Engine conversions

**turkeybrain** · 15th April 2021, 03:47 PM

I've been reading up a fair bit on 300 Tdi into Series installs recently. To improve the gearbox durability, using an LT77 or stumpy R380 are options, but really only if you don't want to use the middle seat as the gear lever is further back on them than on the Series box. You'd also want to source a Defender R380 as opposed to a Disco, as (if I recall correctly) the gear lever position is further back again on the Disco. Things can get super tight with crossmembers as the gearbox is moved rearwards, though. If you're not too worried about the original looks, you can fit a Stage 1 front end and move the 300Tdi and stumpy R380 forward, keeping the gear lever position original and not have to move any crossmembers.

As for engineering compliance, I think pretty much any engine swap into a Series is likely to be an LA2 conversion:

https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/ve...jan2011_v3.pdf

On page 25 there are a list of supporting mods which are required alongside any LA2 engine conversion for pre-ADR vehicles. It also says that the engineer doing the compliance work on the car may require extra, such as brake modifications, at their discretion. As others have said, it's well worth speaking to an engineer who is qualified and certified to perform vehicle modifications prior to doing anything at all.

(This is not professional advice. I am not an expert on this subject, this is not my area of expertise, this is not my field of practice.)

There are some more creative options out there too. I've recently come across a VW 2.0 Tdi into Series conversion which is using a Jeep gearbox and a Land Rover transfer case. Apparently the motor is quite compact, which alleviates some of the packaging issues with Land Rover engines. The owner said the ECU made things a bit more challenging, though.

My in-laws reliably inform me that putting a Leyland V8 from a P76 into a Series 3 is possible, but that it's also quite proficient at turning the gearbox into glitter.

Cheers,
Martin

**turkeybrain** · 15th April 2021, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by turkeybrain

On page 25 there are a list of supporting mods which are required alongside any LA2 engine conversion for pre-ADR vehicles. It also says that the engineer doing the compliance work on the car may require extra, such as brake modifications, at their discretion. As others have said, it's well worth speaking to an engineer who is qualified and certified to perform vehicle modifications prior to doing anything at all.

And I've just remembered I'm in the Series 3 forum, so ADR compliance shouldn't be an issue...

**101RRS** · 15th April 2021, 04:03 PM

Originally Posted by turkeybrain

And I've just remembered I'm in the Series 3 forum, so ADR compliance shouldn't be an issue...

Why not - Series 3 are post the introduction of ADRs - admittedly not a lot apply at the start but over time more and more applied - in addition, State mod rules will also apply.

**turkeybrain** · 15th April 2021, 04:14 PM

The list on page 25 has some bare minimum upgrades to drag older vehicles closer to ADR compliance. A Series 3 should have all of these items already. As you say, other upgrades probably will be required.

**cjc_td5** · 15th April 2021, 06:47 PM

Originally Posted by turkeybrain

The list on page 25 has some bare minimum upgrades to drag older vehicles closer to ADR compliance. A Series 3 should have all of these items already. As you say, other upgrades probably will be required.

Except a collapable steering column. This is a major stumbling block that keeps coming up with people trying to get engineering compliance.

**Homestar** · 15th April 2021, 07:25 PM

Originally Posted by cjc_td5

Except a collapable steering column. This is a major stumbling block that keeps coming up with people trying to get engineering compliance.

Can be done, but one more thing to consider. Anyone undertaking a major modification to the engine and driveline should be able to sort this without too many dramas - there are a lot of options. I generally start with a tape measure and a trip to Pick-a-part when doing things like this.

I once did an engine and gearbox upgrade to a 4 cylinder Torana (remember those?) - Went to the wreckers and came home with an engine and box that was the right length - didn’t actually know when I bought it what it even was but turns out it was a 3K Corolla engine and box - did 100,000KM in it after fitting that without laying a spanner on the thing.

Also fitted a steering column from a Toyota too to give me all the controls on the column. Was an easy upgrade. Engineer accepted everything I did in less than 10
minutes of getting it on the hoist and presto it was legal and registered with Vicroads with those items.

Mind you, it didn’t stop a Copper in Hamilton late one night holding me up for 1/2 hour as he didn’t believe me even though the engine number matched on his system....

**cjc_td5** · 15th April 2021, 07:49 PM

Originally Posted by Homestar

Can be done, but one more thing to consider. Anyone undertaking a major modification to the engine and driveline should be able to sort this without too many dramas - there are a lot of options. I generally start with a tape measure and a trip to Pick-a-part when doing things like this.

I once did an engine and gearbox upgrade to a 4 cylinder Torana (remember those?) - Went to the wreckers and came home with an engine and box that was the right length - didn’t actually know when I bought it what it even was but turns out it was a 3K Corolla engine and box - did 100,000KM in it after fitting that without laying a spanner on the thing.

Also fitted a steering column from a Toyota too to give me all the controls on the column. Was an easy upgrade. Engineer accepted everything I did in less than 10
minutes of getting it on the hoist and presto it was legal and registered with Vicroads with those items.

Mind you, it didn’t stop a Copper in Hamilton late one night holding me up for 1/2 hour as he didn’t believe me even though the engine number matched on his system....

Agreed. With a series, if the engineer holds their ground on requiring a collapsible column, it really commits you to going to a defender style column and power steering (or a steering box down on the chassis).

On my FC build the engineer doesn't require a collapsible column due to the steep column angle. I've got one anyway as I've used a RRC column.

**jerryd** · 15th April 2021, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by AlexRS4

Now that's a neat install.

I'm in SA thankfully which I believe is about the least restrictive state for modifications.

$20k is not out of the question (hell I've spent $15k servicing my D4 in the past 18 months...), will involve a full body off, prep, respray plus interior refit. Will probably add up to more than $20k ultimately.

I will start keeping my eye out for a 300TDi disco as a donor car - preferably a crashed one, don't want to ruin a good one.

A 200tdi discovery motor will drop straight in onto the original chassis mounts and will bolt to series gearbox with little modification. I'm putting a fully rebuilt 200tdi into my dormobile

**gromit** · 16th April 2021, 08:58 AM

With so many modifications wouldn't it be easier to start with a 300Tdi Disco, shorten the chassis then fit the Series bodywork.

I'm sure a few on here have done this in the past.

Colin

**Lionelgee** · 16th April 2021, 10:33 AM

Hello AlexRS4,

Here is a link to a dedicated Series Land Rover engine conversions from an international perspective - one that includes Australia. Accessed 16th April 2021, from Introduction to Series Land Rover engine conversions The article makes for pretty good homework on the different factors behind conversions.

I have a number of Series vehicles. After planing a range of upgrades to meet my perceived needs, I wound up buying a 1993 Defender 110. This worked out a cheaper option. Plus, no need for engineer's inspections.

Now, if one of my Series vehicles needs a new power plant I would fit a 200tdi or a 300tdi to it. Subsequently, I would upgrade the brakes from a single circuit system to a boosted dual circuit system. Otherwise, it would stay as a stock Series vehicle. The one exception to this is my ex-Army 2A ambulance. In this case in order to keep originality, I would rebuild what is fitted to the vehicle or source parts of the same era for it.

Kind regards
Lionel

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