I have just agreed to purchase a low mileage (68,000) 98 Disco and have it transported from AZ to MO. I intend to pull the V8(rod knock) and auto trans to install a TDi with 5 speed.

Does anyone have any advice or other thoughts?

THanks in advance!

Terry
St. Louis, MO

 

What engine are you going to use?
Do you already have one?

 

Plan to use the 300 series with the R380. Right now am looking to purchase rebuilt items from Land Rover Import.

 

Let us know how it goes and what the cost is.
Typically the cost is to much and it cant be done.
A used 300tdi tends to go for $3500-5000.
I have no idea what a LR 5 speed will cost.
You will need the tdi ECU also.
As well as a intercooler, new exhaust, fuel lines, etc.
It can be done, but usually it costs upwards of $10,000.

 

I realized when I headed in this direction it was going to be expensive. I am figuring $7500 ish for everything supplied from Land Rover Import. Everything is either new or rebuilt. They sell almost complete conversion "kits." I will have to do a custom exhaust as well as custom power steering hoses and a clutch line. Those are not difficult tasks. Including the cost of the vehicle itself, I figure I will be into it for about 10K.

However, when I am done I should have a very nice and reliable yet very fun vehicle. The AZ Disco is in excellent condition inside and out. It is an LSE model with a clean carfax history. Aside from the spun rod bearing in the engine, the vehicle is tip top. It is a perfect candidate for a TDi conversion.

I will be selling the auto trans for a few hundred and plan to keep the complete 4.0 to rebuild as a potential upgrade in my Triumph TR8.

I'll keep you posted, but do not see this being a difficult project at all.

 

When I bought my parts truck I spoke with Mike at Britrest and he told me TDi conversion kits usually come around 4000$ to 6000$ for the whole powertrain, including the t-case. But you have to replace a whole bunch of things under the truck. The motor mounts, the crossmember, the whole exhaust line, you will have to splice the wire harness for your new engine, unless you use the 200TDi you will also have to replace the throttle cable. And if I remember right early 300TDi don't have an ECU.

I'm seriously thinking about doing the conversion with a 200TDi when my V8 will give up. 1000km with a single tank is not bad for a 4600lbs truck. Keep us posted on your work, a good write-up with pictures would be awesome.

 

I'll do my best to document everything and post it. I will be ordering the "kit" this month and maybe as early as tomorrow. I havent ruled out a 200TDi. I need to do a just a little more research first.

And yes, swapping the mounts and crossmember is required.

 

Silly question, I know, but have you checked with your state to see if you can even register it once you throw a diesel in it?

 

Licensing in the rural counties of Missouri does not require emission testing. My family has some property in one of them where I can register it.

By the way, I spoke with Duncan at Land Rover Import today. With the exhaust, radiator, intercooler, fully rebuilt assemblies and other odds and ends with shipping it is going to be $8100. A bit more than I anticipated. However, I was told the rig would be worth $13,000 to $15,000 after the conversion is complete. Not doing it to sell, so it really doesnt matter.

The only fabrication will be with the engine mount brackets, but I dont expect that to be a great challenge.

Also, there is no ECU for the engine. And of course the 5 speed trans is not electronically controlled either. IMHO, for this kind of vehicle, simple is better.

 

look forward to the photos and write up