BIG PLANS - comments welcome

OK, the big plan is to buy a series 3 swb with a good body and chassis and insert the following;

• tdi 300
• new gear box
• fuel tank

Has anybody done this before? Is it possible? If so i would appreciate some advice on the following:

• which tdi 300 do i need (i hear later versions are best but which year?)
• which gear box is best?
• what about axels? Do i need to change them?
• what about springs? Do i need to change to coils or can i keep them?

I look forward to hearing from anybody....

regards

We put a 200TDi into our SIII (don't know how similar?different they are to the 300) The engine was from a Defender. We had to move one of the mounts on the chassis. The steering on a series vehicle is above the chassis whereas the Defender's is underneath, so we had to have the radiator modified to avoid it fouling. New exhaust needed coz the series exhaust is a smaller bore.

Still got the original tanks on it - why are you changing yours?

Springs - parabolics are a good upgrade and simple to fit. changing over to coils is a big job and will cause probs with the DVLA.

Gearbox is the original coz I wanted to keep me red and yella knobs. We fitted a new transfer box from Ashcroft transmissions. She now cruises at 75mph but low ratio is unchanged.

Hope that helps


Gareth

Hello Gareth,
Thanks for the reply. Sorry about the delay in replying but it took me a while to get logged back on the site! Do you mind me asking how much the work cost? (putting a 200 into the series 3 and associated work). Im hoping to start my project this summer and im currently doing the spade work to turn up good suppliers and mechanics.
regards
nic

might be easier to fit the series3 body onto a complete disco driving chassis?

ive no idea, im just thinking out loud.

You're best sticking with leaf springs or go parabolic or your going to be looking at an SVA test.

Regards WP.