Defender 110 Isuzu2.8 to 300TDi

[DefenderItalia]

Hi All - I have a Defender 110, formerly V8 and not with an Isuzu 2.8 TD + LT85 gearbox that I will be converting to a 300 TDi + R380 Gearbox. has any of you done such a work and what are the key areas that are to be ceful of. So far i am putting into the planinng:

ENgine Mounts
Chasiss fit for R380 box: mounts and positioning
Gear level tunnels
Piping, hoses, rad, intercooler
Electrics: Will I require the full ECU loom or I can run a 300TDi by clables

The reason why I want to change is because I want to travel across Europe / North Africa to go surfing - the bush mechanics (especially NA) know 300 TDis better

Any help here?

G

 

[Tig9619]

To be honest mate most people have done the opposite cos of the many blown 300tdi's.
The engine will not require an ecu (unless from a late auto disco. not recommended) just a feed to the distribution pump.
The rest is pretty easy if its a defender r380 as you can use standard propshafts.
The santana box if good is very strong and should sell well to recover some costs.

 

[DefenderItalia]

Hi and thanks for reply. In the process of planning, 2 further thoughts that you triggered: as I am replacing the LT85 with a Disco R380( should be the same as Def??) which will go on my current Disco Lt230 (aready on), will I also require the following:

300 Gear tunnel
300 Floor panels
new seat box
Propshafts?

I acan source all thoes very cheaply, but...that stats adding up? Although I have not heard of anyone that needed to replace the Box / shafts?

Let me know what you guys think

G

 

[Tig9619]

its possible you will need the tunnel etc as the lt85 is a massive square box compared to the r380.
Although if you are going to use a disco box the gearstick will be in a different place to the defender boxes. I'm not sure if they are interchangeable. they're not on an lt77 anyway.
also props might be a different lengths as well.

 

[pos]

Why go from an Isuzu 2.8 to a 300 2.5? The isuzu will be quicker, have more power and no doubt more reliable and more fuel economic!

 

[DefenderItalia]

Hiya...interesting question....that would be mainly because when I go travelling the mechanics across Europe / North Africa will already know the 300 engine, plus all Isuzu spares and repairs are becoming mode difficult to source - See description of items for sale in For Sale section.

 

[pos]

Hiya...interesting question....that would be mainly because when I go travelling the mechanics across Europe / North Africa will already know the 300 engine, plus all Isuzu spares and repairs are becoming mode difficult to source - See description of items for sale in For Sale section.

Ahh! Just make sure you take a couple of head gaskets with you just in case!
-Pos