Undo Holden motor conversion S1

[Mustlust]

Is it possible to replace a Holden motor with a 2.0 ltr landie engine? Other than the motor, what other parts are required to go back to original? Do I need to relocate the engine mounts? I’m working on the theory that an original motor, even if not numbers correct, would be a preferred option.
Thanks

[bemm52]

In a series 2or3 it’s fairly straight forward to replace a Holden motor with the period correct 2.25 Rover motor as there are no changes to the original chassis mounts for the engine.
Front crossmember maybe scalloped or moved forward but but the original radiator position is behind it so there is no problem there.
I would check these to areas on your series 1 and see what mods have been made, I suspect it would be the same as the series 2and 3

Cheers Paul

[JDNSW]

As above. What is involved will depend on what was done for the installation of the Holden motor. One thing to watch out for is check whether the diff ratios have been changed. Almost all Series 1 (except some very early ones) used 4.7:1, which makes them a bit low geared for the Holden motor, and some will have the ratio changed (can be checked by jacking up one wheel and counting number of prop shaft revolutions for one wheel revolution - and divide by two for the differential action).

Most were not changed, but worth checking. A few may have had a high ratio transfer case modification, but this is much less likely. The most common way of dealing with it was to fit an overdrive, which can be left in place, although it will probably get less use with the rover engine.

[QRS40]

I have had my S1 (53, 80”) ‘re-rovered’ from a Holden 186 red motor.
as per previous the main issues will be front crossmember and engine mount points, which are the most likely to be modified. The front cross member will have been cut/ moved to fit, without a doubt. Also the check the gearbox and diff, depending on the initial holdenrover conversion.

I chose to put a very early 2.25 rather than a technically correct 2.0, as I wanted the hwy capability the extra hp gives. Ie I can actually reach 100km/h…..

the work for mine was done by professionals as it’s way beyond my skill. Also the initial conversion was also quite complex to ‘undo’, it included non LR gearbox and as noted by others a different diff. In addition I have a galvanised chassis so didn’t want to cut/damage that. Ended up needing custom engine mounts to adopt to existing modified chassis, and driveshaft modifications to re accomodate a LR motor and gearbox.

so yes it’s definitely possible. Just be prepared to fettle a bit with the whole drivetrain. I have absolutely no regrets about having it done though.

[QRS40]

Update- found my old thread with some pre-install pics, in the Holden rover sub forum
also to clarify, I have retained the 3.54 diff after re-rovering.

modified series engine bay