Hey guys. New to the forum and didn't find an existing thread to hop onto... Wondering if anyone could give a concise engine swap answer based on my thoughts here:

-I have an '85 D110 with original small Buick v8, LT85

-Want a gas v8

-don't need an LS

-would appreciate a 5 speed swap too, but not necessary.

-money is not the biggest priority

-could be a crate solution.



Any ideas?

Thanks very much!

 

Depends what you are looking for out of the vehicle. The LS is the most common V8 swap. Not a lot of other V8 options that I know of. I have heard about people using a GM inline 6 cylinder.

Maybe a younger Rover V8 4.0 or 4.6 with an R380 from a D1 or later Defender might be what you are looking for?

You may want to take a look at some of the Defender-oriented forums as they may have more info.

 

I swapped my original 3.5 for a 3.9 with a cam upgrade, long tube headers 4 barrel holley carb. It woke it up nicely. Direct bolt in no issues. LT85, LT77 and R380 all bolt up to it. Your seat box and trans tunnel may need tweaking for the newer trans.

Admittedly I have been eyeballing that Disco 1 I just picked up thinking a fuel injected 4.6 with an auto trans would be pretty nice....

 

Thanks ArmyRover.
Where could I find a 3.9 upgrade that you talked about? That sounds like a good possibility?
Thanks

 

3.9 was available from the Range Rover Classic and a couple years of Discovery 1. You can also go for the 4.2 for a little more displacement.