V8 in series 2a?

[army2a]

Hey guys, I'm looking at changing my old 2.25 petrol over to a v8, has anyone on here have done this conversion and if so did you use the series 2 front? Any info would be great and any pictures of this conversion would be awesome.

[korg20000bc]

It has been done many times and I reckon I you searched for 2a v8 or something like that you'd get plenty of results.
Just asking, from the look of you handle you have an ex army 2a? Is this the vehicle you are considering this conversion for?
If so, can I encourage you to think about the collectability of these vehicles in original configuration and the piece of Australian military history you have. They're worth keeping as is.
Of course, it's your vehicle and you can do what you like with it.
Matthew

[army2a]

Thanks for your help, I won't be selling the original engine, that's why I was hoping to be able to put a v8 in without modifying the front. If there was a way to get a little more power out of my petrol i would rather do that. But a rover v8 seems an easier option. I want to do a few trips in the vehicle, and doing 80 kmh makes Long distances even longer!! Especially with camping gear on the back!

[Col.Coleman]

You are going to have to do alot of cutting and chopping and swapping out of parts to make this happen. (Brakes, adapters ancillaries, engineering expenses) For the money and expense, you are probably better to find a later vehicle. A Stage 1 V8, or early 110.

Alternatively there is a mob in England doing tuning kits for the 2.25 with performance heads and such giving good returns. I am looking at these myself. I will come back and post the link when I can.

The cheapest and most efficient option, is to enjoy life at a slower pace. There are plenty of us that tour in our series vehicles, we just relax a bit more and take our time. A few of us even tow trailers or campers(pop058, Zulu Delta 534 and myself)

CC

[Lotz-A-Landies]

These days, fitting a 200 or 300 Tdi motor may be a better option.

You will likely find that the heads and spark plugs etc of the rear cylinders are very close to the firewall and will bring a lot more heat into the cabin.

I did a Holden V8 conversion to a SIIa back in the 1970's when there wern't any other options, but I would not do the conversion today. There are better quicker more comfortable and most importantly safer Land Rover options now.

Diana

[chazza]

If there was a way to get a little more power out of my petrol i would rather do that.

I agree with the others - a V8 is not an easy option.

What about fitting a supercharger to your existing engine?

Relatively easy to fit; heaps of cheap second-hand blowers on eBay and in wreckers; no major engine modification required; heaps of room to fit in in; big increase in torque and oomph; should be able to run an overdrive to increase top speed.

Will probably need a brake upgrade and gearbox replacement, with whichever option you choose,

Cheers Charlie

[drifter]

I have a 2a with a Holden 253 driving a Nissan 5-speed gearbox which is mounted on the standard LR transfercase.

I didn't do the conversion myself (it was done before I bought the vehicle). Originally, the vehicle had a LR 6 in it so it has the different firewall.

It all slots in quite neatly but I understand it's difficult to get the conversion parts for this type of build now.