Thread: Engine conversion

Originally Posted by Brian Hjelm

Best six made here was the Chrysler 265.

Darn right the Hemi Valiant engine was a gem. I have had two 245s and two 265s and all were great (well apart from the little valve stem seal issue most get after a while but that did not impead performace spat a puff of smoke on start up). Now does anyone make a kit to fit a hemi to a series 3??????

Originally Posted by jc109

Hi All,

I know things like this have been covered before, but I wanted to gauge everyone's opinion on engine swaps.

I have a 2.25 petrol in my 109". It's been giving me nothing but trouble lately and I need to do some serious work to it. I've contemplated pulling it out for an overhaul and a new head, and a once-over of the gearbox while I'm at it (I think I sucked some muddy water in on the Powelines trip I did recently). This might be an easier task than a conversion, but I still end up with a pretty basic and sluggish engine.

I've thought about a Tdi and the expense and complexity puts me off.

The Holden 186 conversion seems tried and tested, but I'm curious about the ramifications for my driveline once it's in.

A mate recently suggested a Ford 250 crossflow - whatever that is exactly. He has access to parts and know-how, but again I have doubts about the flow-on effects.

Basically, I'm now keen to build this into a toy that's reliable, powerful, and that I can work on and source parts for readily. I'm happy to consider upgrading things like transfer case and diffs (locker rear and possibly front are inevitable) so the extra strain from a better engine may be countered anyway.

Brakes are another thing I'll need to consider. One step at a time though.

What are your thoughts?

James

Down the back I have a wreck I took the box from. It has a Falcon motor I am told. Dont know if crossflow or not. Can look if you want. Still has all the conversion bits ,you can have it if you want to take it out.

Originally Posted by Disco Stew

Darn right the Hemi Valiant engine was a gem. I have had two 245s and two 265s and all were great (well apart from the little valve stem seal issue most get after a while but that did not impead performace spat a puff of smoke on start up). Now does anyone make a kit to fit a hemi to a series 3??????

A mate has done two of them. I believe he has a foundry pattern.

PM me if you want to contact him.

Originally Posted by 123rover50

Down the back I have a wreck I took the box from. It has a Falcon motor I am told. Dont know if crossflow or not. Can look if you want. Still has all the conversion bits ,you can have it if you want to take it out.

Thanks for the offer. Whereabouts in Qld are you? I have family there I visit regularly, so might be able to swing by on my next trip.

There doesn't seem to be any strong opinions either way on this, and I'm surprised.

After mulling this over for some time, and I will probably continue to for some time yet, I'm leaning towards keeping the 2.25 and working it.

What are your thoughts on a Turner head (I was quoted 590 pounds a couple of years back), reconditioning the engine, maybe a new cam (I know nothing about this but have seen it mentioned in other posts), and an overhaul of the gearbox.

You say a high ratio transfer case will provide better high speeds and won't affect low speeds. Is this true? If so it sounds perfect. Where do I find one and how much would I be looking at?

The other thing I want is disc brakes all around. I'm following the relevant thread with interest but it appears to be winding down. If I buy a kit for front and back it seems an easy conversion. It may be expensive but the added safety and reliability are attractive, and how much more expensive will it prove to be when compared with something like a RR axle conversion or similar? I don't understand what other benefits would follow from all the work involved.

Lastly, I want to put an ARB locker in the rear so suspect this will overcome any weaknesses in the rear diff. Is this correct? Am I better off changing the axles first and putting in a different diff centre? And what about the Rover diff up front? I'm not too fussed about having a front locker, but would do it if it was an easy way to upgrade the diff.

So, there's a bit on my plate, but what do you all reckon? Any suggestions?

Cheers,

James

It seems to be a case of follow the weakest link when decent power is put through these things. usually one of the axles will go first. Thats why the old maxidrive ones were so popular. Long term i think a drive train transplant from a 200 or 300 tdi defender is the best option. As for brakes well the gears in my head are still spinning. It is a very easy job to disc convert a jeep cherokee so it cant be that hard to find relevant hubs for a landy.

Originally Posted by Disco Stew

Darn right the Hemi Valiant engine was a gem. I have had two 245s and two 265s and all were great
<snip>
Now does anyone make a kit to fit a hemi to a series 3??????

I have an adapter for one in my back yard*! I also gave away a whole engine and it's conversion kit.

Yes you can fit one, but needs extensive chassis front cross member work on a four cyl chassis and even on the six cyl because the Hemi engine is much longer than the Rover or Holden 6 cyl.

Diana

* No you can't have it, it belongs to someone else.

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

I have an adapter for one in my back yard*! I also gave away a whole engine and it's conversion kit.

Yes you can fit one, but needs extensive chassis front cross member work on a four cyl chassis and even on the six cyl because the Hemi engine is much longer than the Rover or Holden 6 cyl.

Diana

* No you can't have it, it belongs to someone else.

Bell housing face to water outlet flange a Hemi is 1/4" longer than a red Holden to the best of my memory. They might be a bit longer down low but I don't recall. They fit in an EH without much trouble. There are a couple of things you should do to one to make them a bit better. Most important if using a later engine is to get the emissions control camshaft reground and restore the engine's performance.