S3 TDI conversion - some help required

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GSF 109

GSF 109

Well-Known Member
Posts
790
Location
Scotlandshire
Hi all,

this query has probably been done to death on this forum, but I was hoping that someone might be able to give me a steer anyway.
I have a disco 200tdi which I plan to put into a s3 lwb and I would still like to use the original turbo.
I am not at the point where I am ready to install, but just wanted to see if anyone has managed this without swapping turbos etc and what’s involved? Cheers :)
 
GSF 109 said:
Hi all,

this query has probably been done to death on this forum, but I was hoping that someone might be able to give me a steer anyway.
I have a disco 200tdi which I plan to put into a s3 lwb and I would still like to use the original turbo.
I am not at the point where I am ready to install, but just wanted to see if anyone has managed this without swapping turbos etc and what’s involved? Cheers :)
Click to expand...
Info and parts here:
https://www.steveparkers.com/conversions/

However having had a Tdi Series, which I loved. I'd say put a V8 in it. The Tdi is very unrefined and noisy in a Series and you'll not make it otherwise.
 
GSF 109 said:
Hi all,

this query has probably been done to death on this forum, but I was hoping that someone might be able to give me a steer anyway.
I have a disco 200tdi which I plan to put into a s3 lwb and I would still like to use the original turbo.
I am not at the point where I am ready to install, but just wanted to see if anyone has managed this without swapping turbos etc and what’s involved? Cheers :)
Click to expand...
Can't you take the entire manifold and swap it over?
You will need an overdrive and/or 3.54 diffs otherwise you'll go deaf.
 
Doesn't the discovery 200tdi turbo hit the chassis on a LWB?
Usual solution is to fit 300tdi manifolds and Turbo , or really expensive defender manifolds.
 
Thanks for all your comments - very helpful! I have since found that the best way of getting round the turbo and downpipe hitting the chassis is to use the manifolds and turbo from a 200tdi defender. Although they seem to be ridiculously overpriced on eBay. I guess everyone wants them for exactly this reason! :rolleyes:
 
Not read all of the steve Parker bits
But turning the turbo round a bit and fitting some spacers under engine mounts does not sound too hard
A1541424-9255-4463-BA15-62B4E4A64845.jpeg
04E16B0F-F6AA-4DA3-B2DD-3ACCDE757A10.jpeg
 
GSF 109 said:
Thanks for all your comments - very helpful! I have since found that the best way of getting round the turbo and downpipe hitting the chassis is to use the manifolds and turbo from a 200tdi defender. Although they seem to be ridiculously overpriced on eBay. I guess everyone wants them for exactly this reason! :rolleyes:
Click to expand...
Seriously, before you get too far. Consider a V8, it will go better, be nicer to drive, sound great and be so much more refined. This is coming from someone who is a current Tdi owner in an 88 and has previously put a Tdi in another Series. And whatever you do, don't consider a Di swap (Tdi with no turbo). It is the most pointless conversion ever as you'll still have all the unrefinement but about 70hp +- and no torque.
 
300bhp/ton said:
Seriously, before you get too far. Consider a V8, it will go better, be nicer to drive, sound great and be so much more refined. This is coming from someone who is a current Tdi owner in an 88 and has previously put a Tdi in another Series. And whatever you do, don't consider a Di swap (Tdi with no turbo). It is the most pointless conversion ever as you'll still have all the unrefinement but about 70hp +- and no torque.
Click to expand...
I do like a v8, and have put them into some different cars over the years, but I have the tdi already and it just needs some gaskets, a belt and it’s ready to go. I dare say, if I had more money to burn, then a v8 would be a better choice. I’ve just bought some new second row doors and am needing sills, b pillar repairs and a c pillar repair, so the budget is well and truly burst!
 
GSF 109 said:
I do like a v8, and have put them into some different cars over the years, but I have the tdi already and it just needs some gaskets, a belt and it’s ready to go. I dare say, if I had more money to burn, then a v8 would be a better choice. I’ve just bought some new second row doors and am needing sills, b pillar repairs and a c pillar repair, so the budget is well and truly burst!
Click to expand...
No worries :) understand were you are coming from. Just to be aware you may not like the noise of the vehicle when you are done. IMO a Series Tdi will never be as refined as a Defender with a Tdi and by some margin. I tried really hard with my Series III, but it was still bloody noisy. My current 88 I've spent a lot of effort adding sound deadening material to pretty much every bit of metal I can stick it too, plus other things. And it is still way louder inside than my brothers F Ninety that runs a 200Tdi and he has a side exit exhaust just behind the passengers door.

Also had a friend with a V8 80", he put a Tdi in for the mpg. Lasted about 6 months before he'd had enough of the noise and went back to a V8.

I guess your Tdi engine is worth about the same an RV8 if you did decide to go that route.
 
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