Thread: Is anyone still using a GMC V8 in their land rover

Don't know about the engine, but just a few things about the conversion you may or may not have thought of. Make sure you are trying within the modification guidelines of the state it is registered in, and that will mean an Engineers certificate in most. Check with the Engineer BEFORE starting the conversion.

What year is your Deefer? You will need to ensure that any engine you instal meets the emissions requirements for the year of the car - not the engine. If the engine is a lot older than the car, this could cause you issues.

The R380 may handle the engine ok, the LT230 TC should be fine.

If it checks out, go for it.. And don't forget to post pics along the way if you do this conversion.

Cheers - Gav

I understand they can be difficult to keep cool in a Defender

I wouldn't go there, waste of money. Been there done that, very dissapointing

This has been done many times in the UK, usually in Range Rover Classics.

You will need to uprate the front springs as the engine weighs the same as the Bismark.

The torque will destroy the R380 in short order - the only manual gearbox that can cope with this engine is the LT85 but bear in mind they go through output shafts over 100000km or so, but this is an easy fix.

The other alternative is a 727 torqueflite auto - only 3 speeds but bomb-proof - and high-stall torque convertor as standard. These were found on the early Range Rover Autos, or just get one from a Chrysler and buy the adaptor from mark's adaptors.

Over here a lot of the bowler wildcat offroad racers use this box with a 4.6 litre injected Rover V8

Good luck

Hey,

Thanks for the responces. I have a 300tdi but Id like to fit something with more CC...it just doesnt have the torque (in my view) when fully loaded. I could go down the intercooler etc setup but was looking at alturnatives.

Engineering wise its not a problem here in Ireland/UK. Insurance might be another matter but should be manageable. The vehicle is already modified (with a dormobile roof etc).

I saw you Vern cropping up on the Diesel page. What issues did you have with your setup?

The reason I thought Id ask here is because I first thought that there were a number converted over there and secondly I dont think we dont apreciate the effects of trying to keep a vehicle cool here in Europe compared to AUZ. A year there taught me that much!


H

Originally Posted by HPLP

Hey,

Thanks for the responces. I have a 300tdi but Id like to fit something with more CC...it just doesnt have the torque (in my view) when fully loaded. I could go down the intercooler etc setup but was looking at alturnatives.

Engineering wise its not a problem here in Ireland/UK. Insurance might be another matter but should be manageable. The vehicle is already modified (with a dormobile roof etc).

I saw you Vern cropping up on the Diesel page. What issues did you have with your setup?

The reason I thought Id ask here is because I first thought that there were a number converted over there and secondly I dont think we dont apreciate the effects of trying to keep a vehicle cool here in Europe compared to AUZ. A year there taught me that much!


H

More CC's, more torque, no problems with cooling......hmmm - I think I know what you want

Steve

Cooling was the main problem, oh and it was kind of gutless . Big, heavy, and under powered. Sounded very cool though.
Personally Isuzu is the go.

I still have a 6.2 in my Forward Control. Built before I discovered Isuzu,s.
Two oil coolers and third radiator getting bigger each time. Current one is from a Hino truck and now runs cool.
Two auto boxes later now with an Isuzu MSA 5 speed manual.
If it needs replacing or if doing it again I would just go for the 4BD1T and be done with it.

Didiman