Looking into 2.5d or 200tdi in my series

[Clembs]

I'm looking to convert my '67 88" to a 2.5d or 200tdi and possibly do a bio or veggie tank. I love the truck and out like a little more power to drive daily and for wheeling.
Where is a good place to find used 2.5d and 200tdi engines? Also how much should i look into spending and with the 200tdi how hard is it to set up the electronics in a series.
I had also thought of the 300d Merc desiel (i know about the thread for the merc rover). Are the benifits worth the convertion?

[Eric W S]

There is a 200tdi on www.LRX.com. Search the parts for sale section. It is $2,800 for the engin pluse shipping. It is used. Prices can vary, but they are definetly pricey compared to a cummins or Merc.

There are a few conversions on the series2 club forum.

Terri Ann has some info on her site.

[enovey]

There is a 200tdi on www.LRX.com. Search the parts for sale section. It is $2,800 for the engin pluse shipping. It is used. Prices can vary, but they are definetly pricey compared to a cummins or Merc.

There are a few conversions on the series2 club forum.

Terri Ann has some info on her site.

Just wanted to add something as I have not seen this posted yet. There has been a few references to the Merc and other conversions as being alternates based on costs.
The Merc conversion is not a cheap route. The cheapest Merc conversion would be to use a 4 cylinder 240D engine, but it is not comparible to a 200tdi power wise. The 240D being the cheapest merc conversion because it can use the series gear box. The other idea is a 5 cylinder NA or Turbo Merc Diesel. This is much more expensive because you should use another gearbox if you plan on it lasting. By doing that you end up with many more custom parts and the costs climb.
I went down the merc 300D route for my own reasons and have made it work, but for anyone looking to keep a budget, the cheapest is probably using land rover parts.
In some cases It may be easier and less costly to spend the money on a High Output turner rebuild.
Good luck on whatever you choose.

[Eric W S]

I went down the merc 300D route for my own reasons and have made it work, but for anyone looking to keep a budget, the cheapest is probably using land rover parts.
In some cases It may be easier and less costly to spend the money on a High Output turner rebuild.
Good luck on whatever you choose.

Stock OEM components made for your model, then I would agree.

Modern LR diesels such as 200/300tdis do not exactly have consumer friendly pricing. Same for the gearboxes. It's surprising how much they cost.

[Clembs]

what improvements would you suggest for my '68 2.25 . I have new plugs, pertronix conversion with epoxy coil. I have recently adjusted the valves.

The only other option i have heard is the 2.5 cam and head (i think 8:1 compression).

are you just saying do a rebuild and get back to the 60hp it puts out?

[CMorris]

I did a Mercedes 240D conversion on my 1960 SII 88 using Jim Youngs/SeriesTrek adapter plate. The conversion wasn't terribly expensive, but it was quite a bit of work and problem solving.....plumbing, motor mounts, wiring, exhaust, clutch, etc. Definitely not for the shade-tree mechanic. On the upside, my truck now has slightly more power than a good running 2.25 liter with an 8:1 head, and gets 26mpg driving around town. I'm very happy with the results.

[SafeAirOne]

I'm looking to convert my '67 88" to a 2.5d or 200tdi and possibly do a bio or veggie tank.

I wouldn't look for in increase in power when swapping from a 2 1/4 petrol to a 2 1/2 diesel--The output horsepower of the 2.5 diesel is LESS than a 2.25 petrol. The 200Tdi, on the other hand....

[Bertha]

A 2.25 engine that has been rebuilt, bored out to .030 or .040 spec, blanced and flowed, with a performance 8:1 head and a solex carb, 2.5 cam and pushrods moves along the road pretty nicely. Add an overdrive and you can cruise down the highway and go on long trips with it. I have done the above to my motor and can say that driving a fresh motor set up like this and driving a tired old Land Rover motor are night and day. If you want to spend some money on your truck, my advice is to invest in what you have. At the end of the day if you want a motor powered by a Mercedes, then go buy a Mercedes. I never understood the diesel idea either-whatever additional mileage you think you are getting per gallon is quickly overshadowed by the extra dollar it costs to buy diesel fuel, so at the end of the day it is a wash. Keep it original and freshen it up is my advice.

[SafeAirOne]

I never understood the diesel idea either-whatever additional mileage you think you are getting per gallon is quickly overshadowed by the extra dollar it costs to buy diesel fuel, so at the end of the day it is a wash.

I think fuel costs are a poor reason to avoid using a diesel. Lack of horsepower per cubic inch compared to a similar petrol engine, perhaps, but not a lack of savings on fuel.

The reason I went with a 2.5 diesel is because of it's simplicity and incredible reliability. When I'm out in the desert, 100 miles away from civilization, I do not need ignition problems and all the other issues associated with a petrol engine. I can go a lot farther into the backcountry without as much of a requirement to refuel. If the alternator goes out on my rover, I can drive for hours and hours and hours on just the battery. Give it air and diesel and it'll go forever. I'll take the diesel for remote backcountry rovering over the petrol any day.

That's not to say the petrol is unsuitable for remote travel, it will do well also, albeit with more fuel required. The diesel just extends your range and takes a few common failure modes out of the equation.

[CMorris]

I never understood the diesel idea either-whatever additional mileage you think you are getting per gallon is quickly overshadowed by the extra dollar it costs to buy diesel fuel, so at the end of the day it is a wash.

Think range.......that's what started it (diesel) for me. My fully laden '67 109 with a nicely running 2.25ltr., front and rear onboard tanks and two cans on the roof rack barely made between to fuel locations in Labrador, that's when I started thinking diesel.

[Clembs]

my reasoning is not to save a couple dollars per tank. I want to have more torque for off road and plan to run Bio D in an alternate tank. The old 300D merc was (and still is) a bullet proof power plant and if it can fit in a series that is a great engine for bio or veggie oil. I do not plan on going out and buying a G wagon, nor am i a purest who feels that the soul of a rover is a 2.25p engine. As ignorant politicians soon will raise taxes on gas and the "carbon footprint" on cars above what we saw this time last year. I do not feel that series trucks will be grandfathered or overlooked with the carbon. I feel this purely for the fact that they bare the name Land Rover. I do however think they may give tax incentives (only wishful thinking) to Biodesiel converted autos and it would be cool to have a strong running or at least equal ,series that is vertually free to drive.

You all have been very helpful. i do not plan to just spend money on my rover for no reason. An ARB would be a better route for my needs at the moment, but a rebuild or swap does sound nice

[Eric W S]

my reasoning is not to save a couple dollars per tank. I want to have more torque for off road and plan to run Bio D in an alternate tank. The old 300D merc was (and still is) a bullet proof power plant and if it can fit in a series that is a great engine for bio or veggie oil. I do not plan on going out and buying a G wagon, nor am i a purest who feels that the soul of a rover is a 2.25p engine. As ignorant politicians soon will raise taxes on gas and the "carbon footprint" on cars above what we saw this time last year. I do not feel that series trucks will be grandfathered or overlooked with the carbon. I feel this purely for the fact that they bare the name Land Rover. I do however think they may give tax incentives (only wishful thinking) to Biodesiel converted autos and it would be cool to have a strong running or at least equal ,series that is vertually free to drive.

You all have been very helpful. i do not plan to just spend money on my rover for no reason. An ARB would be a better route for my needs at the moment, but a rebuild or swap does sound nice

I'd research whether the 2.5 is a good bio candidate. The UK forums should have info on this. Finding and building one is another issue. Not that many stateside. I'd talk to Turner and get a rebuilt long block that has been gas flowed. A turbo version would be cool if you could locate one...

[jimsshuman]

i post this with hesitation!!

since your down in the wilmington area, you may be able to get a motor from a local shop down there called tidewater rovers. having said that, becareful what you get into with that guy. my only experience with him was not especially pleasant and some of the vehicles i've seen (pics on website and ebay) come from his shop didn't quite add up. i believe there are many others on this forum who would agree with me about this who probably have better reasons not to deal with him. i'm just throwing the fact out there that i think he normally keeps some motors lying around or moves them in and out fairly often, so you may be able to fairly easily, get in, buy one, and get the heck out of there.

fwiw
mw

btw, i'm up in raleigh, actually in jacksonville this weekend visiting the fam!

[Jim-ME]

PA Blanchard in England lists brand new complete 2.5L military NA diesels. Although they are not inexpensive I personally would go this route if I was willing to cut and weld my galvanized frame. I'm looking into a Rover 2.25L diesel with getting a rebuilt stripped motor from Turner. I have been made very aware of the shortcomings of a Rover diesel by people on this forum but it is the least expensive route as far as I can determine.
Jim

[Eric W S]

PA Blanchard in England lists brand new complete 2.5L military NA diesels. Although they are not inexpensive I personally would go this route if I was willing to cut and weld my galvanized frame. I'm looking into a Rover 2.25L diesel with getting a rebuilt stripped motor from Turner. I have been made very aware of the shortcomings of a Rover diesel by people on this forum but it is the least expensive route as far as I can determine.
Jim

That's still pretty pricey at around 5,200 from AB. for the gas flowed head. Turner says the diesels do well with their performance heads though..