Defender Conversion to V8

**Tank** · 10th September 2007, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by LandyAndy

Hi Jeff
There was a 300Tdi in last weeks quokka for $5000.
Sounds a bit steep,but may give you an idea what they are worth.
Andrew

There was a low mileage TD5 and Auto in Sydney late last year (complete inercooler to h/brake drum + computers) for $5K and I was in the throes of doing a deal when the seller realised I wanted to put it into a 93 Disco, I would have needed the almost total wiring loom, incl. dash and centre console and the complete ABS system, in the model the TD5 was coming out of the speed sensors for the G/box was taken from the ABS, too much buggering around, Regards Frank.

**PhilipA** · 10th September 2007, 08:03 PM

Re the snorkle position .
I have seen photos of the plenum on 3.9s reversed to point towards the driver's side.
I cannot think why it could not be done, other than extending the wires to the stepper, and having longer vacuum hoses to the brake booster.
The throttle cable would need tweaking ,but that would have to be done anyway, and if an auto the kickdown cable would have to be extended.
Regards Philip A

**jik22** · 10th September 2007, 08:25 PM

Originally Posted by PhilipA

Re the snorkle position .
I have seen photos of the plenum on 3.9s reversed to point towards the driver's side.

I wondered if that was possible, and had decided to check once the engine was in the car and I knew what was connecting up to where....good to know someone has done it.

**PhilipA** · 10th September 2007, 09:08 PM

See this site
http://www.teamsaluki.com/specs.htm
Shows the flipped plenum.
Regards Philip A

**rangieman** · 10th September 2007, 09:19 PM

Originally Posted by PhilipA

See this site
http://www.teamsaluki.com/specs.htm
Shows the flipped plenum.
Regards Philip A

I remember seeing a plenum just like that on the triumph rover web site from south oz

**p38arover** · 10th September 2007, 10:07 PM

Originally Posted by PhilipA

Re the snorkle position .
I have seen photos of the plenum on 3.9s reversed to point towards the driver's side.
I cannot think why it could not be done,

The throttle mechanism bolts onto the rear of the plenum. Reversing it would put the throttle at the front of the donk and facing the wrong way.

Ron

**lrdef110** · 11th September 2007, 05:18 AM

I have a 1995 Defender Ute (originally 300Tdi) which is now running a 3.9 efi V8 and 4 speed ZF Auto (out of a 1998 Disco). It runs a Safari snorkle on the right side. THe only problem we had connecting it all up was the cruise control which had to go and couldn't be used to fit everything in.

The Disco radiator had to be cut down to fit in the Defender and this is the only real problem with the conversation. The motor gets a bit hot in low range convoy work when the A/C is on so I'm thinking of relocating the oil cooler for the auto to another location or changing fans.

I will try and post up a photo later if the camera works if you are interested.

**DirtyDawg** · 11th September 2007, 07:20 AM

If you guys go to the expense of removing a perfectly good diesel to replace with a V8 why dont you put a Real V8 in instead of the under powered fuel guzzler 3,9lt most modern V6's are bigger and a lot more powerful..
Go a Holden V8 there are enough of the Holden/chev 5lts floating about then you get all that Real brute power to dig yourself in the mud with

Seriously unless your towing or have a specific need for a V8..to swap a good Diesel for a little V8 can only be you like the sound it makes.
For example buying a early 200tdi Def90 and putting in a V8 for the purpose of an off road weapon/toy is easier to digest than doing it to a lumbering 110.
3.9lt 140kw
Toyota V6 4.0lt 175kw
Just my opinion as I have had numerous V8's in the past including Rovers. and when it boils down each to his own

**jik22** · 11th September 2007, 07:53 AM

Originally Posted by lrdef110

I will try and post up a photo later if the camera works if you are interested.

Yes please.

**jik22** · 11th September 2007, 08:06 AM

Originally Posted by DirtyDawg

Just my opinion as I have had numerous V8's in the past including Rovers. and when it boils down each to his own

I'd considered a few others, including bigger/newer/more powerful diesels. The problem is, with everything (except maybe the TGV 2.8), it's a major conversion as it wasn't fitted by the factory. V8 diesels you've talked enough yourself about the costs and issues, and I've been warned off by many others. Chev V8's - my BIL has one, cost WAY more than a decent 4.6 Rover engine would, and doesn't make that much more power/torque considering it's a much heavier 5.7, and it drinks like hell 'cos of the big carb on it. I'm sure a later EFi engine could be got, but again the cost is likely to go up. There may be better engines, but when you look at engine price vs performance vs ease of fit vs total fit cost, I think the Rover V8 (Rebuilt properly with a few after market extras) takes some beating.

Also, having a 300TDi again (Which I haven't had since the mid 90's in the UK) has reminded me just how gutless it is on road, and why I liked the TD5 (Which seem to be hated here for some reason) chipped in my later D2a so much more. Here, with fuel far cheaper, and a gas conversion effectively free with all the rebates, I must admit the V8 is sounding too attractive to dismiss compared to a lot more money on a later TD5 Defender or a better diesel engine in the existing 110.

I'll be the first to admit my logic and choices won't suit everyone but having given it a lot of thought and made the decisions for a lot of reasons, I think I'll be happy....

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