Ok,
had to part with my 03 DII for a house downpayment, and I'm looking for the next project.

Yes, the following might seem crazy, but I'm that kind of guy.

I have driven almost every newer rover out there, and am still head over heels for the 03-04 DII. Nothing out there comes close IMHO, and I'm not old or rich enough to buy a turn-key Defender. Plus the better half would never get in one.

I found a 4.4L diesel (scorpion) from a 2011 Range Rover. It's the smaller version of ford's 6.7L, and if the one from stateside is any indication, that is one bad madre. 34-36mpg, and a TON of power.

I'm working on a 90K mile 2003 DII here with a blown motor, and would love, love love to put a diesel in it.

Here is what i need to figure out: This diesel makes a $h%t-load of power. The 2011 RR gets from 0-60 in 7.4 seconds, and this motor has in excess of 500 ft-lbs of torque. No way a DII tranny can handle that - I'll spit the converter out of the tailpipe.

Has anyone on here looked at swapping a RR tranny into a DII?

Shops that you know of that might?

Have access to a world-class ford diesel guy here in the A, but with what this is going to cost, I'm asking everyone I know before breaking out the checkbook.

My other option is a built 6-speed manual, but fitting in a clutch is going to be a real pain in the ***.

Constructive thoughts? I don't really need advice on whether or not to do this, but feedback is, as always, appreciated.

 

Cool project. Others have asked about this in the past and some have tried it. In my opinion, and I believe others on this forum will agree is that if you're not rich enough for a turn-key Defender, then you are not rich enough to put a diesel in a d2. There are many things to overcome with a swap like this. That being said, I would love to do a swap like this myself, but even with my own shop and every d2 part at my disposal, I still wouldn't try it. I am a big diesel fan, and would love to see someone do this swap. Then I might give it a try. Good luck!

 

If you have a RR
4.4l motor, then grab the ZF 8HP70 8 speed tranny already mated to it as well as the relevant computers and harnesses. The Ford 6.7l uses the new 6r140 6 speed which is possibly the only bellhousing that will otherwise work without a custom adapter. Both of these are heavy duty and new technology. They will not be cheap. You might can get an older cheaper 4r100 and an adapter to work for less money. However, the
4 speed would less efficient. If money is going to be a problem after acquiring the motor you might try getting a 4r70w. They are dirt cheap (Crown Vics use them, think police cruisers and taxis) and the ones built after 1998 are bullit proof. They can easily and cheaply be modified with Ford parts to handle 600 hp (Google jmod 4r70w). If you go this route get a 4x4 tranny housing extension which is shorter for allowing the transfer case. You will need a tranny controller and a custom adapter.

 

Oh boy, sounds like a mint Defender would be much cheaper.

 

Or a fleet of surplus duece + 1/2's

 

Guys, thanks for the input.

Still rolling around the pros/cons of this project, and it's boiling down to being able to get that 4.4L into the engine bay. With the systems required for the scorpion diesels, fuel cooler, air to water intercooler, etc, it might just not be feasible.

Motor is available, but as much as I would love that 8-speed, it would take going overseas and finding one.....

So for now, more research and such. My other option is rebuilding the motor and running propane on it.

I just really like the idea of a responsible disco, be it fuel efficient, or at least domestically fueled. These gas-hog V8's just kinda **** me off. So many better options out there!

Updates TBD...

 

Cummins 4BT