series 3 wants a v8

im new so be patient please, just in the process of getting a series 3 thats only missing the diesel lump,not to worry though as ive got a spare 3.5v8 from my twin turbo hotrod
ive read about conversion plates for the box but as yet ive not seen 1, so my questions are what else will i need to get my grubby hands on to make it go vroom vroom?
ive got a selection of stromberg and su's in the garage and also a full efi system which would probably be more suitable?? oh 1 last thing is ive also got a spare turbo from my project so i was thinking of sticking that mother sucker on just for good measure.
thanks for any info and help you can provide and i hope to here from you soon.

chris

There are a fair few threads on this if you do a little search.
Basically there are a few things to bear in mind before sticking an rv8 in a series;
unless you like a faff you'll need to stick with the stock LT76 4 speed which unless in late s3 suffix D form, is weak in terms of the V8.
Halfshafts can let go easily but are easily replaced,
you will need to cut the footwells back on each side ideally, expect passengers feet to warm up nicely!
Custom exhaust needed as well as remote or swing away oil filter adaptor, throttle cable attachment for the rod/bar or a defender setup with pedal, adaptor plate from Milner Phillips or similar with spigot bush custom made and ideally a drilled and tapped RRC flywheel so it will take a S3 clutch pressure plate. You can use an SD1 flywheel with a S3 clutch without modification but you may have trouble with release bearing not reaching it (or maybe its the starter? I can't remember). Just get an RRC flywheel better offroad anyway.
You also need custom engine mounts and you will need custom heater hoses.
Aside from that, 88s are perhaps a little small and light for V8s in most cases and a 109 suits it better. Still, not really an issue.

If you put a turbo in or anything more than a mild 3.5 you will break stuff (halfshafts, gbox etc). Transfer box is strong usually.

There is more you need on the shopping list but I forget now.

Oh yeah, you should introduce yourself in that section and post some pictures for people to be interested in this kind of thing
Good luck.

hi mate and welcome, is that a genuine ex army or raf? that looks well from the photo's you have on here a tidy rig, why would you want to put a v8 into that? originals are becoming worth a lot more now and whilst you may not have any immediate plans of sale you'd be better sorting rather than majorly modifying a dying breed, many of these have been TDI'D and defender looking. before you do this I would give a real good and proper thought to what it is and why you want to do this!

for example show rig or every day rig or even original and what she was meant to do? anyway they are just mine and probably a few other's thoughts. what ever you decide on I'm sure we will help the best we can. again welcome!

What are the standard engines like? Someone told me them 2.2 diesel are poor that's all.
I have the v8 spare from my Hotrod stash so was going to put that into it, to be honest it will be just used through the bad weather to make sure I get to see my kids on a weekend and something to take them and the dogs out in, keep my everyday runner clean for work.

If you want an engine that will get you there no matter what a 2 1/4 diesel will do very nicely.

Yes it's slow and thirsty but will run on just about anything thicker than water and slog it's way through damn near everything so long as you dont try and rev it like an F1.

Stick a V8 in and you'll spend half your time trying to get it to run properly....that's if it starts at all.....and it will **** itself and cut out every time it see's a puddle

I'm not sure I'd still have my S3 if it didn't have a V8 in it, love it for the noise, power, smooth driving, and believe it or not the fuel economy (LPG).

Each to their own I guess, but just to support the pro V8 campaign

blue beasty said:

If you want an engine that will get you there no matter what a 2 1/4 diesel will do very nicely.

Yes it's slow and thirsty but will run on just about anything thicker than water and slog it's way through damn near everything so long as you dont try and rev it like an F1.

Stick a V8 in and you'll spend half your time trying to get it to run properly....that's if it starts at all.....and it will **** itself and cut out every time it see's a puddle

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I agree with B.B, the 2286 N/a will run almost no matter, regular filter and oil changes will keep the old girl sweet. the v8 like said above and now well from me anyway, nice lump but bloody hell SOOO much hassle and keeping them sweet is ETC work I had a nice stage one v8 109 a great old girl with a VERY low mile engine I would have kept the old girl if it wasn't a v8! she was fully rebuilt original! NEVER AGAIN it screamed and cried anywhere near water getting out in the ****ing rain to lump and (play) with the solenoid and starter motor was oh so very fun! just you ask my family!! I even changed her name from Bella to DAMIAN!! LOL

2286 N.a OR 2.5 N.a THE 2.5 HAS A millimetre more power a very sweet engine 2286 was great too it will chug along all day, 2286 petrol is also quite a good engine give them their due's but again regular servicing is advisable to all three of these old girls. just our experience and advice what you do is up to you though,

in the meanwhile keep us updated and plenty of pic's if you please :5bcheers2:op2:

PS LPG is good but I can safely say it will fook your seats eventually!!!! and by good lord expensive and doesn't improve all that much!

Ive run 35+ years behind a 2.25 diesel, careful rebuild and look after the oil changes will run forever. Had a 110 V8, oh so smooth and lovely to listen to and more economical or no worse than a 2.25 petrol.

I've nothing against the V8's, comments were only directed at the OPs need of something to get to the kids of a weekend come hell or high water.

The 2 1/4 diesels about as simple as it gets, very basic and minimal maintenance and if it'll turn over it'll run

As much as love rv8s they are as has been said, fickle things. Dampness causes electrical gripes and in a landy you kind of want to get it wet! But way more fun. TBH I loved my 2.25 petrol and it never failed me. If you can afford to pamper a v8 tho and buy top notch service bits and ign components then youllt be ok.

rightthats it im gunna stick to a standard engine!

has anyone got 1 for sale please?

blue beasty said:

I've nothing against the V8's, comments were only directed at the OPs need of something to get to the kids of a weekend come hell or high water.

The 2 1/4 diesels about as simple as it gets, very basic and minimal maintenance and if it'll turn over it'll run

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I do when such a beast of an engine ****s itself anywhere near water!! I must admit the 4.2 and 4.6 was a sweet engine, mind you, you could get the best of all worlds if you went with that SEXY 6.2 but I must admit that is one very strong and body built engine and **** LOADS of talk!! 18 to 20 MPG!!:amen: ound:

mcmental said:

rightthats it im gunna stick to a standard engine!

has anyone got 1 for sale please?

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good man, you know it makes sense mc,

I can't post a wanted add though

i'll post it for you then!! :dnfnoob:









THE FOLLOWING IS FOR YOU TOO lol



just type into category



!!PARTS AND ACCESORIES!!



TITLE IS: on behalf of.





and I've put this for you,





mcmental mcmental is offline
Junior Member







couldn't post as it wouldn't let him so SERIES 3 SWEET 16 me, is doing it for him.



has anyone got a petrol or diesel 2286 or even for the above member? must be running right. if so please pm him it's for a series 3 thanks



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mcmental said:

i can't post a wanted add though

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sorted