Keep original Series 3 engine but giving it a decent upgrade

Hi all,

I have a 109" 1982 (see below) and I am upgrading it with bench seats in the back and making it just a generally really useful car for myself.

Now I want to keep the original engine as I think it will maintain the value better, but I want a lot more out of it (higher mpg and higher mph, as current max speed is abut 45mph). I was wondering if any knew of a good engine tuning/upgrade place around Manchester or if anyone has a simple step-by-step for upgrading the original engine with say new cylinder heads, camshaft, exhaust, carburettors as I understand these will all help its performance.

Side Note* I will be taking off roading but wont be doing anything crazy with it and it is more likely to just go camping and be used as a general work-horse

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Kind Regards,

Chris.

Chris, this will largely depend on which engine you have fitted as some are more tuneable than others.

I know you can get a number of performance upgrades for the 2.25 petrol engine in the form of uprated cylinder head, carbs, stainless through through exhaust, fuel boost valve etc xxx

You've started with the wrong vehicle if speed and economy are concerns of yours. The petrol can have little tweaks done but we aren't talking things overly noticeable. An overdrive is a good investment for economy and a higher top speed. But before you start tuning anything it sounds like your engine is on its last legs. A 2.25 petrol will achieve much greater things than 45mph an average to decent one should get near 60mph. You have several options an engine conversion. I converted my 109 to 200tdi and get about 35mpg at about 60-65mph and a top speed of about 80mph in 4th overdrive.
A 2.5 petrol would be a decent conversion as it looks like the original 2.25.
You can fit an lpg system which will give more miles per £.
You can tune your petrol which sounds poorly and wait for it to inevitably break down.
Rebuild the petrol unit with performance enhancements.
Or finally enjoy life in the slow lane. It's a Land Rover these questions on fuel economy and top speed come up time and again and it's not the right vehicle to expect to be fast or fuel efficient.
If the engine pulls well you might want to check your tyre size, gear ratios and what gearbox and transfer box you have fitted as the ratios vary on certain boxes.

'Lecky ignition is a good place to start. You don't say what carb you have but the 2.5 carb is a good upgrade with a bit of tinkering.

45mph is atrocious for a petrol so you have problems. I'd look into what they are before doing anything.

Adjust the tappets, fit elecy ignition, and time it up then adjust the carb.
Should be a lot better

....and its exactly what I need to do as i can get up to about 50 on mine!:-/

Agree 1st thing to do would be to check gearing - is it revving like crazy flat out? But otherwise running well? can you pull away no trouble in 2nd gear [high ratio]? If yes to both you probably have a low ratio diff - good luck

blue beasty said:

'Lecky ignition is a good place to start. You don't say what carb you have but the 2.5 carb is a good upgrade with a bit of tinkering.

45mph is atrocious for a petrol so you have problems. I'd look into what they are before doing anything.

Click to expand...

+1 My s3 109, with standard diesel and trans, would do 60 easily, petrol should be faster. Got to be issues with engine tune!

coil points timing tappets.
i am going for an Ashcroft transfer box overdrive gear upgrade in my gearbox rebuild.
plus there are these guys
http://www.automotivecomp.com/landrover_perf.html

Petrol or diesel?

A 2.25 d will be revving quite high at 45mph. For either engine an overdrive would be very beneficial.
First things first though, best to cover the basics - full service, check and adjust tappets, also timing perhaps. If it's a diesel then getting the injectors serviced would be good too. You will then be in a stronger position to decide what to upgrade / replace / fettle.