300tdi or 2.25.

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ProcrastinatorFraser

Active Member
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771
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France
At the moment in the restoration of my 1977 series 3, i still have well over 1000 euros to pay to get the 2.25 diesel rattle box back together, but i thought i could probably fit a 300tdi instead.
I want to use the original box, because it has been completely overhauled and runs smooth as you can imagine.
I already have a 300tdi engine available, and it will cost me absolutely nothing except for maintenance parts such as injectors and other stuff.
I do not want to modify the chassis to fit, i prefer to opt for the bracket around the oil filter jobby, bearing in mind i will be able to build this stuff at home.
Question is, what would i have to replace to get that engine in, i also want to keep the turbo if possible.
And is it an upgrade worth doing?
 
A direct-injection engine will be noisier than the indirect-injection 2.25, particularly without an overdrive. You'll also need to modify the exhaust for the tdi- ideally you need a larger bore to cope with the increased gas flow. You will get improved performance, but make sure you're not starting something you can't stop! Make sure the brakes and suspension are in good order.

As an alternative, you could consider getting either a decent 2.25 or a 2.5 non-turbo from an early 90/110. Either will see an improvement over a knackered old 2.25. They will both bolt straight in with minimal work needed.
 
At the moment in the restoration of my 1977 series 3, i still have well over 1000 euros to pay to get the 2.25 diesel rattle box back together, but i thought i could probably fit a 300tdi instead.
I want to use the original box, because it has been completely overhauled and runs smooth as you can imagine.
I already have a 300tdi engine available, and it will cost me absolutely nothing except for maintenance parts such as injectors and other stuff.
I do not want to modify the chassis to fit, i prefer to opt for the bracket around the oil filter jobby, bearing in mind i will be able to build this stuff at home.
Question is, what would i have to replace to get that engine in, i also want to keep the turbo if possible.
And is it an upgrade worth doing?

Quite a bit of work, you will need a Tdi rad and intercooler, and I dont think they fit in a series without moving the grille.
Are you sure your Tdi is good enough to justify all the work, most are tired by now.
 
Quite a bit of work, you will need a Tdi rad and intercooler, and I dont think they fit in a series without moving the grille.
Are you sure your Tdi is good enough to justify all the work, most are tired by now.

I've seen it done before in a series 2A, but it's a tight fit. A lot of the 'chuck a tdi in everything' advice does seem to come from a few years ago when they were plentiful and in good condition. These days it's much less clear cut.
Bear in mind too that no more series land rovers will ever be made. A well-cared for original example will be worth more in the long run than one that's been tdi-converted IMO.
 
It can be done (ive done it) but with standard series chassis mounts you either have to modify the RH mount and make a bracket or remove the chassis mount and weld another on further back

Mine has disk breaks ,if you have standard drums id go non turbo either 2.25 or 2.5 ,much less work too
 

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Well, thanks for your opinions. I do have a 300tdi rad, intercooler, engine, everything i need just about..... If i get the lump to fit i'm fairly certain i will be able to get the turbo in with a 2.5td manifold, the engine itself is in fairly good nick, it only needs a couple of bits to get it in good shape again.
 
Is yours a swb or lwb ? the alternator is very close to the chassis on mine with a standard series mount on LH side and i think a lwb chassis leg is higher on the front
 
Don't ditch the Turbo whatever happens ....it leads to a very asthmatic engine feels flat ....

300 is more work than a 200 BUT at least on a 109 the exhaust exit route is pretty painless as it exits straight down past the chassis rail .







Is there no room for the standard 300tdi fan? it looks like a tight fit..
 
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