Seems like a great way to make a great vehicle even....well...greater. What engines are optimal for a conversion? Is it possible to import a LR diesel?

 

You can find video sites where guys have put Mercedes diesels in, and one member here has an on-going project to install one in his, he is part way thru the process. Your D2 will start sounding like a diesel with a tick any day anyway.

 

Oh God not another diesel thread, do a search, tons of info.
Yes you can import a LR diesel, you will also need a Land Rover diesel transmission.
You are looking at about $10,000 to do this swap.
Also if you have emissions testing in your area you wont pass because the VIN# will not match the engine.

 

Go to Germany.
Buy a Diesel Rover.
Put it on a boat.
Deal with importing it.
Done.

Here is a whole PILE of them

discovery diesel | eBay

 

You dont, well, not in this vehicle, save your $$$ and import an older defender 110 with the td5 if you can find it else 300tdi.

But seriously, these came with the td5 in England so you can get them sent. I had a guy quote me $3800 + shipping, comes with a td5 + everything needed including r380 trans with tc (though your current auto TC would work too I believe), engine mounts, intercooler and piping, radiator, harness, ecu, etc.

 

The transfer case for the auto trans will work because they all used the same t-case.
If you convert to a 5-speed then any transmission will work, diesel or not.

 

It's hard to put a finger on what the law is regarding engine swaps. It varies so check your state AND local area. I've lived in two states and one local area that all had distinct, separate legal details regarding what mill could sit between which frame rails - and they're not always what you expect. Some areas with emission testing still allow larger displacement, more cylinders etc. Changing fuel types may also not be an issue on that front...

On another note - I strongly suggest you price things like a fuel tank (I don't know what's in a LR tank and whether you could run diesel in a gas tank-kinda thinking no), lift and injection pumps, injectors etc before you even consider doing this. DON'T assume the parts even from a whole donor vehicle are going to be good. They might run today but still be in dire need of replacement.

The motor isn't what's going to kill you - not by itself. It's the details - and boy are there going to be some details. A guy I knew did a 6.2l, naturally-aspirated diesel into a square-body bowtie half ton. The mfg actually put that engine in that truck and it was still a pain.

Good luck.

 

When I did my diesel swap in my 98 auto D1, I had an issue with the transfer case mating to the tdi tranny. I think that my transfer case was a Late model unit, as the input gear was like the one from a D2 ( finer teeth ). Although the output shaft from the tdi tranny matched in shaft length, diameter and spline count, the splines were cut 1/2" shorter than the V8 tranny. Between cutting the spline grooves longer, and machining the input gear deeper, I chose the latter, as there was a. less chance of failure, b. it was easier and cheaper, and c. it would still leave me with double the spline overlap compared to a defender tdi setup.

My concern with your proposal is not in technical feasibility, but legality.
Up here, you can do any swap, as long as it is an engine from the same or newer year model.
Therefore , up here, you would have to do a TD5.... Which is a bear as it is all electronic.
You may be able to say that it is a reman engine from brazil , as I believe that International made the 300tdi up until 2006.

It's a lot easier with a D1, because they came with 300's, so other than some small mods to fuel delivery, tranny cooler lines, ac hoses, fuel filler, engine perches, the rest will bolt to existing locations. Wiring was not that bad either... And it didn't cost 10k... Lot less infact.

Totally worth it!

 

If you want to hear it from the horses mouth give a call to Keith at Rover Tracks a call. Real nice guy.

RovingTracks - Land Rover Extreme Driveline Specialists

I recently purchased a drag link and tie rod from him (great quality) and he had a converted DI sitting in the driveway...sweet rig!

 

Hey guys! Im new to the Rover Forums, but have been working on these things for the past few years now. It wasnt until recently i saw a video of a Defender 110 with a 6BT swap in it. Well... that was 3 weeks ago and now this week im picking one up... planning on swapping it into my 95' Disco within the next year. After i aquire the Monster 5.9L, ill be off to find a Manual transmission. Looking at a 6 speed built for that same engine (NV5600). Since im going from an all aluminium V8 weighing in at around 300lbs... to a full cast 1100lb diesel, i was wondering if anyone had any kind of specs on the front swivel ball housing pins? Just wondering if they could handle that kind of front end weight. I plan on beefing up the from suspension by using HD coils from a Defender, an Air bag to assist, and Dual fat boy terrafirma Shocks.
Thanks In advance and i look Forward to Sharing info with everyone ��