Thread: The Big one (caution - Long Post)

Hi Will
All those bits are interchangable but in reality you are still stuck with a high reving slow moving vehicle,although one with a bit of class.
I know you have been looking at the Holden conversion,but still will end up with much the same.
I would do the SWB up,only because my first Landy was a 88" and really had a great time in it(186 holden)It was unstopable and come summer time ditch the roof .I have a half rebuilt 109 SER3 with the FordV8 and auto,probably wont finish it off due to dodgy advice from the transport authorities it wont be regoable without re-doing a lot of work.(Yep it was a monster when I 1st put the motor/gearbox in!!!!!!!)
Consider a different conversion,it will give you higher cruising speed,diesel economy and power and fully matched engine/transmission/transfer.Im suggesting a jap combo(only because the full Defender/Disco combo is expensive).Talk to somebody like Brisbane Motor Imports,enquire about a 2.5/3.0lt intercooled turbo diesel with gearbox and transfer.Our 1988 Triton 4x4 has a 92 Pajero intercooled turbo diesel,has as much go as the TD5(lighter vehicle) and very good economy.The mitsi engine would be my last choice(dont like the dirty horrible thing) Mazda do a very good 2.5TDI,Isuzu is pretty good(Rodeo/Jackapoo),not to sure about nissan and Tojo will be too expensive.The mitsi/mazda/isuzu probably the pick for power/price.
The only real hassel in the conversion would be the tailhafts would need re sizing and the handbrake,disc brake handbrakes are available,so an easy fix.Use the radiator from the donor vehicle type and you are in bussiness.The 88" would be a fair bit lighter than any of the vehicles that use these motors so it will perform really well.
Maybe a bit more than you are looking at spending but rego wouldnt be a problem and the bits are easily obtainable via the jap import people.
Also watch Pickles,a write off donor ute in any of the above types is another way of getting the conversion cheaper.
Andrew

Thanks LandyAndy.
The diesel option sounds good - however it is something that is too costly at the moment - I really am that limited.

I think you are right the, SWB is the best bet for vehicle of choice right now.

Do "new" rangie diffs bolt straight on the s2a? surely I would get some higher speed benefit? (they are 3.5's) - it's another 700 squids for a high speed transfer case.

am I wasting my time by thinking about the 6 pot in the 2a? (thinking it was bigger and pulling less than the ex mil it came out of).

Have a stock of ujs, ballJoints wheel bearings, oil seals etc ready for either.

Do up the 2a.

Rangie diffs in it would be the cheapest way to get a better highway speed, but because you're changing the final drive ratio low range will be higher than it should be so off road performance will be a little different.

I'm pretty sure they bolt straight in but someone will correct me if i'm wrong about this.

But really......whats the rush?

The rover 6 cyl is a dog of a motor by all accounts, although I'm not speaking from experience. Just what I've been told by several reputable LR mechanics and enthusiasts. I'm sure there are other opinions on these engines.

What is wrong with the 2a box. Is it stuffed and not working or is it just noisey. They are quite a strong box compared to the later series 3 box. I would be inclined to stick with it if it's working.

I would be trying to keep the vehicle as original as possible, but thats just my opinion. They are becoming quite hard to find.

Hi Will
The rover centres will swap straight over on the 2a front and back,front only(as long as the spline count on the axles match) on the SER3,rear diff is a sailsbury and very different.
Andrew

I would just go for a simple overdrive and add the S3 booster and fix up 2A box.My bloodbox has this setup and is able to sit on 90, being a lighter SWB there should be no problems.With overdrive just split the 3/4 gear and you can keep up at the lights, most times. Freeway driving is just about knowing what the traffic is doing and using your mirrors.

cheers
paul

S3 Booster?

Yes - an overdrive would be good - need to find one tho - I can get the diffs immediately - overdrive a bit trickier.

I agree with the above regarding keeping origional - I would keep the origional parts.

2a gearbox noisy, not really stuffed doesn't like changing int 2nd from 3rd without a crunch.

Constrained by money and running cost and a love of seriesLRs.

Our old S2A was a non-syncro 1st & 2nd, you have to double-de-clutch.

Rebuild the 2.25 at least the top end. Get the head shaved (8:1 compression) and gas flowed (shouldnt cost that much). strip and have a quick go over of the series 2 gearbox rebuild with new springs and quality oil. Range rover diff centres with quality oil and clean out your carby (possibly a rebuild kit for it) chuck on a free flowing air filter and you should easily get 90kph out of her.
The six pot was abit of a dog of an engine, difficult to get some parts for now and just didnt have the same level of engineering as the 2.25 litre