How big a job is a V8 into a 200TDi??

I have done a search and not found much info so I'm gonna ask...


I have been offered a 3.9 V8 Disco and its given me the idea of dumping it in my 200TDi 90, I love the V8 burble and keep getting tempted on this conversion. What im after is a quick summary of whats involved in the swap.

Are the chasis mounts for the engine the same?
Does it sit in the same place i.e. will a V8 LT77 fit on exsisting mounts?
Are there any problems with other stuiff, rads e.t.c.?
Is there a conversion guide about? I have googled but not found anything.

I know waterproofing isn't the easiest but I am confident I can solve these issues with a bit of work, I just want the 180BHP and that burble... will prob gas it as well to aid with consumption...

Cheers for any help

chassis mounts are different need new welding on ,transmission sits slightly further forward like the 300 tdi and tunnel floor plates can be used from 300 tdi if you want to fit it like lr did which is my prefered way as std parts can be used throughout,the efi loom is stand alone and at its simplest level needs 3 wires to run the system, when ive fitted them ive used hose phh100290 to site air flow meter and filter behind engine, the holes to mount the transmission forward are there already with correct mounts , v8 lt77 and v8 r380 are the same overall dimension which is also the same as disco box as are 4sp autos which is my favourite to fit (obviously disco box has wrong gear lever set up but there is a thread in here that will convert your existing to fit a disco r380 )

Hmmm... I can hear myself telling myself to sell mine and buy a V8n if thats what I want... it would be a shame to take a 200 out of a factory fit 200... I need to have a think about this me thinks....

obviously you could buy a conversion kit and bung engine in as is and fabricate the rest ,but a factory 200tdi would make me think, the only problem with defender v8 is they are low compression and disappointing but would be easy to fit 3.9

i fitted a 200tdi to a 3.9V8

there was no issue on engine mounts,i just bolted it straight in,you just need a V8 bell house for the gearbox ....

you would be best useing an old 4 speed box if you can find 1.LT85 i think.

still its a way easy swop over...dont believe the hype...

Jongould said:

Hmmm... I can hear myself telling myself to sell mine and buy a V8n if thats what I want... it would be a shame to take a 200 out of a factory fit 200... I need to have a think about this me thinks....

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do it and keep the tdi in the shed for when you run out of fuel money....

You can just bolt it in the same place yes but you end up having to modify the bulk head to get the exhaust downpipes out the back.

you also need to remove the engine to take the rocker covers off

then you need to move the box back to suit the engine mounts and end up with funny prop sizes

Im in the process of fitting a 3.5 RV8 with lt85 (5 speed) into my 2.5TD chassis(same mounts as the 200tdi)

i went with moving the engine mounts to keep the gear box in the right place so my props bolt on nice and easy.

I have a v8 to series box bell housing converter that can be used to mate an Lt77 to the v8 i think if anyone is interested - i bought it when i was struggling to find a box and then decided i should wait and that fitting my engine so far back wasnt clever.

Couple days work if you have the donor car as well

pressbrake said:

Couple days work if you have the donor car as well

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agreed, a week is a nice job done tho.

LT85 (standard issue strong 5 speed V8 box) bell housing a lot longer, brings engine nicely into middle of the engine bay - new mountings available from Richards chassis, v cheap just need welding on. Bulkhead no mods needed, centre section of exhaust may need a couple of inches cut (it's also good value getting a manifold back custom system, can bring it out wherever you want ! ;-) ) tubular mani's are worthwhile too…!

Do it do it do it!!!! I had a v8 which had been put in to the truck when I got it, on standard lt77, lots of corners cut, lots of probs… actually cheaper to buy a brick of an LT85, get full refurb and pop it on new mounts than unpick the probs!!!

I also got given stage 3 heads and got a John Eales 4.0 block out a Stag off fleabay so all smiles here - LPG good for a daily driver though!!! Mine is a weekend warrior!

PM and I'll update you on all the issues I went through so you can learn from my mistakes…!!!!

thread revival……..

My mate did the same thing before (and after!) me although IIRC his had a V8 in to start, have a look at last month's LRM (cover story) to read about his side of our odyssey… he has a slightly less off-road biased beast than I do…! That should take care of what to do once the transplant is done!!!

Dr_evil said:

thread revival……..

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Indeed, was looking for rubber tranny tunnel cover for LT85, and this popped up… as well as LOADS of NSFW filth,:jaw: mental note to self: next time consider searching for rubber TRANSMISSION tunnel cover…!!!

Gngillespie said:

Indeed, was looking for rubber tranny tunnel cover for LT85, and this popped up… as well as LOADS of NSFW filth,:jaw: mental note to self: next time consider searching for rubber TRANSMISSION tunnel cover…!!!

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ive got one for an lt85 though r380 is very similar depends on seat box fitted

Gngillespie said:

Indeed, was looking for rubber tranny tunnel cover for LT85, and this popped up… as well as LOADS of NSFW filth,:jaw: mental note to self: next time consider searching for rubber TRANSMISSION tunnel cover…!!!

Click to expand...

Found the porn thread then did ya ?