S3 complete rebuild. Advice needed re gearbox!

Hi. I’ve recently managed to source a ‘75 Station Safari in need of a complete resto.
I’ve got some plans for her but, nothing will be happening for a couple of years until I retire!!
However, I intend to use the time wisely and start sourcing some of the bits I need for her but, I need some advice of gearboxes, auto boxes to be precise.
The general plan is to mechanically modify her so I could realistically use her almost as a daily driver so, without boring you all too much at this point, I’m looking at getting a new chassis set up for a 300tdi which I want to mate to the best auto box for the job.
She’s never going to go properly off road but, I do want to be able to drive to the continent with a relatively lazy engine and an auto box to make things even lazier!
So, what’s the most suitable box for the task?
Once I have decided on, and purchased the drive train, I can get the chassis ordered.
Many thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Disco 2 V8 drive train, complete.

Not diesel. If you are going to use it in retirement, you'll want to visit towns and cities, the TDI won't be allowed in, but the petrol might.

Valid points that I hadn’t considered.
However, I’m still committed to going down the tdi route mainly due to fuel consumption.
Living right at the bottom of Cornwall, everything is a long way away so fuel consumption is a genuine consideration.

You also need to consider the points for retaining the original plate and not getting a Q

I’ve actually already spoken to the DVSA about this, which is unusual for me to be ahead of the game!

there are not many originals left so i would leave as is and get something else to tour the continent,
p.s if you want to sell the original engine i would be interested,

atb,
Ryn

mikegamble said:

I’ve actually already spoken to the DVSA about this, which is unusual for me to be ahead of the game!

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On a bare assessment of what mods you have stated you might not have the 8 points required.
You are talking about new transmission, engine and a modified chassis (the last if interpreted correctly according to the DVLA is not a manufacturer supplied original chassis) This is before you talk about suspension and axles etc.
The chassis is normally a don't ask, don't tell issue if not massively modded but the letter of the law is quite clear.

Getting back to my original question about gearboxes, I’ve been made aware of a Range Rover Classic auto box fairly local which is always a bonus for me but - is it compatible with the chosen route of 300 tdi?

ZF 4HP-22 gearbox is what was fitted to 300tdi autos. Fitting an auto 300tdi to a Series chassis will put the gear change where the middle front seat is plus all the other engineering challenges involved.

Honestly? Get a RRC. But if you're wedded to the idea, (fair enough) most auto boxes are longer than a series box, meaning engine forward , so defender front, or transfer box back, new prop shafts, crossmembers close to hand brakes, lots of engineering, etc etc.

nathanglasgow said:

ZF 4HP-22 gearbox is what was fitted to 300tdi autos. Fitting an auto 300tdi to a Series chassis will put the gear change where the middle front seat is plus all the other engineering challenges involved.

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Are these auto boxes easy enough to source?

Wildefalcon said:

Honestly? Get a RRC.

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RRC?

Range rover classic. Fitted to the 300tdi in defenders, discos and RRC. Seriously just buy a Defender with the automatic transmission

I agree with @Wildefalcon fitting a autobox into a series 3 will be a nightmare.

Col

Nothings that difficult, awkward - yes, frustrating - yes, impossible - no.

Per my original question, will the gearbox I’ve found, will it mate hassle free to the 300tdi?

Hassle free, No.
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&s...Vaw3jkTf_Hd4SMOznGIvmPWOi&cshid=1631274153624