back further than in an original 4 cyl. Does this create issues with radiator mounts etc and using standard hoses, or is this pretty easy to deal with?

I am torn with the Holden motor option. Part of me would like to keep it LR, but having owned a few 186 powered Holdens I can see the sense in this. I was not aware that the original radiator could be used. No issue with using thermo fan, but does this set up provide effective cooling? Being on King Island in Bass Strait means this is not such a big issue.

Chhers

Originally Posted by griffdog

OK So if I fit the 2.25 landy engine it essentially sits back further than in an original 4 cyl.

They are the same motors.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

They are the same motors.

I mean that if a 4 is fitted in a car which was originally a 6, then the motor will sit back further in the chasis due to the gearbox being mounted further back.

If you put the holden engine in, do you have to change the gearing or put different tyres on? I was under the impression that u might need to do one of those!