Series 3 To turbo or not

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sev2000

Member
Posts
14
Location
County Antrim Northern Ireland
I am about to embark on a rebuild of a series 3 landrover, I would like to fit range rover difs and was hoping to fit a 200 tdi engine. I have heard varying opinions as to whether or not I should keep the turbo, some say that the series drive train will not handle the extra power, does anyone have opinions on this?
I am new to the forum, sorry if this as been discussed before.
 
From what I can gather, keeping the turbo provides more get up and go but complicates the fitting of the engine slightly. Also, although fuel economy should be better than your old engine it would be better still without the turbo. In my experience, turbos have a habit of going bang and not in a good way. So unless you know the service history of your doner engine, you are taking a risk. I think the extra power issue is only a real problem if you drive it like a nob. In which case get some spare half shafts. If it was me I would ditch the turbo because I'd always be worrying about it but on the other hand, without it, I would always be wishing I had kept it. What is most important to you, power or reliability.

Col
 
Without the turbo a 200di will be working hard to pull 3.5 diffs, Reliability with these engines isn't a massive issue so I would put the turbo on. Try using one from a 300 engine, apparently it's a bit easier to fit. The transmission will take the extra power so long as:
a. It's in reasonable nick &
b. You don't wang the wick out of it
 
You wont snap halfshafts unless you abuse the old girl

A 300 manifold and turbo (or 200 defender) will solve the fitiing issues but it can be done with a standard disco 200 manifold
 
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