Engine compatibility options ? (Die-hard enthusiasts turn your head)

[mrdoiron]

OK A-Team engine Guru's,

I'm sure this is listed somewhere, but looking for a cheat sheet. and aruably not a question for the "enthusiast" Forum, but here goes...

"If" one were wanting to swap a 4 cyl 2.25L out of a 69' Ser-IIa for another newer Land rover Engine - curious as to what my options/restrictions might be on size and compatibility land-minds to enable the cleanest upgrade. I also have a Hybrid 61 with a 3.9L RR v8, but I didnt do the conversion, so not sure what challenges that posed...

I do want avoid costly shipping etc, and know there are plenty of 'donor' Disco/RR's around - but not sure yet of the compatibility challenges. For example, I can get a 96 4.6L RR complete (all peripherals with donor) pretty cheap and wondered if that is possible - or what other models would be best recommended.

After the yelling :-) , appreciate any suggestions,

mike

[RNZack]

I would recommend against newish engines, as their electronics can be very difficult to work with.

[slorocco]

I like this thread :-) I may be thinking along the same lines. Depending on what you mean by compatibility, and depending on how much work you want to do, the possibilities are endless. You could start with a relatively simple upgrade like the 2.5 petrol or diesel or go all out and swap the motor/trans/t-case for something completely different. There are several of us who have put the Cummins 4bt in rovers but I can attest that it is a lot of work.

I'm also thinking of a Rover v8 swap, but am considering dumping the injection system and going with a carb for simplicity. Not yet sure what the rest of the drive train would be for my project. One of the main reasons for the engine choice on my end is that I have one sitting around. You might want to start with what your intended use of the truck is and let that drive some of your choices. Terri Ann put together a pretty good page on engine conversions. That would be a good place to start reading. http://www.expeditionlandrover.info/...onversions.htm

[mrdoiron]

Thanks, I recalled seeing her link before, but at the time wasnt on that page so it didnt stick - and I forgot how to find it. This is a good start. For me, the intended use would be to have a fairly versatile vehicle for road worthyness, as well as decent offroad - nothing crazy. Power for hwy use certainly would be nice, albeit it will never be my daily driver.

will consume her page this weekend, and still open to any suggestions on 'easiest route' (and economical) to conversion from a donor vehicle...

cheers

[73series88]

Once my new frames paid off
Or my 2.25 petrol lump gives up the ghost
( knock on wood) I'm going with a 200 tdi
I was going to do a 2.5 nad but not much
Power upgrade. Tdi has better milage
And power
Aaron

[o2batsea]

Robert Davis has a Mercedes Diesel conversion that I would seriously consider. As with all his conversions it is supposed to be a drop in. Otherwise a 200tdi is to my mind the ideal Series truck engine. I would never ever put any Rover NA diesel in any vehicle. Just so not worth the bother.

[Jim-ME]

I had a 2.5 NAD put in my Rover and am more than happy with it. I don't see why you would be against it. I average 26 mpg and it powers my 88 just fine. Any of the TDIs require a lot more fabrication to install. I suppose if you have the fab skills you can do what you want. I don't. If I wanted more power I'd just buy a Defender. I just never understood why people buy a Series truck and then want it to be something it was never intended to be.
Jim

[dabawei]

I just never understood why people buy a Series truck and then want it to be something it was never intended to be.
Jim

Totally agree, the same was thinking to do when start the project, but the serious issue here is the safety! After restore my series2a I realize when driving it, I am sitting on chassis with tune box

[I Leak Oil]

The trips that I've been on with atleast 3 different trucks with 2.5D motors have convinced me that you won't lose any drivability with one vs. a 2.25 gasser and you'll get much better mileage. All 3 owners stated they wouldn't go back to a 2.25 after driving their truck with a 2.5D for a while. It's an easy swap and you can usually find them for relatively little money. Like a series rover in general, a diesel isn't for everyone though.Any more complicated a swap than that and I think I'd have to go with a non-rover motor.

[Moose]

Agreed. I have had the 2.5NA in my 88 for a couple years now and love it. Performs like the petrol motor but has much better mileage (400+ km per tank) and sounds way cool.

Brett

[73series88]

Oh I didnt realize the 2.5 milage was
That good . Do you have to wedge
One side up to fit?
Aaron

[SafeAirOne]

Do you have to wedge One side up to fit?

Just helped install one last month. Didn't require the use of any wedges, unless that's slang for something else besides a wedge.

[73series88]

Was reading a webpage on 2.5
In a series and for some part to clear
They had to make a custom
Mount on the right that brought it up some
Not sure

[Moose]

The motor mount on the right side needs to be moved back a bit but stays at the same height. One of the legs for the battery tray needs to be removed so that it does not interfere with the timing belt cover or injector pump.

Brett

[mrdoiron]

.... I suppose if you have the fab skills you can do what you want. I don't. If I wanted more power I'd just buy a Defender. I just never understood why people buy a Series truck and then want it to be something it was never intended to be.
Jim

I have a Defender, just also have a couple Series, and one I like am considering to make more usable to my desires. As I said in the title :-)
Not a done deal, I may end up selling the 69 instead, just once you put so much into these to get them complete, you sometimes end up wanting more as that horizon gets closer.

Appreciate the inputs gents.