Not my normal stomping ground

Not normally in this section, but have a defender question. Appreciate defenders of all ages have a large pricing variation, but what's the opinion on defenders that have had a completely different engine change. Would that reflect in price?. And are there considered good engine changes and bad ones. Obviously any engine change needing properly/professionally done. And how does that affect DVLA, insurance etc.. thanks in advance

From looking at eBay, FB marketplace and the likes, a Landy with an original engine holds its value better. This is especially the case with 90’s, 110’s and defenders. Early four cylinder engines have often been removed in favour of disco Tdi engines, which are an upgrade in terms of performance and economy but not necessarily value it appears.
As with any change, you would need to let your insurance company know. When the previous owner of my 90 changed it from petrol to Tdi, he had the logbook changed too.

I suppose it really depends what you want.
If it’s another LR engine (like for nearly like) Insurance would not be an issue, DVLA don’t really care just change the numbers it just takes time.

As for the value The major value is in the body of it really, chassis and other mechanical bits, not just the engine. Unless you are after something really original.

So without a few more details it’s hard to tell.


J

I'm looking to get a defender. Noticed that quite a few have has engine changes. One specifically that I liked has had a BMW engine fitted (m57 I think). Gear box also.. but price looks quite high for an early 90,s. I am working blind here, so any advice appreciated.

An M57 engine is a great engine change/improvement, much like dropping in an RV8. The real question is the condition of the rest of the Defender, its suspension, brakes, transmission and axles. Interiors are straight forward but what's the body/bulkhead really like?

Where's a link to the advert...

Alex1000 said:

I'm looking to get a defender. ............... but price looks quite high for an early 90,s. I am working blind here, so any advice appreciated.

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Prices of Defender's etc. do appear to have topped off but they are largely still way overpriced in my opinion. Each to their own, I guess if it's what a person wants then they need to pay the going rate.
Personally for me if I was after one it would need to be relatively standard trim, engine and box but then again, if I had up to 20k to spend on a truck, it wouldn't be spent on a Defender.

Engine swaps are nothing new, years ago, the montego/perkins engine was a popular choice
The key is how well it's been done and the overall condition of the rest of the car

I'd just add that an engine conversion can make a 90/110 much more driveable in modern traffic. The original 2.5d engines are much slower, and the turbo diesels have a reputation for overheating. A 90 with a Tdi is very driveable - even fun!
You really need to see and drive the vehicle - there are so many things to look for, and a current MoT is definitely not any guarantee of condition.

Early 90/110 converted to 200tdi is literally a bolt in swap, no fab work needed so cannot see it effecting value as it is easy to change back if needed.
As for other makes of engines, yes I can see that being an issue at some point, sale/insurance/parts etc.

A lot of people will swap out an engine but leave everything else original, not a massive issue but it leaves things a bit of a mess in the engine bay, then there are thinks like coolant pipes, exhaust down pipes etc etc, for instance, 300 tdi to lt77 , its easily dooable but the engine sits further back than factory spec to lots to fabricate.

I would be wary if I didnt know what to look for, even and perhaps especially if it was done by a garage.