Thread: Ford Barra into D1

There is a workshop in Perth that I believe have done a few of these. Another workshop puts Barras into Patrols.

I'm pondering a Turbo intercooled Barra for my 93 Defender, ZF auto, LT230 transfer case


I dunno about any of it...
The MT82 gearbox is likely not going to bolt to anything useful.

They're putting Barras in everything these days. I believe the std ECU would be ok, but there could be trouble talking with the transmission. Haltech do ECUs. I can only speak about the Fairmont I had. Thirsty around town but about line ball with my TD5 on the highway, so 10 per 100. We looked briefly at doing it to the D1 here. It's the size and weight that would be the issue, but it will fit. More room under a Patrol bonnet.
Disclaimer... I love Barras, but I reckon the LS is a better option for the Disco, but I haven't done either.

I had/have a Tickford Barra that constantly returned 9s, driven economically, but not for economy. Give it unnecessary right boot and it liked a drink.
Barras in Territories never sew the economy that Falcon/Fairlaine did. That suggests to me that the engine doesn't like large, heavy, bricks attached to it.
Just my opinion, I also love Barras.

I'd run the Barra gearbox with it and then adapt to the transfer case. I'm not sure if the BMW 6/8HP to LT230 adaptor will work with Fords version of that transmission (see Syncro gearboxes, MWMachines, House of Torque etc), but it probably would adapt to the Toyota FT 4WD transfer case which has matching drops. I'm pretty sure Charles from Haultech fitted a turbo LS, auto to the Toyota transfer case into his Disco2.

I'm aware of the differences, but Ford used the six speed ZF behind Barras, from BF on. Mine was a 4 speed BTR. The difference was enough to create serious buyer remorse... The AWD Diesel SZ Terrors also used the six speed.

Pretty sure it's doable. But you could do something a little different and go the Coyote route. Course, you won't get one for what you can get a Barra or LS for.

Green Top Barras are a good choice if you do that. They had some upgrades the the turbo boys like, and they're often cheap, although be wary of ex taxi engines. Barras did well in cabs, but the high ks.......

like this - Land Rover Discovery with a Turbo Ford Barra – Engine Swap Depot

Originally Posted by loanrangie

like this - Land Rover Discovery with a Turbo Ford Barra – Engine Swap Depot

Wow, that fits better than I expected. Might have to revisit it.... err, maybe not. Just bought a FIAT... .

Originally Posted by Tins

Wow, that fits better than I expected. Might have to revisit it.... err, maybe not. Just bought a FIAT... .

Yeah surprising how it does fit but then the barra is quite compact for a big six.