2001 Discovery II 300tdi turbo diesel / R380 5-speed conversion

     Hi all -  This got wrapped up enough to be a driver a couple of weeks ago and I am lovin' it!   Actually enjoying most of the fancy luxuries that this top of the line Disco 2 offers,  I did not even know what I was missing before.     Although all the electronic do-dads and digital heater controls make me nervous (I am used to a mechanical knob or lever)  everything as far as creature comforts are concerned are working great. 

   I threw out the automatic transmission and thirsty/ problematic V8 engine and dropped in a very low-mileage 300tdi and R380 5-speed gearbox.  This thing has been starting perfectly on the first touch of the key lately, even way below freezing!    Runs super-strong,  actually feels 'fast' and getting great mileage.

    It is true that the actual conversion to diesel is not-that-difficult for me anymore,   and the small details are what really drag me down and become a time-suck -    So on this truck for example, the tachometer and temperature gauges do not work,  and many warning lights are lit up despite there being no troubles with the truck.     I had to de-activate/ remove the ACE active cornering system as there was nowhere easy to mount the required engine-driven pump for it.     For now the AC and cruise control are not hooked up either.   Descent control will never work with this engine,  but then again...  I am not fond of all those computer-aided gimmicks anyway and would never have enjoyed them,  I think.


    Stereo sounds amazing,   heater works,  as do door locks and wireless remote locking, so I am happy.     Interior is very nice, seats windows and sunroof all work perfectly.     Has the cool little fold-out seats in the back with seat belts for true 7-passenger seating.     Body looks very nice on this truck, paint is great with the exception of a scratch or two.   No accident damage or rust.  Engine conversion looks factory-correct.     A lot of fun to drive and it has been great lately in the ice and snow we have had,  but I would honestly like a new set of tires.     Since I am on the fence about keeping the truck right now,  not sure I want to invest the 6-700 dollars for nice winter tires. 

    About the only other problems with the truck are that the windshield has a few cracks and chips,  and the windshield squirters are not working.  Yet.    I am very busy wrapping up a couple of other trucks right now and do not have any time at all to look into the small fixes like AC/  Cruise at this time, and that does not bother me at all... I am happy driving this truck now as-is!

      We also finished a Td5 conversion into a Discovery 2 recently,   that turned out great.      A lot more effort and money,   but the end result feels very modern and smooth,  not necessarily much more powerful though.    All those ECUs make me nervous too like I said...   but for those of you who may want one, we can help you out.