Advice on new engine for Freelander 1 petrol convertible

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J

James Brake

New Member
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5
Hi all, first post!

I have acquired a 2004, 1.8 petrol, XEi, 3-door

My aim is to turn it into an off-roader

The head has blown so I need a new engine. Could anyone recommend the finest cheapest replacement please? Could the V6 lump be put in?

Thanks in advance for your help!
 
James Brake said:
Hi all, first post!

I have acquired a 2004, 1.8 petrol, XEi, 3-door

My aim is to turn it into an off-roader

The head has blown so I need a new engine. Could anyone recommend the finest cheapest replacement please? Could the V6 lump be put in?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Click to expand...
Either repair the engine, or replace it with an identical unit.
Anything else will be much more work. It is theoretically possible to install a KV6, but it's not happy in the tight confines of the engine bay, a suffers head gasket failure as a result. Also the gearbox would need to be swapped for the V6 auto, or a custom 5 speed manual box made up, as the V6 wasn't available as a manual.
 
biketeacherdave said:
So you want to convert an off road capable car into an off road capable car...... :vb-groan:
Click to expand...
Oh dear. I have a car with no engine, no prop shaft, lots of rusty broken bits. If I am bothering to repair it, I would like to have some fun and learn along the way. Apologies if this offended you, killjoy.
 
Nodge68 said:
Either repair the engine, or replace it with an identical unit.
Anything else will be much more work. It is theoretically possible to install a KV6, but it's not happy in the tight confines of the engine bay, a suffers head gasket failure as a result. Also the gearbox would need to be swapped for the V6 auto, or a custom 5 speed manual box made up, as the V6 wasn't available as a manual.
Click to expand...
Great knowledge, thank you, appreciated
 
The diesel struggles off road without low range to get up steep hills so the petrol will be worse.
For green laning or off road racing racing they are good but not so much for extreme off roading.
 
James Brake said:
Hi all, first post!

I have acquired a 2004, 1.8 petrol, XEi, 3-door

My aim is to turn it into an off-roader

The head has blown so I need a new engine. Could anyone recommend the finest cheapest replacement please? Could the V6 lump be put in?

Thanks in advance for your help!
Click to expand...
Honestly, same goal over here, more for green-laning than "off roading" the freelander would not handle it, but if you're up to the task chuck in the same engine, you could probably get an early pre-2001 engine for cheaper, I've got a guide on how to switch the 1.8 between the 2 versions (Wasted Spark/Coil Packs and Distributor) should you need it to convert the engine: https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-ro...ed-spark-to-distributor-or-visa-versa.394865/

Honestly, working with the small engine in the bay of the Freelander was great I'm 21 and I did it and the car works! Sure I made mistakes but if you want a serious off roader, get something else 😂 Fun green lane days? This engine will get you by without an issue, maybe put some bricks in it though, don't want it floating down the river... and treat 'er right or learn how to get the cylinder head off very quickly!

Good luck and have fun!
 
It has no centre prop because the vcu is nackerd, the engine is nackerd etc etc as said buy a working car and save your self the expense and grief. Not a killjoy just a reality check.
If you come onto a forum asking for help and advice you won't always like the advice given take it on the chin grow some thick skin and deal with it.....
 
@James Brake as others have said rebuild or replace with another 1.8 is the easiest approach. Then sort the IRD & Prop, etc. A donor car would help you a lot & potentially provide many bits you're gonna need or break off-road.

Also this forum site is awash with friendly banter, so best get used to it. Have a look at this thread for example !!
 
pwood999 said:
@James Brake as others have said rebuild or replace with another 1.8 is the easiest approach. Then sort the IRD & Prop, etc. A donor car would help you a lot & potentially provide many bits you're gonna need or break off-road.

Also this forum site is awash with friendly banter, so best get used to it. Have a look at this thread for example !!
Click to expand...
Erm, the car he has sounds like a parts car for a working, but tatty one he buys.

Erm, scrub that. Without an engine, props and presumably a box and other bits, it probably not even a decent parts car.

Erm, scrub that. Best have a chat with @Alibro and turn it into the first Freelander EV built as an offroader. Would need to bolt the motor to the diff though and get another diff and motor for the front.
 
biketeacherdave said:
It has no centre prop because the vcu is nackerd, the engine is nackerd etc etc as said buy a working car and save your self the expense and grief. Not a killjoy just a reality check.
Click to expand...
Here are the facts. I have tracks all expenses I have made on this car (excluding Fuel, Insurance and Road Tax) on just repairs and making it ready for green-laning. feel free to guess how much but It just below anyway.

I replaced / repaired.

Head gasket
Engine
Gearbox
Skid Plate
Various Bolts
VCU
Driveshafts
Brakes all around
Oil changes (for replacement engine)
Exhaust
Radio
Steering wheel / Airbag / Clock Spring
Lift Kit
Oil Pan
And many other parts (Gaskets, bolts etc etc)
Tools (For the Landrover only, this does not include tools I use on other cars)

What still needs doing?
Sun roof
Emission issues
No MOT
Brakes aren't working right
Tyres are cracking
Struts are going out
Top mounts have play
Changing all Brake lines to Stainless Steel

I have spent so far £4081.30 Want a completely different engine, 10x that number 😂
Remember No insurance, tax or fuel / other costs are included though I have probably forgot some parts

I didn't buy the car for a "Cheap run around" I bought it so I could learn to fix these things and sometimes I use it for green-laning and it is great with my trailer! I suggest expectations should be set to the absolute minimum.

Sorry if this sounded harsh! :)
 
A decent FL1 should be between £1k and £2k for a low mileage example so the only reason to throw money at one is for the fun of doing it. I was talking to a guy yesterday who has bought a clean 2003 HSE with 70k for £1300
 
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