6 cylinder diesel for a Defender 110

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Matt TDi

Matt TDi

New Member
Posts
707
Location
Leicestershire
I'm considering buying a local Defender 130 with a very tired 200tdi engine. I've looked at it, and it had a galvanised chassis in 2001 and is in extremely good condition, but it's covered nearly 300k miles and the engine is tired, and the gearbox on it's last legs too. As a result, the owner is considering letting it go for what I consider a bargain price, considering it's structurally very good for the life it's had.

Anyway, I've always harboured an idea of having a 6 cylinder diesel Landy since I had a ride in a Nissan 3.3 SD33 powered 110 about 10 years ago. It performed about on par with a TDi but sounded awesome, I've wanted one since!

I have a re conned R380 box in my possession, but am wondering what the best 6 cylinder engine would be to source, here's my criteria:


  • Engine must be on par with, or better than TDi performance. So upward of 200lb.ft torque is the key, but not too much. I don't want more than 280lb.ft for gearbox reliability!
  • Ideally, there would be 'off the shelf' conversion kits available, and as little as possible in the way of fabricating/cutting of parts needed
  • Spares must be reasonably readily available
I suspect that all of those things combined is asking just a bit too much, but I'd quite like some ideas.
 
The Mazda 3.5 SLT diesel is very good - torquey and great sounding. I have seen a fair few landies and rangies with this conversion, wouldn't mind one myself.
 
why, whats the point, if you only want similar power to a standard tdi then fit a tdi, if you want it to sound good then fit a v8
 
Have you considered the isuzu diesel conversion thingy? Quite a few landies have them, but I'm not sure how many cylinders in one of them.
 
Tdi Td5 straight through with a cherry bomb !! same power good sound and no f'ing about to make it fit.......... sorted
 
Langers said:
The Mazda 3.5 SLT diesel is very good - torquey and great sounding. I have seen a fair few landies and rangies with this conversion, wouldn't mind one myself.
Click to expand...

I've had a quick look at the 3.5slt, but thought it was a 4 cylinder to be honest. They seem hard to source though, but in it's favour M&D do a conversion kit.

HOOK said:
why, whats the point, if you only want similar power to a standard tdi then fit a tdi, if you want it to sound good then fit a v8
Click to expand...

There are a couple of reasons why.

1. I like the smoothness of a 6 cylinder engine

2. I like the sound of a 6 cylinder engine

3. I want to.

And that last one is reason enough. Why drive offroad when we have plenty of roads taking you most places in this country?? We want to.

Besides, I'd quite like more power than a TDi, I just said at least it would have to match TDi power.

thought it was mine! said:
fit the tdi same power.record v8 put on your ipod listen to it when driving best of both worlds half the cost.
Click to expand...

Like I say really, want something different really.

IF I went down the 4 cyl route, would probably invest in a 2.8 powerstroke engine anyway.

cambolt said:
Have you considered the isuzu diesel conversion thingy? Quite a few landies have them, but I'm not sure how many cylinders in one of them.
Click to expand...

Not sure either, only seen 4 cyl engines myself.

Been looking at Nissan 6s from Patrols. Sounds great but not seen any conversion kits for them.

Hamsterberg said:
Tdi Td5 straight through with a cherry bomb !! same power good sound and no f'ing about to make it fit.......... sorted
Click to expand...

TD5 is an option, but would rather just buy a TD5 fitted LR to start with as Electronic installation is a PITA.
 
Diesel man said:
Nissan TD-42 what a engine and nice and easy to work on uses same td-27 pistons a great engine should you be able to find one.:)
Click to expand...

Posted that just as I was mid reply to quotes :)

Love them tbh, and easy enough to buy a scrap patrol with a good engine.

Slightly concerned by what transmission to use, and if there's any conversion kits for them though.
 
Years back the SD-23/25 was used this been the 4 cylinder diesel found in the pick ups but the TD-42 and manual box may fit.

Re-built a td-42 some time back it uses mostly same parts to td -27 as found in Terano/mavericks so parts pletyfull.

Also in forklifts.
 
Funny you should say that, because I've gone a few years wanting to do that conversion, and then common sense prevailed lol!

The 6bt is far too big and heavy, and requires lots of work to be done, and a complete change of the transmission to cope with the hefty power.

As much as I'd love it, I fear it's beyond my means.
 
that cummins is class! any 6 pot is going to weigh loads. a defender is designed to have a reasonably light 4 pot in, so a heavy engine will make it drive differently. id change the gearbox and engine. and just re-weld mounts, miles easier and the ratios will work better with the torque and power of the engine.
 
330d engine from a bmw, very nice, very powerful.....very expensive!

td5 for the ease...tis a 5 cylinder!
 
BMW 2.5dt as fitted to P38 Rangerovers, you can pick up a full rangerover with manual box (r380) for about £1500 to £2000, then when you've done your conversion you can sell/scrap whats left. I was planning to go this route myself since the wife had a P38 dse which had straight through exhuast and performance chip, the car went really well for a big heavy thing.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

N
Clutch problem unable to change gear
Replies
10
Views
593
Anaconda
A
P
Clutch Slave cylinder leak- 2015 Defender
Replies
2
Views
717
Defenders 110
D
H
Getting a 1897 defender 110
Replies
6
Views
326
Anaconda
A
D
permanent live in engine bay for spotlights
Replies
10
Views
564
lynall
L
J
Help please! Electrical issue with 1995 Defender 110 County, 300 tdi
2
Replies
35
Views
2K
Oliverryan96
O
Back
Top