Series 1 109 Engine Conversion - 2.25p or 200DI

Morning all,

I know the 2.25 petrol vs 200tdi/di debate has been around for some time but I can't find anything that relates to a Series 1 specifically.
I have just bought a 109" pick up that is currently fitted with an ex military 2.25 diesel, as I'm not familiar with this engine, naturally I've been flicking through various forums to find reviews; It would seem that there aren't many favourable comments regarding this powerplant and, despite the fact I haven't had chance to make my own mind up yet only driving it the once, I'm very inclined to swap it for a 2.25 petrol or a tdi minus the turbo (had a tdi in an 88" 2a a few years ago that I believe made the gearbox a little 'notchy' - it did do 25,000 miles in two years mind).
Whilst I won't be using this vehicle for commuting I will be using it for any social activity and so expect I'll be covering upwards of 8000 miles per year. I believe both engines are fairly hassle free and the tdi's I have owned in the past were both fantastically reliable, plus I didn't mind the noise. I don't have any direct experience with the petrol but have only heard good things about it although I understand it doesn't achieve the greatest mpg. I need to make a decision imminently as the car is going to my local garage this Saturday for a two week overhaul and therefore labour costs are also a factor. If memory serves correctly I don't think the tdi could be mated to the original S1 gearbox however that isn't an issue as this features a S3 box with 2a bellhousing.
Any advice would be appreciated.

On that sort of mileage I think 200tdi with a recon series 3 box.

My 107” Series One tray back now has an ACR 2.25l petrol engine after breaking its original 2l . It has certainly got a lot more poke than the old engine and can keep up with modern traffic . However, it is not like a normal 2.25l . The fuel consumption is definitely not great .

Before putting the 2.25l in to it I was considering converting to a 200TDI , but as I already had the petrol engine in another Series One the decision was made easier . If I hadn’t had the 2.25l already I would probably have gone down the TDI route . Decent engine mounts and copious amounts of sound proofing would be pretty high up on the list of things to do to make it more bearable . If you are changing the engine in any case ,a later gearbox , even an LT77, would make sense .

There are a number of relevant threads on the Land Rover Series One Club Forum .https://www.lrsoc.com/forum/index.php.

What do you want from the vehicle?

2.25p is under powered, smooth. Very slow and will drink like a fish.

Personally a 200Di is the most pointless engine conversion ever conceived. Might as well stick with a 2.5NAD as the Tdi will be less refined and make **** all power/torque compared to having a turbo fitted. I’d say a 19j 2.5TD makes way more sense than a Di.

However I’d say the best engine swap is probably a Rover V8. Likely as good or better mpg than a 2.25p but way more torque and power and a supreme sound track.

It really wasn’t all that many years ago that you couldn’t give 2.25p engines away. I mean literally give. Good working examples would not sell even for £25!!!!!!

Suddenly though there is this mass delusion that they are the engine to have. They were under powered when new. If you really must, at least source the latter 2.5p

If the car concerned is the one in your avatar, you have a very rare vehicle. If it was me, I’d be looking for a 2 litre engine and putting it back to original spec. Each to his own.

Having had 28 Landrovers, I can say that the 2.25 petrol has adequate power for that truck, it will happily sit at 55 - 60 on a good road. As for fuel, if it isn’t doing 18 MPG then there is something wrong with the dizzy or carby. These engines are basically bullet proof. If you want a little more power, and freer reving engine, then fit it with extractors, a 2” exhaust, Weber carby and Pertronix electronic distributor. Having done all of that, set the timing at 10 degrees BTDC dynamic and run it on 98 octane. You will be amazed at the difference a few basic mods like that can make.

I like my two and a quarter diesel.

I’ve never been late enough for anything to consider going bigger.

Just drive it as it is, why do any work or spend money that might not be needed?

Agree with lynall on that the diesel should do 25 on a fast (ish) long slog and about 29 pottering
Fit an overdrive , and should cruise comfortably 50mph , I fitted a 200di to mine and it’s not all about power, prob does about same mpg , but starts on first turn , no oil dripping and less smoke , I have see a series 1 in LRO mag a while ago and owner very happy

lynall said:

Just drive it as it is, why do any work or spend money that might not be needed?

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Agree with that. If it runs, and is reasonably safe to drive, why go looking for trouble.

Just use it until there is a problem, worry about it then.

steve2286w said:

Agree with lynall on that the diesel should do 25 on a fast (ish) long slog and about 29 pottering
Fit an overdrive , and should cruise comfortably 50mph , I fitted a 200di to mine and it’s not all about power, prob does about same mpg , but starts on first turn , no oil dripping and less smoke , I have see a series 1 in LRO mag a while ago and owner very happy

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No oil drips, you obviously rebuilt that engine wrong

lynall said:

No oil drips, you obviously rebuilt that engine wrong

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constant loss system saves on buying filters

Rich.

lynall said:

No oil drips, you obviously rebuilt that engine wrong

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Yes but the gearboxes make up for it

At 8000mls a year a petrol could be costly....and then there is the E10 prob....but the petrol would be more in keeping.
I have a 200DI in my 88" S3.....seen some very odd comments about being a waste of time...all I can say....you should try one.

Looks quite in keeping under a series hood.....and not having a turbo keeps it more in-keeping....you dont want to see a turbo under the hood of a S1 do you....or a S2 or 3 for that matter

The 200 without the turbo has bags of power and is a bit more economic the the turbo version.....should last for ever in its unstressed state.

Its quieter that a turbo version.....mine returns 40mpg plus on a run....going to be less than 20mpg with the petrol.

Another plus with the 20DI.....no costly turbo to fail on you.....simple exhaust plumbing....if you can find a 2.25d exh manifold....the 2.5d one would do at a push.....last time I looked 2.25d exh manifold were very hard to find.

the only problem with a 200tdi is finding a decent one for sensible money

Rich.

"the only problem with a 200tdi is finding a decent one for sensible money"

Rich.

Petrol's are quite pricy as well now as well.