3.9v8 into defender 90

Just picked up a 3.9 that I'm going to strip and rebuild over the winter to go in my 90 that is currently got a disco 200tdi on lt77 box, but I'm trying to get my head around how I'm going to fit it( trying to keep the conversion as simple as pos), done a search but get conflicting answers, my current idea is to get a disco v8 manual box and bolt up to original pos of lt230 as I have just fitted brand new bailey Morris wide angles and weld in new engine mounts?, so I would need v8 manual box from disco, v8 manual flywheel and clutch, am I missing anything or is there a better way?
Heres a wee pic of the engine in the back of the 90 as we all like piccies, will start a thread on the engine rebuild when I start

personaly id fit it were lr fitted the v8 as it makes a lot of stuff more simpler using stock parts ,but means altering seat box and swapping tunnel and props etc

As James said use original places I've put up a thread on mine it's not finished yet but getting there I used a 3.9 from a RRC and bolted it up to a 90 v8 manual gearbox and it works a treat all I moved where the engine mounts

Cheers guys started rebuilding the v8 ,and am on the look out for a fender v8 box, if not I may have to get a disco one and have it rebuilt to spec

You also wnat to wire up the road speed transducer when you pop the loom in helps with smoother running and tickover

Get a Green Tune rsistor into the loom, this will switch the ECU to a non cat program (Unless you wnat cats !)

Nige

Hello first visit to this forum. I have an 1988 defender took diesel 2.5 out and put range rover 1992 v8 in with auto gearbox, and range rover axles 24 spline, zf auto gearbox with Borg Warner tranny box. Looking for someone to advise what prop shafts needed? And any advice on wiring v8 in to diesel fuse box and ignition. (Please help) thanks Kev

if you fitted engine and box forward as lr did then you would have altered tunnel seat box etc then the rrc front prop would fit front and 300tdi 90 the rear ,if box is sat in 1988 2.5 position then the rear will fit from that front will need one altering to fit

Cheers the seat box is the original position no modifications, given measurements for engine mounts from someone who has converted one already, not sure if in original landrover position ?

no its not ,transmission sits a couple of inches further forward when lr fit v8 or 300tdi compare with 4 cylinders upto and including 200 tdi ,hence need to alter tunnel ,borgwarner a has short front output housing so you either need to cut long shaft down to fit or fit spacers to drive flanges etc but there isnt an off the shelf lr one to fit as is

Thanks for your help Kev

We have just done a similar thing to my mate's 300tdi - I am having a chevy so we fitted my TVR V8 4.3 into his 90.

It was pretty straightforward - but you have to remember that the R380 was not fitted into the defender with a V8 engine - we ended up buying a reconditioned Santana LT85 5-speed from Ashcroft and they took his R380 as exchange.

The solid case 85 is much stronger than the 380 although the output shaft bearings can wear if you do a lot of motorway driving at high speed.

You have to have the right bellhousing and then everything just bolts back in - Ashcroft supply these at 40 pounds.put in a Disco 1.2 ratio 230 transfer box or you will be pulling 4000 revs at 80 mph.

The rest is pretty straightforward - fit the gearbox in the correct place with the engine attached and then you will be able to mark up where you need the engine mounts - available for peanuts from Real Steel in uxbridge.

make sure you put the ecu under the passenger seat.

If you are rebuilding completely a kent H180 is a fantastic camshaft upgrade and is only a few quid more than a standard item - gives great torque from idle and extra 20 bhp.

You will also need a V8 radiator which are very hard to find - let me know if you need one I may be able to help.

Good luck