Thread: can I swap? and how hard? (series question)

The six cylinder engine has the gearbox further back, which means the prop shafts are a different length. You have to decide whether to keep the gearbox in the same place or to have the engine in the place it would normally be for a four. Probably the best is to keep the gearbox in place, although this will mean either moving the radiator back or extending the fan shroud and hoses, as otherwise I think you will have problems with the gearlevers and the bulkhead - of course you could always fit a four cylinder bulkhead, but that is getting into a lot of work. As you say the engine mounts would need changing.

The gearbox and clutch are the same so no changes are involved there (but the bell housing is different so changing the whole unit as you suggest is the easy way).

There would be significant wiring changes, and you need to install a fuel return line, plus modifications to the fuel lines. Ideally you would replace the fuel sender with a diesel one having a low fuel warning switch. You should also add a fuel notice for the filler.

However, taken overall it is quite a reasonable swap, but you should perhaps ask whether finding a diesel Series 3 might not be easier - although if your current one is a good one, I can see why you would want to keep it. The actual engine change will involve handling heavy items, and an engine crane or equivalent is essential.

John

I'll watch with interest, Jim, but my understanding is "no." The engines (and up to the 200tdi) are all easily interchangable IF 4 Cylinder. Think the engine mounts are the trouble (plus that you're engine's a little futher back than intended.) That said, it is possible to swap everything given enough time, effort and money, as I've seen full 6 to 4 cylinder conversions including the firewall.

some food for thought.

I figured I could take as much from the series 3 deisel unit (as the vehicle is complete but a ute) and transfer it to the 6cyl wagon. But like John says, there is still a fair bit of messing around, so finding a diesel series 3 might be easier - but not as fun.

I'll keep you posted, and keep listening out for peoples experience.

Jim

Originally Posted by Jimmy

some food for thought.

I figured I could take as much from the series 3 deisel unit (as the vehicle is complete but a ute) and transfer it to the 6cyl wagon. But like John says, there is still a fair bit of messing around, so finding a diesel series 3 might be easier - but not as fun.

I'll keep you posted, and keep listening out for peoples experience.

Jim

Wagons are fairly rare, so you may find it a bit hard to find one. You should also note that a fully loaded wagon is a fair load for a diesel - you don't want to be in a hurry. Depending on the condition of the vehicles, it may be easier to transfer the body from the wagon to the ute chassis - this can be done with little difficulty either as a more or less complete unit from the bulkhead back, or bit by bit - this has the advantage of needing no lifting equipment and giving you a chance to fix everything necessary as you go. Note however that some fitting is likely to be necessary, as there are significant manufacturing tolerances. I have an idea there may be a couple of small brackets needing welding to the chassis for the wagon as well, but comparison of the two would show this.

Might be worth talking to your local registration authorities about whether the paperwork is easier for a body or engine swap - I suspect it is the same, but worth checking.

John

Originally Posted by Jimmy

Is it possible to swap the engine/gearbox/case/fairey etc from a series 3 diesel in one chunk, into a series 3 6cyl with relative ease? Obviously new mounts, some wiring and probably clutch linkages, but for the most part will the diffs and important stuff match up? will any modifications be required besides that? is it an easy enough thing to do, or am I just dreaming?

I've never done this type of thing, but always wanted to get a diesel engine as the rover 2.6 or holden just don't do it for me.


cheers jim

Imho asso long as you count fabbing engine mounts as easy and hacking fire walls in the same catagory then so long as you transplant the thing wholus bolus bolt it up to the transmission mounts then make everything else fit by way of cut weld and fabricate then yes its easy...

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

Imho asso long as you count fabbing engine mounts as easy and hacking fire walls in the same catagory then so long as you transplant the thing wholus bolus bolt it up to the transmission mounts then make everything else fit by way of cut weld and fabricate then yes its easy...

Yep, mechano sets with some cutting and welding