200 TDI TO V8 Conversion

Im looking at converting my 1987 90 from a 200tdi to a 3.5 litre V8 from a range rover. I know you can get the kits for it, but is there anything else that i will need and what needs modifying on the 90?

Peter

You will need to move the engine mounts. Best bet is to see if you can cut the V8 mounts off the donor.

You will also need to swap gearboxes too. The LT77 (I assume ) behind the Tdi has a shorter bellhousing and input shaft and IIRC the V8 will be a bit too far back and will hit the bulkhead.

If you are going this route and have the RRC avaliable then I would suggest using the box from that......espcially if it is an auto. More work involved but they are the brilliant combination off road.

Oh yes, you will also have loom, fuel plumping and exhaust issues to consider too. But as I say if you have the donor on hand, not too much difficulty in that.

thanks andy, what about the radiator and cooling? or is it, remove everything from the range rover and fit into the engine bay of the 90?

defender1990 said:

remove everything from the range rover and
fit into the engine bay of the 90?

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Actaully that would pretty much cover it!

I would probably be inclined to stick with the Tdi rad if it is good nick. IIRC the RRC V8 rad is fairly wide and may well not fit very well inside the 90 engine bay.

Just my 2p worth, but I've helped someone do this conversion on a Defender a couple of years ago, but it was a conversion from the early TD engine. We kept the original radiator and used an electric fan, and the cooling was more than adequate on that.

Can i reuse the 200tdi's engine mounts and just move them to suit the new engine? as ive only been able to get hold of an engine and gearbox instead of a donor. Also can anyone out there tell me if i can use the glowplug wire on the coil, if not which is the best wire to use?

Peter

The engine mounts are different between the two engines, but they are not hard to make. Some 5/6mm plate will be good enough.

defender1990 said:

Also can anyone out there tell me if i can use the glowplug wire on the coil, if not which is the best wire to use?

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Use the fuel solenoid cut off wire, this one is live with the ignition.

why would you want to do this????????

can i have the tdi please ?

ill put the TDI on Ebay and post a link to the auction here when its up there.

iannotts said:

why would you want to do this????????

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My thoughts exactly!

Recession? What recession!

A 2.5 TDI engine isn't exactly frugal, so a 3.5 V8 must return 15 - 18 mpg on highways surely?!!

yeah, i reckon my around town driving is getting me 22mpg ish in the 200tdi, and i dont mind paying a bit more for the sound of a V8 gorging itself on the contents of my fuel tank.
The only thing im currently struggeling with is that the gearbox off the V8 is a range rover one which will not fit.

i am about to fit a 3.9 efi auto on gas in my 110 (g reg) currently 200 auto
i recommend it and should be worth it for the fun afterwards if economy isn't a issue
mine is a toy

BuzzLand said:

My thoughts exactly!

Recession? What recession!

A 2.5 TDI engine isn't exactly frugal, so a 3.5 V8 must return 15 - 18 mpg on highways surely?!!

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More like 10 to 12 in my experience.

i been running v8 3.9 efi on gas and it cost £26 (to fill gas tanks)empty to full,
and that took me from dudley west midlands to huddersfield west yorks at 90 with some gas left over i was happy with that (gas @ 60.9 ppl)