Classic Should I install 3.5 V8 or 300 TDI??

Hi all,
Not been on here for a while, unfortunately health reasons has kept me away from the Range Rover scene! Anyway, after some very good news I can hopefully put that behind me! Bit of time on my hands so have acquired a 1993 RRC. Needs welding in usual places but not too bad. Originally a 3.9 but converted to a 300 tdi, but the engine and gearbox has been removed and sold. I have a 'parts car' a 88 RRC with a 3.5 V8 auto and on LPG.
So, do I just put in the V8 or source a good 300 tdi and auto box (car was manual but want to go auto). Presume will be worth more with the tdi?
Opinions please!

The choice between V8 and 300 Tdi is quite an easy one IMHO. V8 !! - unless you are doing lots of miles..... the choice between LPG'd V8 and 300 Tdi is even easier - even if you are doing lots of miles - V8. YMMV.

And I say this as someone who has a tuned 300 Tdi auto D1. I would much rather have a V8 - but electronics don't like the climate up here high in the pennines. Sadly we have learn't this the hard, and expensive way.

I do like the V8's, have had a couple before. I've had the engine running and seems ok, apart from a little tuning. I don't know the mileage unfortunately and have not had it running on gas, but it's all there. Even thought about sourcing a 3.9 to keep it more original but with already having the 3.5 probably not worth it. Not sure if it would be a keeper so would be looking at the option to give me the best return.

If you want auto - go V8....the 300Tdis mated to an autobox were tuned and used EDC to mask the loses in the torque converter.

I am a MASSIVE V8 fan, but currently running a pair of 300Tdi 110's at the moment which I am loving the simplicity of....given the choice I'd have a LPG'd V8 in the 110, but needing to de-stress my life and make things simple I have opted for the 300Tdi as it is a simple engine that doesn't rely on electronics to keep running....just 12V to the stop solenoid and a starter motor - that's it!!

Saint.V8 said:

If you want auto - go V8....the 300Tdis mated to an autobox were tuned and used EDC to mask the loses in the torque converter.

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Agreed. EDC is crap now, due the non availability of the parts. I took mine orft for this reason. (#4 injector coil had failed = rough running, excessive fuel use, and MOT fail due the MIL light on )....and..... fitted a full width IC and tuned pump - which gives it 145 HP , and none of the complexity of the electronic sh*t. The other thing you can do is to change the TC to the larger one - used in the V8 (!!) - which is better, wastes less, but costs !! This is on my to do list

V8 with LPG. No brainer.

As the past/present owner of four V8 Classics I am naturally bias
As to future value it would probably be worth more as a diesel with a manual 'box & if already converted previously a lot of the conversion work will have already been done. In the case of these cars it really depends on the level of work needed on the structure, those produced from the intro. of the Disco in '89 tend to suffer the worse corrosion.

I have a 92 classic, originally a 3.9 v8 but now a 200 tdi manual, which I've had for 6 years. It's been off the road for nearly 2 years for body repairs, now completely sorted and rot free! Some useful information, thank you, so really if auto go v8...makes sense I suppose. I don't mind manual with a diesel, already have one, just thought it might be a nice change. I do think a RRC with a tdi would be worth more, but I have to take into account buying a scrap disco, about £500, for the engine, gearbox etc....whereas I already have the 3.5 still in the parts car, wouldn't be too much trouble to change to auto as have all the bits I need.

Fit the v8 as it is cost free and will be fun to do. It will need the engine mounts changed back as 300tdi will have needed mods. Value will be better with 300tdi and manual as the combi is popular. 300tdi manual was the only one i was interested in owning.

Gmacz said:

Fit the v8 as it is cost free and will be fun to do. It will need the engine mounts changed back as 300tdi will have needed mods. Value will be better with 300tdi and manual as the combi is popular. 300tdi manual was the only one i was interested in owning.

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That may change as the diesel mafia gains traction. V8 with LPG will be low tax and reasonable running costs.

That's a very good point, soon all diesel owners will be chased out of their village with pitchforks!!

rangie1998 said:

That's a very good point, soon all diesel owners will be chased out of their village with pitchforks!!

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They can feccking try......

V8 with LPG anyday. Wished I kept mine but due to family issues had to let the luxury go for a yoohoo gaylander with a limp wrist from rsi due hairdressing.

Saint.V8 said:

They can feccking try......

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Ha ha, I'd be in trouble too....200 tdi RRC and D5 Volvo. Would have to use my V8 90 more....oh wait there's a good reason I don't...I can't blo*dy afford to!!

rangie1998 said:

Ha ha, I'd be in trouble too....200 tdi RRC and D5 Volvo. Would have to use my V8 90 more....oh wait there's a good reason I don't...I can't blo*dy afford to!!

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V8 90s are like hens teeth if in decent condition. Safer not moving!

Grrrrrr said:

V8 90s are like hens teeth if in decent condition. Safer not moving!

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I bought it last year from a friend, more of an investment really. Done less than a 100 miles in it! Its in good condition and has had a lot of money spent on it but just needs tidying, especially the interior. It has the 3.9 v8 from my RRC, which I sold to my friend when I put in the 200 tdi. Auto box and axles from a disco 1.

Why would you not go with a v8, lpg is a real bonus then

Well the purchase of the L reg RRC fell through....but actually turned out to be a good thing as I have bought another which I have always wanted! Its quite rare as only made for 1 year. Its a 1984 Vogue in Bronze, been stood for a while and will need restoring but don't think it's too bad. Unfortunately couldn't view it before purchase so it is a bit of a gamble! Was in production from June '84 to Oct '85 and available in silver or bronze. Don't think I've seen one in bronze before. Will be putting in my 3.5 V8 as it has a perkins engine at the moment which will be coming out! I'll post some pics when I've collected it.

That will be good & will restore a rare Classic to original as there can't be many of that short production run left. Wasn't that the one that originally had a picnic hamper included in it's accessories? I'm not sure if it's original V8 would have been on carbs or EFI as the latter system was introduced in October '85.

norseman said:

That will be good & will restore a rare Classic to original as there can't be many of that short production run left. Wasn't that the one that originally had a picnic hamper included in it's
accessories? I'm not sure if it's original V8 would have been on carbs or EFI as the latter system was introduced in October '85.

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As far as I've been able to find out it would have originally been on carbs, and EFI was introduced Oct 85. Not sure about the picnic hampers, think they were on a Vogue model in light blue but not sure what years this was in production. This one is the very first with the updated dash and seats. Was registered in July 84 so also at the start of the production run. Hoping to sell the Perkins engine, there's an exact same one on eBay for £1,200, don't think it's worth that but if I could get £500 I'd be happy.