Engine for a Series IIA 1969

[MBW]

I just recently purchased a 1969 Series IIA, and it's my first. I love the way it looks, and feels, but was thinking that the "straight six" that came with it, wouldn't be able to do the job of off-roading and pulling a heavy load. I will admitt that I don't know much about engines, and would like to put a question out to the forum. What would be the idea engine to place the straight six for my 1969 Series IIa, and why? I look forward to reading your suggestions.

[navydevildoc]

I could be worse, you could have the 2.25L 4 banger I have in the '65 IIA I have!

A very excellent place to start would be Teriann's Expedition Rover web site at www.expeditionlandrover.info. A little more than a third of the way down talks about engine conversions.

I don't know if the 88" came with the 6 cylinder or not, but do you have an 88" or 109" Landy?

[BGGB]

i'm guessing you have a 109, and if i were you i would go with a diesel conversion if that works for you. i believe the top choices would be a 200 or 300 tdi engine. if you wanted a nonlandrover engine there are several great examples of cummins 4bt engine but that gets more involved, mating up the the tranny. you have many options make sure to do lots of research before choosing what engine will work for your needs and price range. i agree with navy that terriann's site is a great place to get started she has a lot of great info on common land rover conversions. good luck and happy hunting

[SafeAirOne]

i believe the top choices would be a 200 or 300 tdi engine. if you wanted a nonlandrover engine there are several great examples of cummins 4bt engine but that gets more involved, mating up the the tranny.

If you are converting from a 6-cyl to a 200/300 Tdi, you'll likely need to change the 6-cyl bellhousing to a 4-cyl bellhousing. The bolt position on the bellhousing is different between Rover 4 and 6 cyl engines.

[lrdukdog]

Probably the easiest "cheapest" would be the GM 6 cylinder. You will need the adapter plate ( check ebay ). These have been done lots of times and there is a wealth of info. on the web about doing it.
Jim Wolf

[Jeff Aronson]

If you have the Rover 6-cylinder, you'll find it should have more than enough power for off roading and towing. Where it falls down is for long term, high speed highway driving. That's where its '50's design - when there were only one motorway in England - shows its weakness.

But unless you're planning on many thousands of miles of interstate, highway driving, why not try the Rover first and see what it's like? Take a compression and leak down test to determine the condition of the valves and the rings/cylinders. Then see if you really want to change out the engine.

Remember, too, that the brakes and suspension were designed within the expected parameters of speed and handling. If you upgrade the engine susbtantially, you'll need to make improvements to both because of the higher speeds and driving situations you may encounter.

Jeff

[greenmeanie]

We need piccies to determine what engine you've got.

[JSBriggs]

Im an I6 fan myself, so unless its a complete hack install, it is a decent choice for a Rover.

One thing to do is to determine WHAT engine you have. Is it a Land Rover 6, Rover sedan 6, Chevy 6, Ford 6 etc.

-Jeff

[rovertek]

ive been installing chevy 292 6 cyl's for years and had great results and more than enough power to pull big loads, using a scotty adapter or i have also made my own......

[Eric W S]

88's never came with the 6. Only 109's

If it is a NADA 6, then make sure the valves are properly adjusted. Parts can get expensive and can be a bit difficult to locate from what I understand.

What type of wheeling are you doing that a 6 is isn't up to task?

I have done 2 re-powers. Both fairly easy as they were on Jeeps with great after market support. Never again. Ever. Too much time, effort, and money.

[greenmeanie]

Rovertek,
Out of interest what kind of fuel consumption numbers do you get on your 292 conversions? I am building a NADA 109 with a breathed on 292 right now and am waiting to see with baited breath. I do admit that I am mating it up to an NP435, hrtc and am going to fine tune things with the diff ratios so hopefully I'll be cruising at around 2400rpm.

[Aztec Rover]

ive been installing chevy 292 6 cyl's for years and had great results and more than enough power to pull big loads, using a scotty adapter

Do you have contact infor for Scotty? I am in the midst of planning a Chevy conversion and am struggling to find adapters.

[MBW]

Thanks to all....

Gents, thank you for your suggestions, and my appologizes for responding so late.

My last question is this: Would a "mercede 2.7L or 3L TDI" work in a 88 Series IIa (1969)?

Once again Gentleman, thank you for your assistance.

[superstator]

Anything's possible with the Series. There are folks on this board with direct experience putting older Merc diesels (OM617, etc) in. I've never heard of anybody doing the newer units like the OM612, but I'd love to see one.

[CMorris]

I built up an 88 with a Mercedes 240D engine.......a great combo in my opinion, but would be weak for a 109. My current build is a 109 pickup with Defender 200TDi............again, great combo imho. Jim Young at Series trek put a Mercedes 300TD in his latest truck (109 wagon), however he started with a clapped out NADA 6 cylinder......you need that 6 cylinder bulkhead for engine clearance, or get creative with your 4 cylinder version. My vote would be for either the 300TD Merc, or 200TDi for "6 cylinder" power. Good luck........sounds fun!