V8 Engine Conversion?

[jdobson]

Hi there, I am considering the purchase of a short wheel base Series IIA, the current engine fitted is a Holden and it's in need of replacement. I would really like to fit a V8, just wondering if anyone has experience doing this and what engine would you recommend?

I'm originally from the UK and back there I fitted a Rover 3.5 V8 without too much trouble as conversion kits were readily available. I'm not too clued up on the engine options over here so curious to find out which conversions are most popular.

Fingers crossed the purchase of this IIA goes ahead, I haven't driven one since January and had to leave my beloved back in the UK!

Thanks Jack

[JDNSW]

The only really common replacement is Holden, and this is based on what is readily available. Anything else tends to be pretty much a one off.

John

[jdobson]

Thanks for your response, can you purchase and adapter that allows you to use the original Series gearbox? Is it a huge undertaking to fit one, with chopping of the bulkhead and chassis? The great thing about the Rover V8 conversion was that you could use the exisiting engine mounts (fitted with an adapter) and the only chopping to the chassis was the removal of the battery tray - but you did have to cut the footwells either side of the engine.

Thanks Jack

[JDNSW]

If it is already fitted with a Holden engine, it will already have the adapter. As far as I know, these adapters are no longer routinely available, but can often be found second hand - try "markets" here. Note that some are poorly made and result in premature gearbox failure due to misalignment.

Read the threads on other powered Landrovers on this forum.

John

[Casper]

I currently have an injected 3.5 with a blown head gasket (but didn't get hot) sitting under a tarp in the back yard looking for a new home at the right price.

I'm thinking either some heavy duty shelving for my shed or some S3 doors and tops for Oakley my new to me 109 S3

PM me if your interested.

As far as the conversion goes, there are a number of companies in Oz who import parts from the UK on a regular basis so one of them will probably be able to help you.

Check in recommended repairers for contact details.

Cheers Casper

[PhilipA]

Seeing you will probably have to replace the 50year old gearbox ,transfer and axles in short order after fitting said V8, why not just buy a Stage 1 109 as a donor and swap it across.
Regards Philip A

[Slunnie]

Seeing you will probably have to replace the 50year old gearbox ,transfer and axles in short order after fitting said V8, why not just buy a Stage 1 109 as a donor and swap it across.
Regards Philip A

The driveline is too long for a shorty and you end up carving a lot/most of the chassis up to make it all fit and clear.

[PhilipA]

Slunnie, I was trying the irony there.
The point is that nothing will last more than 5 minutes with a v8, and he will need new axles etc.
The cheap way to get a v8 ,axles etc would be that.
The gearbox is another matter but surely a 50 year old series 2 gearbox will also last 5 minutes.
Maybe the real answer is to buy a Stage 1 with all the goodies like an LT95.
Maybe shorten it if he is keen enough.
Regards Philip A

[jdobson]

Thanks for all the responses. Once I collect the vehicle I will evaluate what route to take. It might be that the exisiting engine can be sorted out whilst I source together the parts for a conversion. I have complete faith in the standard IIA gearbox, I ran my last one for over eight years with no problems - you just need to apply a careful right foot. I never even broke a halfshaft!

Once I collect I'll be sure to post some pics so you can check out what a wreck I have purchased - beauty is in the eye of the beholder right?