Thread: S111 Stage One Automatic Gearbox conversion

What gearbox is currently in there - sorry, don't know what a stage 1 runs. An auto and LT230 will bolt straight up to he V8. If you are running an LT77 5 speed, then it will all bolt in - not sure if it will if it runs the LT95 box.

I'm sure someone else will be along to clarify that...

If you were going to do an auto conversion to a stage 1 I'd be getting a ZF 4hp22 and LT230 from a Disco 1 V8.

(Stage 1 run LT95 standard so only conversion was the early rangie aftermarket BW35)

Originally Posted by Lotz-A-Landies

If you were going to do an auto conversion to a stage 1 I'd be getting a ZF 4hp22 and LT230 from a Disco 1 V8.

(Stage 1 run LT95 standard so only conversion was the early rangie aftermarket BW35)

I'd be tempted to get all the bits out of wrecked D1 V8: shifter with cables, auto box with LT230, tranny oil cooler pipes, radiator, the whole shebang.

While you're about it, drop in the 3.9V8.

Originally Posted by jakeslouw

I'd be tempted to get all the bits out of wrecked D1 V8: shifter with cables, auto box with LT230, tranny oil cooler pipes, radiator, the whole shebang.

While you're about it, drop in the 3.9V8.

Good idea, except for the 3.9 because of the slipping liner problems.

If your 3.5 is in good nick - keep it!

Cheers Charlie

Originally Posted by Heley

Hi there,


Just wondering if anyone has any knowledge/experience in converting a Stage One V8 to having an automatic gearbox. From what I understand the gearbox and differentials etc. of the Stage One are identical to the early Range Rovers. Would it be as simple getting an automatic gearbox/transfer case from a Range Rover of a similar year and putting it in the Stage One?
Obviously in addition I would also require a gear shifter, oil cooling pipes and a suitable radiator, my main concern is the gearbox and engine mounts in relation to the Stage One chassis and the length of its propshafts.


Thanks

I'm don't think the gearbox and diffs are the same as the early rangies, but they are similar. Both lt95 and both 3.54 ratio. The fit is straight forward, make sure you fit the TC to the gearbox first and not the flex plate. The mounts in the chassis are the same. I changed to the 3.9 when I put the auto in, so the cable match was fine, a friend auto'd his 3.5 stage 1 but I'm not sure what he did with the candle. Shafts were the same.

Originally Posted by Slunnie

I'm don't think the gearbox and diffs are the same as the early rangies, but they are similar. Both lt95 and both 3.54 ratio. ....

The transfer ratio in the Stage 1 LT95 is different to the both the early and late RR, I believe it is the same as the 110

• 101 - 1.17:1
• 110 - 1.34:1
• RR - 1.174:1
• RR 12C - 0.9964:1

The Stage 1 front diffs are the 10 spline diffs same as the early Rangies and the rear salisbury is essentially the same as the 110 but narrower in the track.

I would still use the Disco LT230 transfer ratio rather than the Defender 1.41:1 just because its an auto and the torque converter will compensate for the higher ratio. Low ratio in all LT95 and LT230 are the same.

Given that there is a lot more brake activity on an auto I would also consider fitting disc brakes to the Stage 1.

Somebody on here also suggested that the LT95 lengths were different in the Stage 1 - front output. I've never bothered to confirm this or even follow it up.

My comments in fitment were also in relation to fitting a ZF auto with LT230 transfer case in both cases. Mine was from a Rangie, but its probably no different in fit as if it was from a Disco.

From what I can gather the Range Rover gearbox and transfercase would go in relatively easily with the same length prop shafts.


The ZF Auto and LT230 it would seem should not be too hard to fit to the 3.5 and the chassis, however there may be some doubt as to prop shaft lengths.


Has anyone had experience with lengthening or shortening prop shafts? Is it advisable?


It would probably be easier to get hold of a ZF Auto and LT 230 as there appear to be plenty of old Disco's for sale.


Thanks to everyone for their informative replies.