Thread: Motor conversion recommendations

Think about what gearbox you can run first - then worry about the mtr.

doubt very much the ford I6 will fit without pushing the grill forward (heaps)

IMO - commo v6 + t700 + late model transfer ( kits out there ? )
or ford V8i + toploader or np435 or c4 auto to series transfer (c4 kits are around, but not made any more)

Originally Posted by Leon

Hi all,

I have a S3 running a 186 motor at the moment, but I'm thinking of upgrading to some kind of late model fuel injected engine soon. The one which stands out in my mind is a mid-90's Falcon XH 6 cyl motor, but I'm sure you learned landy affecionados could point me in the right direction

So what motors will slot into an S3 without a huge amount of bother?

Thanks heaps in advance,

Leon

I have an XH Falcon ute which is the reason I now own a County-Isuzu as well. A troublesome gas guzzling heap of s**t is the Ford. Continuing electronic/electrical troubles, the inbuilt cylinder head leakage and corrosion problem of thirty years duration which Ford refuse to recognise, plus a good bit more. Stick with your Holden, and carburettor and points for an off-road vehicle. They don't stop instantaneously, and can be diagnosed and repaired with simple tools and a few spare parts. If necessary rebuild your Holden and include a few cheap modifications to make it more suitable for the higher revving service it will see in a Land Rover.
PM me if you would like some suggestions for mods to a Holden.

I agree with Brian, stick with the Holden, anything bigger will cause problems with gearbox, diffs, axles etc.

Get the 186 rebuilt or replace it with a newer one. If you have enough money left over try the Nissan gearbox, I think Marks adaptors still do it. Lower first and taller top, stronger box too.

There's lots to do to a red or blue motor to make it run better and if you run it on gas it will be cheaper to run than a TDi.

Jeff

The 2.25 litre 4cyl Petrol (original Land Rover motor) will out perform a Holden 6. The Holden motor will spin wheels & break axles (in a SII anyway), but the Land Rover 4 will rev higher and lug lower in the bush. Without stressing your transmission.

the 2.25 can be improved with :
extractors
electronic ignition (just helps keep the tune good)
cam regrind : all valves open 5 degrees sooner, & close 5 deg. later.
thermatic fan - it's amazing how much power a fan can suck at 80kph +
weber 32/36 double barrel carby (require modified inlet manifold)

using this motor you can also safely use an overdrive.

My 2.25 LWB SIII can sit on 110kph all day (provided it doesn't get too steep).

Other options which will require bigger brakes & boosters may include :

Range Rover 3.5 V8 with Range Rover transmission.

Holden 3.5 V6 with whatever gearbox & transfercase you can find to suit.

I wonder if anyone has fitted a Bitsa****ti 2.6 to a Series or a 2.6 Isuzu for that matter, along with the tranny.
Both are good engines, and would give a great on road performance lift, and both rev well and have good low down torque.
Both have pretty good gearboxes and transfers also AFAIK.
For a diesel, what about a Bitsa****ti 2.8.
Comments?
Regards Philip A

I hope you don't mean the Bitsmissing Astron engine. Find ONE vehicle with an Astron that DOESN'T blow smoke and have a thrashy valve train and I'll call you king for a day.

I have seen plenty of good Astron engines over the years. You must remember that they are all getting very long in the tooth these days, and good ones are few and far between.

I always wondered when the Ssangyong Mussos get old their Mercedes engines will still be good for two more cars, a 3.2 litre six might be a good size.
I may be totally wrong, they may be too long or too exy for parts.

Jeff