Thread: duramax 6.6lt

Is this similar to the donk used in the Suburban? Without getting into the merits of such a conversion over buying a large U.S powered "truck" such as a F250, my initial thoughts are, big dollars, lots of man/woman hours (but that’s not what you asked).

Is the Duramax 6.6lt a 90 or a 60 degree V8? I found V8's like rovers, Ford Windsor, Buick V6 engines fitted quite well in the series and 110 narrow engine bays, I assume the defender engine bay isn’t going to be that much different.

I would be more inclined to use the gearbox/auto that would typically sit behind the V8 if it has a reasonable rep for being tough, a LR transfer case maybe ok, but a Toyota one or something else may well prove easier to find an adaptor plate/casing for. There are adaptor kits available to mount up the Chev engine to the Nissan Patrol (Cabstar truck box). Then either get the LR diffs/axles upgraded or turf the lot for something more substantial.

I have my doubts about the standard Land Rover gearbox, centre diff, front/rear diffs and axles being up to any severe stress that such a V8 monster would put on it. I've abused a standard Sals diff and 24 spline axles on many occasions with only the typical munching of the splines at the hub end but I doubt any of the above listed engines put through the same amount of torque you are talking about.

I’d be inclined to Google the WWW for more info, also consider the extra weight over the front axles, the extra length of the motor/box, extra braking power, cooling just as a start.

Best regards
DarrenR

The 6.6 is a longer/bigger engine over the 6.5 chev, i don't think it will fit, apparently is about 4" to long to go into a GU patrol, so i can't see it fitting. I'd get the measuring tape out first! The 6.5 chev will fit easily though.

Originally Posted by 6.5rangie

The 6.6 is a longer/bigger engine over the 6.5 chev, i don't think it will fit, apparently is about 4" to long to go into a GU patrol, so i can't see it fitting. I'd get the measuring tape out first! The 6.5 chev will fit easily though.

Yeah a 6.5 will fit in a Fender.

But where to put everything else?

Oh and make sure you get rid of the R380.

I think that you ought to get used to the sound of SNAP SNAP SNAP CRUNCH as the driveline disintegrates ...All except the salisbury diff, which will probably still cope. These engines put out an enourmous amount of torque at low RPM, and with this comes lots of torsional vibration and load, this WILL break the R380, it WILL destroy the front differential cross shafts and CV's, and it will probably overheat and ruin the LT 230 due to towing a 2.5t van at 120 kph because you CAN with this amount of grunt on tap.
If you want big torque for towing big things, buy the big vehicle that the big duramax is fitted with. ( The yanks LURVE the BIG word...)

If you decide to do it though, DEFINATELY an autobox, and MAxidrive running gear all round. As mentioned though, I think a measuring tape will go well first.

JC

Seriously

Sell the 130 and buy a dual cab Isuzu 4x4 truck.

Horses for courses.

Ultimately more reliable than a suburban or F250 etc.

Keep the 130 as is, and your bank balance.

Regards Justin

x 2

As said; this is a very long way around an otherwise simple exercise.

GQ

Originally Posted by DRanged

Seriously

Sell the 130 and buy a dual cab Isuzu 4x4 truck.

Horses for courses.

Ultimately more reliable than a suburban or F250 etc.

Keep the 130 as is, and your bank balance.

Regards Justin

I agree with Justin while it is possible with the nessessary strengthening mods it would be cheaper and more cost effective to go the Isuzu or a Mitsubishi Canter 4X4 check out the gov autions to get a round about price.

Apart from that with the right mods to the 130 I think it would be an awsome beast, just expensive.

Cheers Blythe