1987 2.5 petrol - keep or change?

Morning everyone!

First post here!

I have only recently come into land rover ownership (after many years drooling over other peoples).

I have a 1987 90 2.5 petrol and when I got it I had visions of putting a 200tdi to improve the terrible fuel economy and make it a bit more day to day use friendly.

However, after a year I'm not sure I want to. It is in really good condition generally (even the engine!) except the paint and I intend to get a respray once finances allow. Once that is done it seems a shame to then change it. I kind of feel I should keep it as it came out the factory. Preservation if you like!

It would be good to see what everyone else thinks. Keep it original, or go for the engine change!

Thanks!

Pop yourself over to the Introduce Yourself thread and say hi in there first. We like people to do that before they start firing off questions

Sorry! Done.

cool.

Now as for as respray, nah use a brush and roller its a landy! Then the money you saved you can do what you want engine wise, 200tdi, v8 with LPG or whatever.

Get some pics up!

If you are happy with it, then keep the original engine!

The 2 1/4 can be as thirsty or economical as you make it, as it all depends on your driving style!

Properly tuned, you could get a return of around 27mpg.

If you are thinking of changing the engine, factor in the costs and buggeration factors of replacing the loom, and then consider how long it will take you to recover the costs.

'Nuff said!!

I just like the idea of keeping it 'original'.

From the 2.5 I get about 18/19 mpg on a long run. The best I have ever had is 22 mpg. For lots of short trips I get 14/15 mpg. Has anyone else got a 2.5 petrol. Does that sound about right?

From your location you may not have a lot of choice , as put a diseaseul in and you are excluded by LEZ

figures sound about right , might be worth getting the head skimmed to up the CR which will make it a bit more powerful , and efficient at the same time!

Thanks everyone.

Sorry, one more thing. What MPG would you expect from a 200tdi in a 90? No point doing it for only a few more MPG!

Oh, and yes I am in the LEZ at the moment which is a pain.

GL82 said:

Sorry, one more thing. What MPG would you expect from a 200tdi in a 90? No point doing it for only a few more MPG!

Oh, and yes I am in the LEZ at the moment which is a pain.

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With a 200Tdi, you should get around 30 mpg, and a very useful increase in power & torque.

a 2.5 petrol can be played with tho and very nice over engineerd strong engine!

2.5 petrol is a reliable low stressed unit. I don't think I would go to the trouble of replacing an engine that is running well and passing emissions unless I was planning on doing very high mileages so the fuel savings would pay for the time and expense of the swap.

People do seem to like the 2.5 petrol despite lacklustre performance and economy. It is reassuring to know it is a good engine and not a lemon!

GL82 said:

People do seem to like the 2.5 petrol despite lacklustre performance and economy. It is reassuring to know it is a good engine and not a lemon!

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Try driving a 2.25 petrol or diesel for a bit first! You will think the performance of 2.5 is good then

Turboman said:

Try driving a 2.25 petrol or diesel for a bit first! You will think the performance of 2.5 is good then

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very true

keep it original, theres getting less original unmolested defenders around, its nice to see some original ones

TD5power said:

keep it original, theres getting less original unmolested defenders around, its nice to see some original ones

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Even less original 90s!

Are you based in london ?

If yes did you read the bit about not being able to use a diesel engined 90 in london ?

tacr2man said:

Are you based in london ?

If yes did you read the bit about not being able to use a diesel engined 90 in london ?

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I think it is OK for station wagon, though not for hard top.

Yes, I know a bit about the LEZ. Although it is a CSW (original not converted) and someone told me that it would be exempt even with a diesel. Not sure how true that is.

Having heard it is a pretty robust/strong engine I think I will keep the petrol. As I said, I like the idea of it being original and as it is in good condition it seems a shame to start altering it after all these years! I'll just have to get used to the fuel economy!

Thanks for all the advice!