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

[Skookumchuck]

Hopefully later this week the Red Rover (68 series IIA 109 SW) will be running with its 200TDI upgrade. it has been in the shop since March and I am getting excited to get it back. I will let you know what the difference is in my truck. It has the high ratio transfer case so when you hit any kind of a hill it realy didn't have any power. I live in the mountains so to reliably get around i needed the increased power.

[mrdoiron]

sorry late response as I've been travelling and ocnsummed - so just sent an email.

cheers, mike

[o2batsea]

try again or email me yottyboy at gmail

[mrdoiron]

o2batsea, tried to send a PM, but seems your mailbox is full

[SafeAirOne]

Perhaps people don't mind living like that, living with what they've got.
I don't recall anyone saying the tdi doesn't have an advantage in the power\torque catagory.

Don't waste your time, Jason. It's a lost cause...

[I Leak Oil]

You 2.5NA luddites who fail to see the advantages of the turbo diesel should take a look at the table above.......
It's not like you have to live with it like that!

Perhaps people don't mind living like that, living with what they've got.
I don't recall anyone saying the tdi doesn't have an advantage in the power\torque catagory.

[o2batsea]

No Tdi, but I do have a 3.9/R380/LT230 that's ready to drop in. Came with the Designa coil chassis I bought from Ron Brown, but I'm not using it.

[mrdoiron]

... I should have gone and done the Tdi conversion back then. I'm doing it now, so all is OK.

So appreciate the inputs so far. I am putting out an APB out for an affordable 200tdi or 300tdi. Found one source already for 200td with rebuilt Inj pump, rebuilt injectors and head gasket done - mated to an early transaxle with all attaching parts in an Air Portable - a bit too expensive however, so still searching... if any ideas - once again appreciated.

Alternatively if anyone wants a very straight/restored and underpowered 69, with one bad ass 400w stereo before I 'go there', speak now !

thanks
mike

[o2batsea]

Well, Maine IS the Luddite State.
Having lived with and driven a 2.25 diesel in the 109 SW for many years I can say it was both fun and terrifying, often at the same time. However going up some of the hills in Pennsylvania at 20 mph (in fog) while 18 wheelers whiz'd by 8 feet away at 70 freaked me into the V8 swap. That was wrong, granted. I never should have done it. I should have gone and done the Tdi conversion back then. I'm doing it now, so all is OK.

[stomper]

I guess I am a Luddite too then, for enjoying and keeping my 2.25 petrol. As I have gotten older and wiser, I have realized it doesn't need to go fast to be fun. Slow down, take in the scenery, and stop focusing on the finish line.

[o2batsea]

You 2.5NA luddites who fail to see the advantages of the turbo diesel should take a look at the table above. The 2.5NA is a whopping 8 HP over the incredibly poor performing 2.25 diesel... How anyone who travels US roadways can be happy with an engine that slow is beyond my reckoning.
It's not like you have to live with it like that!

[TeriAnn]

Published Land Rover Factory specs:

2.25L petrol: 70 hp @4000 RPM, 120 ftlb @ 2000 RPM (8:1 engine)
2.5L petrol: 83 @ 4000, 133 @ 2000 (longer stroke)
2.25L diesel: 60 @ 4000, 103 @ 1800
2.5L diesel: 68 @ 4000, 117 @ 1800
2.5L turbo diesel: 84 @ 4000, 150 @ 1800 (known for turbo related problems)
2.5L 200tdi: 111 @ 4000, 188 @ 1800 (reason the petrol engine was discontinued)
2.5L 300tdi: 113 @ 4000, 195 @ 1800

Mercedes published specs for newer engines:

OM616 2.4L 4 cyl: 72 @4400, 97 lbft @ 2400
OM617 3L 5 cyl: 125 @4350, 170 lb/ft @ 2400 (Robert Davis has a kit that makes this conversion easy)

ISUZU specs:
4BD1 3.9L 4 cyl: 86 @ 3200, 181 @ 1900rpm (weighs over half again what the LR four cylinder weighs)
4BD1-T, 3.9L 4 cyl turbo: 121@ 3000, 232 @ 2200 ( much heavier and a lot harder to install than a 300tdi)

Personally if I were going for a diesel engine conversion today I would be really interested in talking to Robert Davis. My only concern would be the weak Series gearbox.

[Jim-ME]

Jason,
Go for it! You know you want to.
Jim

[I Leak Oil]

Just helped install one last month.

Forgot about D's motor swap. That makes it 4 good rover buds that are pleased with their swap to the 2.5D.

I'm still trying to decide if I want to put the money into mine or not...

[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.