Defender 130 V8 project

Mike1981 · Nov 22, 2022

Hello
I need some help/advice.
I've a complete RR P38 4.6 to swap for my 130, but I would like to keep it with manual transmission. Any advice about it and what it is the best option for manual gearbox?

marjon · Nov 23, 2022

This section is really for those "doing" not for questions.
If you search you will find many freds that cover the subject. basically, you need a V8 box as the bellhousing are different length and input shafts differ.
Disco 1s will put the gearstick in the wrong place but can be changed.
Which box is best? I dont know which 1 would cope with the 4.6 best

.
Why not run auto? you have it all.
The biggest issue is not the mechanics but the electreckery side.

Finally. Welcome

and good luck as would like to see the "project" appear here when work starts

.
Meantime I will ask for it to be moved to a better section for you so you will get better response

.

J

Mike1981 · Nov 23, 2022

Hi marjon.

It's not out of question to keep it auto, all depends the headache
I just love to drive manual...
Thanks for the tip for other threads and for your knowledge!!

marjon · Nov 23, 2022

No problem.

How is it for sourcing parts in your area?
As I said electrickery is going to be a bigger headache

.

As I see @blue beasty has now moved this fred, still fink defender section may have been better. Maybe cos I didnt offer cake

.

J

blue beasty · Nov 23, 2022

marjon said:
No problem.

How is it for sourcing parts in your area?
As I said electrickery is going to be a bigger headache.

As I see @blue beasty has now moved this fred, still fink defender section may have been better. Maybe cos I didnt offer cake.

J

Doubt many tratterers know much about P38 lumps but I'm open to ~~bribery~~ persuasion otherwise.

Mike1981 · Nov 23, 2022

Parts is not a problem...I hope... I've a shop of parts and accessories for LR.

marjon · Nov 23, 2022

blue beasty said:
Doubt many tratterers know much about P38 lumps but I'm open to ~~bribery~~ persuasion otherwise.

Its a V8 theys all the same at the arse end

. Its all about a gearbox in a leakybox (aka defender).
Am sure @Mike1981 will offer the correct flavour of required cake. but it's a hell of a long way to claim it

.

Thanks though

.

J

blue beasty · Nov 23, 2022

Moved, no prizes for guesses of where it'll turn up next

marjon · Nov 23, 2022

Mike1981 said:
Parts is not a problem...I hope... I've a shop of parts and accessories for LR.

Thats good

You would need a flywheel and clutch set, To start. New engine mounts, cooling for engine and gearbox. the list will get longer

But its all doable

.
Still reckon the electrickery is gonna be hardest, How do you plan to run the ECU?

J

Mike1981 · Nov 23, 2022

marjon said:
Its a V8 theys all the same at the arse end. Its all about a gearbox in a leakybox (aka defender).
Am sure @Mike1981 will offer the correct flavour of required cake. but it's a hell of a long way to claim it.

Thanks though.

J

I'm starting to watch that long way...
I'll have to sleep about it!! Auto vs manual...

Mike1981 · Nov 23, 2022

marjon said:
Thats good
You would need a flywheel and clutch set, To start. New engine mounts, cooling for engine and gearbox. the list will get longer

But its all doable.
Still reckon the electrickery is gonna be hardest, How do you plan to run the ECU?

J

I've no idea about the ECU
Any advice?

marjon · Nov 23, 2022

Mike1981 said:
I've no idea about the ECU
Any advice?

Yeah it isnt easy

.

You can get the ECU to run standalone, a few companies in UK can unlock. Some reports of it not working so research needed. Mega squirt or others available but no experience and not cheap.
If you run the Auto then all the RR including the BECM could be transplanted. Has its own issues to do that.

So loads to think about.
If you want to run auto, you will also need a few bits to get the LT transfer box to mate up

.

But once sorted, shirely it’s only a weekends work

. But it’s all doable

.

If you get RAVE for the RR you will be able to read the electrical and security it has then you will see in more detail.

J

Mike1981 · Nov 23, 2022

marjon said:
Yeah it isnt easy.

You can get the ECU to run standalone, a few companies in UK can unlock. Some reports of it not working so research needed. Mega squirt or others available but no experience and not cheap.
If you run the Auto then all the RR including the BECM could be transplanted. Has its own issues to do that.

So loads to think about.
If you want to run auto, you will also need a few bits to get the LT transfer box to mate up.

But once sorted, shirely it’s only a weekends work. But it’s all doable.

If you get RAVE for the RR you will be able to read the electrical and security it has then you will see in more detail.

J

Mike1981 · Nov 23, 2022

Not even started and I'm already quitting the manual
Looks Auto it's easier to do it.
But today had a client in my store, and he have disco 1 4.0 manual transmission to sell with low mileage. Not so powerful than the other but a valid option no?

marjon · Nov 23, 2022

Mike1981 said:
Not even started and I'm already quitting the manual
Looks Auto it's easier to do it.
But today had a client in my store, and he have disco 1 4.0 manual transmission to sell with low mileage. Not so powerful than the other but a valid option no?

Very valid (I think) and if he has flywheel with clutch probably a good move. Still need to change the stick position. Have no clue about that.

J

Shippers · Nov 25, 2022

marjon said:
Very valid (I think) and if he has flywheel with clutch probably a good move. Still need to change the stick position. Have no clue about that.

J

Would it not be better to dump injection system and go carbs with manual gearbox?...

Disco1BFG · Nov 25, 2022

ECU for the AT can be done with a Compushift computer, but is not cheap..

I would have thought the '38 BECM will throw a hissy fit without all its expected inputs.. probably a standalone ECU for the engine, but carbs might be a better option - certainly easier, but not as fuel efficient..

marjon · Nov 26, 2022

Shippers said:
Would it not be better to dump injection system and go carbs with manual gearbox?...

That also brings other issues as you have to sort out spark, so making ECU standalone would still be required or again mega squirt (or others) still needed.
Plus getting hold of the big barrel holley in his location would probably cost more than just getting the standalone ECU.

Going manual would probably be easiest if parts are available easy(ish).

Whatever way its done it will bring its own issues, but as we all know with a few suitcases of enthusiasm and some deep pockets, it can all be done.
Th OP has still got to get round exhausts, diesel to petrol change, cooling and probably a whole host of other niggles to think about.

J

Defender 130 V8 project

Mike1981

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marjon

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blue beasty

Leaks an prone to bits dropping off

Mike1981

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blue beasty

Leaks an prone to bits dropping off

marjon

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Mike1981

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Mike1981

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