Thread: What Diesel to replace V8 in Disco 1

A 200Tdi is a non event - you will need to import ex anglia all manner of parts that simply do not exist in this country. Its a ***ing headache - I tried but ended up buying a 300Tdi auto.

Also the V8 box is too thrashy for a Tdi. Under full throttle, it simply won't work (PM me if you want me to email the shift speeds data). But in short a Tdi wont rev past 4200, and the V8 is valved to shift under full throttle at far higher crankshaft speeds than this.

I have had experience with a 300D Mercedes diesel, 5 cylinder 3.0 litre and its a brilliant engine in terms of longevity but will be slower than a Tdi. The 190D was a 4 cylinder 1.9 litre diesel.

The entire auto 200Tdi issue lies with the bellhousing and oil seal on the 200Tdi - plus, they were only made in 200Tdi auto form for a few months.

BTW the 190D was produced from 1958-1961, so its ancient. Look for a 240D (2.4 4 cyl) or a 300D (3.0 5 cyl) from the eighties if you wanted a merc engine

Joel is spot on, there are quite a few differences between the V8 and Diesel auto boxes they start at the converter and pretty much everything back from that other than the case.

Pumps, valve body, gear train, drive shafts, clutch packs and servo's are all different so I wouldnt bother with bolting it to any diesel.

If you were to do an Isuzu conversion there are some really good mods to Turbo boxes that make them able to hold up to the vibrations of diesels and they will build a converter to suit the engine but it's not cheap.

Give a company called Wholesale Transmissions a call, talk to Rodney as they are the guru's with the turbo boxes.

Sorry I dont have the number.

For the Isuzu (best engine in my biased opinion) your transmission options are really the Isuzu gearbox or the yank autos that Isuzudieselswapper has the adaptors for.

Using a known gradient (man made viaduct) as my dyno with estimated 25% transmission loss my Isuzu is currently putting out around 460Nm with just more boost and fuel. I don't imagine an R380 withstanding that for long. Further power upgrades (intercooler etc) are on hold while I fit the 24spline axles, I'm amazed the 10 splines have held up so far.

I saw on a UK forum a dutch guy that had a merc 300D 5 cyl diesel in a rangie and apparently at some stage they used a ZF auto, otherwise an Isuzu 2.8 4BJ1T would be a good swap. Ask JC about how long a ZF will last behind 4BD1 as i think he destroyed 3 or 4 of them. Of course a 300tdi with auto would be the easiest as far as ease of conversion goes.

I would love to put an Isuzu in, but I love Auto's for off road, the Merc 190D is a sweet little engine, I was thinking of one for my Series III, no computer or loom needed.
The 300TDi and auto as a unit looks the way to go, but I'd welcome any suggestions on alternatives.
It would be nice to find a 300TDi with auto owner who would like to swap his for my 4L V8 and auto, can only hope, thanks again, Regards Frank.

Has anybody done this conversion, if so, what needs to be done with the wiring, do 300TDi's have a computer, I cant see any reason they would, so what's involved re: the wiring setup, Regards Frank.

300 Tdis have no computer, they just need an ignition wire to the fuel pump solenoid.

You will also need the correct radiator, intercooler, hoses, etc.

Try Triumph Rover Spares in Adelaide (08) 8384 6933. They will be able to supply everything involved in doing the conversion.

Originally Posted by BigJon

300 Tdis have no computer, they just need an ignition wire to the fuel pump solenoid.

You will also need the correct radiator, intercooler, hoses, etc.

Try Triumph Rover Spares in Adelaide (08) 8384 6933. They will be able to supply everything involved in doing the conversion.

Or get a wreck from the auctions so then you will have every little part you need - some get overlooked in a conversion,