What engines fit? What about a.......????

Disco Moneypit said:

So, the 300tdi lump is a great big boat anchor. It's not very powerfull, certainly not very economical and isn't very light.

Having driven several modern diesels over the past year or so, it really shows up just how bad the 300tdi lump really is. So what else will fit?

I'm wondering just how difficult it would be to fit something like a modern Ford / VAG / PSA / BMW / Honda lump to a Disco?

On the plus side there is plenty of room in there.

On the down side I can think of the following.....

Mating the gearbox. It would be a lot easier to keep the T5 box, so that brings the problem of mating the new engine to the original box. With the T5 being a Ford box I wonder if Mondeos and Focus's still use this box?

Next thing is all the electrics and ECU that modern diesels use? Thats going to be one hell of a wiring job would it?


I just want to point out that I am not suggesting that I am about to go out and do such a conversion, I'm more kinda window shopping. But, you never know, and I'd be interested to hear the point of view of others relating to this subject.

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thebiglad said:

I think this is flawed from the outset.

My reasoning is this:

1. Modern common rail diesel engines are superbly efficient at pulling what they pull ie small modern aerodynamic family cars. They are not built to slug 2200kgs of non-aerodynamic brick around.

2. The general feasibility of such a transplant seems unrealistic when you considor, as you pointed out, the level of complexity of the control systems inherent in these modern designs.

3. 111 - 120bhp and 2200kgs do not make for an efficient vehicle. Aerodynamics of a brick to do not make efficent vehicles.
However, in it's class I would argue that it is one of the MOST efficient vehicles you can get.

4. You refer to a gearbox you call a T5 and say it comes from Ford - don't understand the connection?? The gearbox in TDi 300's is the Land Rover R380.


We have two TDi 300's and both of them deliver class-leading mpg figures of 33-35mpg in daily use and nearer to 40mpg on a gentle run (60mph).

The problem is that we are bombarded with info about the latest Mondeo, Citroen/Peugeot etc etc which supposedly delivers 50-60mpg. Well Disco's don't!! If that's what you need more than anything else - buy one.

However, if you need to carry up to 7 people in good comfort, tow up to 3500kgs, get off-road to find you fun - I reckon TDi300's are prety much unbeatable.

I understand that you wanted to start a conversation, well there's my bit of chat

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