302 windsor into a 74 lwb..pros and cons?

[John M Oxley]

Hi Family,
I have a 74 series 111, 2.6ltr petrol. He's fairly stock standard. I also have a 302 windsor, auto out of a AU xr8.
Thinking about converting, would love to hear some pros and cons?
This is my first Landrover, I need guidance folks.

[JDNSW]

First issue is that the gearbox will not stand that power - when Rover fitted a V8 they had to use a different gearbox. (transfer case should be OK)
You can either use the automatic, which will involve serious (and expensive) design, machining, probably heat treating, and fabrication work. Or you can fit a different gearbox and transfer case, which will involve perhaps slightly less work.

Second issue will be the other modifications required by your engineer. These could include brake, and possibly suspension improvements, In any case, you should discuss plans with an engineer before starting to actually do anything.

Even though you already have the engine, the conversion is certain to be more expensive and a lot more trouble than overhauling and even upgrading (e.g. free flow exhaust) the existing engine.

(Oh, and it would reduce the value of the vehicle - while Series 3 are not really much of a collector's item yet, this is starting, and the value is beginning to go up. Original engine sixes are getting to be fairly rare - most probably have Holden engines by now or have been scrapped because some parts are getting a bit hard to find.)

[loanrangie]

Why ? Buy an old ford and put that engine in it and leave the s3 as is.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Its all been done before and as JD suggests there is a lot more to consider than just the engine, I wold also consider why would you spend the time on this conversion when you could go out and buy a Land Rover that originally came out with a V8. (Stage 1 or 110)

Now to the nuts and bolts:
The 302 is a good option because of the narrow "V" you will have problems with the RH manifold because most models point directly at the front prop shaft.
On a series transfer case you would need to change your diff ratios to 3.54 (stage 1 again) because otherwise you'll be running at high revs and using buckets of fuel.
The radiator on the series is too small so you'll likely have to fit a larger type (thinking Stage 1 or 110 again)
A SIII gearbox is as JD suggests too weak although you may consider using the suffix D or later Series IIa box (I used that behind a GM 253 without issues) but use it gently.

I have to repeat myself and JD, why would you d that in 2017 when there are better options? We did it in the early 1970s because there were no other options.

[Pickles2]

Well, depending upon what sort of performance you are looking for, I reckon it'd be a great idea.
As others have said, the 302W would be a good fit, because of its size, but it wouldn't be straight forward. You need to talk to someone who knows about this stuff, so that the transmission, driveline, cooling system etc are up to the task, and also so that you can pre-purchase any bits & pieces that you may need.
I think this engine would give you good power, good torque, and make for a good driving experience,......providing it was done properly by someone who knew what they were doing, otherwise it could ruin a good vehicle.
Pickles.

[bee utey]

With the 302 and an auto box you could build a pointless 2WD street hack or keep it for an older Ford sedan as mentioned.

[loanrangie]

With the 302 and an auto box you could build a pointless 2WD street hack or keep it for an older Ford sedan as mentioned.

Be nice in an xr or xt.

[Owen]

I dropped a 302w into my G60 SWB. Its lots of fun bot the nissan drivetrain is a LOT stronger. Maybe you could put an LT95 behind it?
One trick on mine is the RH bank runs a LH mustang manifold in reverse, exhaust comes out the front. Made it a lot easier to get it all to fit

[Tins]

I dropped a 302w into my G60 SWB. Its lots of fun bot the nissan drivetrain is a LOT stronger. Maybe you could put an LT95 behind it?
One trick on mine is the RH bank runs a LH mustang manifold in reverse, exhaust comes out the front. Made it a lot easier to get it all to fit

Had a G60 Hardtop that I put a 308 in. Strong as. But that was a Nissan, and it was 35 years ago.

When we picked up the SIII 8 years ago we were going to put it's body on the RRC chassis. Now, I think " why ruin a SIII?" I'd find a RRC or D1 to put the Ford lump into and keep the SIII stock, but that's just me.

[350RRC]

A 1980 ish Ritters trans conversion would be great for what you want to do.

Consists of a Ford C4 or C9 auto mated to the cut off TC from an LT95. Would bolt straight up to the back of your 302 with stock bellhousing and torque convertor.

In a RRC trans mounts stay the same as do prop shafts. I don't know anything about Series mount points.

Windsors are beautiful motors, had an XW Fairmont wagon with a 302 and C4 for a few years.

I have had the Ritters C9 / LT95 conversion behind a 350 Chev for a long time now and love it, on and off road. Turns a truck into a smooth strong thing that is cheap to reco, etc.

Must remember to send Bearman pics he asked for awhile ago, now I think of it.

cheers, DL