Howdy Land Rover Enthusiasts - I get a lot of messages every day asking : What engine is better/ which do I want? 200tdi? 300tdi? A) How much does labor cost for a diesel conversion, B) Can I buy just a 200/300 tdi engine, my transmission is working just fine, C) How difficult is it to convert my V8 engine Rover to tdi power? and D) How do I convert my Land Rover to diesel myself? What are the steps involved?
I am going to try to answer these questions here, and most importantly, provide step-by-step instructions to do this conversion yourself. Please check back in to this entry from time to time, because I am going to be updating it with some frequency from now on with more pictures, more steps, and more information/ instruction as time allows. While I do not claim to be an expert on the subject, this is mainly because I try to display a modicum of modesty from time to time, but I will say I have now personally converted a good number of these trucks to diesel. These engines are difficult to source and get a hold of, so I doubt too many other people in North America have had the opportunity to work on them or do this job themselves.
Let's start with the easy questions : 200tdi or 300tdi? A) Depends on what it is going into - Most people here in the US are mis-informed as to which engine is 'better' , although some bulletin-board-bozos (mainly from the Defender Source) like to make claims that the 300tdi is a better, or more powerful engine (It must be about one hundred better!), but this is ignorance talking. - These are in essence the same engine with same power, fuel economy, and reliability, but those folks who know from experience (Owners in the UK) will swear by the 200tdi. There are 2 versions of the 200tdi engine, the Defender version will fit right into a 90, 110 or Series truck without modifying the chassis mounts. The Discovery/ Range Rover version will fit - you guessed it - The Range Rover Classic or Discovery 1 very easily and tidily, having to cut the front motor mounts and weld in the correct ones. The 300tdi has been updated with serpentine belt, cheaper/easier-to-replace water pump, and a more modern look, and is a standardized engine across Range Rover/ Discovery and Defender applications. In all cases chassis motor mounts will have to be cut and welded. I am not here to argue, and price for kits and installation will be the same to you, so I effectively do not have a dog in this hunt. Listen to the bozos or folks who know a thing or two. I will provide more reasons here / pros-cons soon...
What does the labor cost for this conversion ? A) You should email or call me to discuss - There is a bit of variance on what vehicle you want to have converted - Discovery 1 or Discovery 2? Defender or Series rig? Automatic or Manual gearbox? Cruise/ AC etc hooked up or not? As a rule however, figure on budgeting several thousand dollars.
You want the engine only? A) Yes, you can buy 'just' the 200tdi or 300tdi engine, but it will not bolt up to your transmission, if your transmission was bolted to a V8 engine . Bellhousings are different. Input shafts different. The money you would save is negligible. I sell kits complete with all the parts removed from the same donor truck, they come with matching transmissions, to remove the transmission from the kit would only save maybe $500. Not worth it. You will want this transmission later, trust me.
How difficult is the engine swap? A) About a 6 on the difficulty scale, in my opinion. The swaps take me about a week, and I have done many now. I will outline the procedures in this post following now - - - You should have a shop space, lift/ forklift/ chain hoist and tools. And patience. And at least a little mechanical aptitude.
INSTRUCTIONS COMING NEXT..... This is just a place-setter post.
