Thread: What engines these days?

Originally Posted by scubabob

i have a 1961 Series II SWB which always had a Holdren red motor in it, but that died and was promptly replaced by another Holden red motor. Now that one has died in quite a sensational manner with internal parts separating where they shouldn't.

Now red motors are getting quite rare but i have a couple of old ones laying around. Am i better off getting one rebuilt or do people put new and improved engines in old Landies these days?

Nothing wrong with a properly prepared Holden. They mostly separate into componentry because someone installed a well used engine without a rebuild and appropriate modifications to suit it for a different application. Far superior engine to those used by LR.

I have a Series One with a red 6 in it. I am considering replacement with a Starfire 4 cylinder. At least it would physically fit better.

Originally Posted by BigJon

I have a Series One with a red 6 in it. I am considering replacement with a Starfire 4 cylinder. At least it would physically fit better.

The same POS with 2 less cylinders but better rods?

I never did know why 200, 250ci ford and 225, 215, 245, 265 valiants weren't as popular as stinky holden 6's

Originally Posted by rovercare

The same POS with 2 less cylinders but better rods?

I never did know why 200, 250ci ford and 225, 215, 245, 265 valiants weren't as popular as stinky holden 6's

Because Ford parts were always 3 times the price of the Holden ones and every out-of-the-way servo had Holden parts but not necessarily Ford or any other brand part.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

Because Ford parts were always 3 times the price of the Holden ones and every out-of-the-way servo had Holden parts but not necessarily Ford or any other brand part.

Fair enough, 'twas before my time, just the falcon engine is a far better thing, the val even moreso

Originally Posted by rovercare

Fair enough, 'twas before my time, just the falcon engine is a far better thing, the val even moreso

I will agree with you on the Chryslers. My experience with Falcons is that they were a pile of pus in 1960 and have not improved. Still got the head corrosion problem in the aluminium heads they had from day one of the alum. heads. Still use the cheap **** head gaskets. Still got the sub-standard Ford in-house electrics.Factory parts prices ridiculous. As a fleet manager, the lowest operating cost per mile I ever managed were Chryslers, then Holdens. The Chryslers used the most fuel but were cheaper to run as they were an almost no maintenance motor car. Holdens are physically the best fit in a Land Rover. Lighter than the Rover engines and far more powerful. Chrysler hemi 6's are the next choice and would be first choice if LR's had decent transmissions. All indicators considered, a Holden is the best choice for a repower.

Rebuliding a Holden Six should be no worries at all.
All the parts needed are readily available and at a reasonable price.
You should even be able to still get rebuilt Holden long or short motors from reputable engine rebuild companies.
Or go conventional and rebuild a two and a quarter.

Cheers, Mick

Originally Posted by rovercare

The same POS with 2 less cylinders but better rods?

Yep, that is the one. 1.9 litre capacity 4 cylinder. Makes sense to me. Should bolt up to the Holden - Land Rover adaptor already fitted and won't stress the drivetrain. Also should be cheap to come by as no one actually wants them!