Thread: Bitten By The Bug

So what can be done to these 6 cyl heads apart from harden valve's and valve seats, I assume having the head rebuilt to suit lpg would be a good move as it would allow me to do a lpg conversion, also what work could be done to the bottom end ?

Cheers Chris

Well to hot it up you can put in a new cam, extractors, higher compression head, upgrade the carby, upgrade the ignition system with electronic ignition, ported and polished head and other things like stroker kits. But this all costs quite a bit, stuff like extractors, upgraded carby and ignition is fairly simple and not too expensive. The new cam would make a big difference but at a price.

I've stared read gromits thread FFR Refurb to try and workout what I'm in for as I like the idea of having the original running gear, it will all come down to cost I think around a grand would be well spent on this motor and if I set it up to run on lpg I would be saving some money long term. I would like to set the 2a for camping and the odd trip up to the Vic gold fields, think the old bus would perfect for it.

Cheers Chris

Check that you can still get all of the parts for the Rover 6 cyl, before you get in too deep.

The 200 tdi conversion is very easy to do but finding one in WA will take some patience - if you do, get the radiator; intercooler and all of the ancillaries with it and make sure you hear it running if possible. Converting to a 300tdi manifold solves the hitting-the-chassis problem. Fitting a 300 tdi is possible as well,

Cheers Charlie

I was looking at the 200TDI for a bit but the cost was a bit much for me. I found a complete motor and gearbox for about $2000 I think it was down my way. It would be a good conversion but expensive to purchase a motor compared to Holden sixes and Ford motors. If you went down the TDI path get an overdrive or get higher ratio diffs cause a 200TDI revs out fairly quick like most Diesels, even better still get a R380 or maybe a LT77 (not recomended for hard use) but that adds even more cost. Certainly diff centres for any Series being used on the road regulary.

I had quick look around the net and only found a couple of 200 tdi motor's, one was needing a rebuild and he was asking about $2500, the other was already done (crate motor) for about $5500, not cheap. I spoke to a engine re-builder in Adelaide about getting the head done, he told me the first thing he would do is a harden test as the aluminium can become soft over the years and cause trouble by pushing the head gasket into the head and leaking, he also mention I could be up for $3000 to $3500 to rebuild the original motor, Looks like I might be going for a Holden 6 conversion at least for the moment.

Cheers Chris

Chris, have a look for an early Disco, rather than just an engine. Two people I know bought one each for about $2000 and they could drive them home fully licenced You also have the advantage with this method, of seeing how everything connects and not forgetting any vital ancillaries.

The heads for the 200tdi are now no longer available; however; a 300 tdi head can be made to fit. Alternatively a 300tdi may be an easier way to go if you can't find a good 200tdi. Turner Engineering sell brand new heads for a reasonable price.The quote you got for a re-build, should be able to be reduced by about $1000 if you build it yourself.

The Holden engine is fine on the black-top but lacks torque off-road and the sump and carburettor are not designed for extreme angles,

Cheers Charlie

There's a 1997 Disco S TDI in Adelaide with 200,000 k's on the clock, the guy has it on ebay starting at 2 grand, has a bit of damage to the drivers door eBay Australia: Buy new & used fashion, electronics & home d atm I don't have that sort of cash to spend, when I sell my boat then I can have a good look around for a donor vehicle.

Cheers Chris