big red

big red

Active Member
Evening all, I'm after a bit of advice.

Today I've been offered a tidy RRC with a very dead engine, but otherwise in good condition. I've also got a work colleague with a 300tdi Disco which has just badly failed it's MOT on corrosion.
I'm tempted to get them both, with the thought of the engine and gearbox from the Disco going into the Range Rover.
So I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who's done this conversion to get as much info on the details of what is involved as possible.
Thanks
 
Put a 200tdi disco engine in my 89 classic after the vm blew up, had to cut the engine mounts off chassis and make and weld in new ones but I guess you could cut them out the disco. Mine had the borg warner transfer box so use`d the disco gearbox onto the B/W transfer box, had to reshape the bulkhead a little to clear the cylinder head and few other bits and pieces but do able.
 
Its best to ask first as to be honest it can sometimes ne more hassle than its worth, unless you enjoy it.
I put a Diahatsu diesel in a classic Range Rover a few years ago, its was a straightforward is swap as it had a different Diahatsu in already but still took a couple of days as it was mainly wiring and pipe issues
 
If the structure is good why not drop a used V8 in or rebuild the original ?
Why buy a RRC if you want a tractor o_O
 
norseman said:
If the structure is good why not drop a used V8 in or rebuild the original ?
Why buy a RRC if you want a tractor o_O
Click to expand...
I have to agree........................ plus you'll kick yourself when good ORIGINAL rrc's are making silly money - which won't be long....................
 
Not the way fuel prices are going and diesel is now the devils juice, if anything diesel is going to go up in price - anyway the long term appreciation of a classic will offset that. Then think of all the costs and time spent on the conversion - it'll take some time/miles to get your money back.........................
 
Very valid points folks. Now I've properly thought about it I've realised what a daft idea it sounds!
 
Another one saved! You'll not be sorry - even if you just tuck it away in a barn as it is it'll still be better than money in the bank..........................
 
I guess you must like the thought of 15/16 mpg out of the V8 instead of 28/30 mpg out of a 300 tdi then.
 
It's all about the long game................ there is a genuine photo of TWO Bugattis banger racing in the 1950's - I bet the family of that racer wish they had them now....................... originality is all/everything. Don't convert a classic - buy a 2.5 P38.........................
 
waldamar said:
It's all about the long game................ there is a genuine photo of TWO Bugattis banger racing in the 1950's - I bet the family of that racer wish they had them now....................... originality is all/everything. Don't convert a classic - buy a 2.5 P38.........................
Click to expand...
A friend of mine who is in his 70s remembers being offered an Aston Martin for £1000 in the mid 70s, just needed sills, but not every car will go up in value but most will
 
winchman said:
Would a V8 not be more difficult to sell in future? I like them but just couldn't keep up with the fuel
Click to expand...

Then buy a eurobox :rolleyes: If the difference in fuel consumption between a V8 & a knocker is your key issue chances are you won't 'keep up' with the upkeep.
Sorry, but that's the reality of the situation. I've owned four RRC's & because I have to use an 'indie' to maintain them I've become an expert on what they cost :(
 
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