Hi, brand new member, haven't bought a Disco yet. I'm planning out a vw tdi swap and a friend pointed me here. I am keeping my plans on a google doc: (link also in profile) https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uFHeu-422hEa-YIpzv1hbalKhIYSL5EMXKvHxI6vsJQ/edit?usp=drivesdk

Check out my notes and let me know what you think.
I'm surprised to not see some vw swaps here already.

The short story is a VW TDI BHW (tuned to 300ft-lb) adapted to Disco 1 or 2 automatic ZF4HP22.

My current questions are:
1. Do I use the Disco fuel pump and a regulator as a lift pump or what?
2. Any idea on oilpan/differential clearance? The vw can be installed at a slant, so maybe do that?
3. Think the vw ps pump can run the Disco gearbox?
4. What should I do about a flexplate between vw and disco?

Happy Thanksgiving!
- John C.

 

My friend told me to ask for DiscoMike. Is there a DiscoMike in the house?

 

I don’t think Disco Mike has been around for a while. Otherwise though, interesting swap idea. A Disco 1 would be a bit easier (and cheaper) than a D2 with retaining all the electrics and traction control. Especially because the D1 has the kick down cable where the D2 would need a Compushift for trans control.

A concern I would have is if the TDI would be if it would be up to the task of hauling around the heavy Disco with big tires even with a tune. My D2 with bumpers, rack, etc. is easily probably over 5k lbs. I imagine the TDI would probably be adequate, depending on your needs. I’m sure the returns in fuel economy would be great though.

There is very little room at the front of where the oil pan would be in the Disco because of the movement of the front diff. My 5.3 LM4 had a front sump pan and there is no way it would fit. It had to be switched out to a rear sump muscle car pan. I don’t know what the fwd TDI pan looks like, but I would imagine that it would probably need to be clearanced to fit with full articulation.

 

Anyone interested in doing this, I have everything
Except time. Would be willing to sell

 

Nice! I didn't realize the Disco1 had a mechanical shift trans. I'll need to work Disco1 spec's more into my plans. I found an aftermarket shift controller (~$900) that says it works with the vw tdi ecu. (link in my google doc) It would be nice to be able to dial in the shift points and torque-converter lockup, but I'm not sure how much I'd miss it. I don't know much about automatic transmissions. Is there a way to manipulate the shift points or tc lockup on the Disco1 mechanical auto trans?
-John C.

 

The D1 is a lot more simple to swap than the D2. With the D2 the LS swap was made difficult because of the integration of all the factory computers. The traction control, ABS, HDC, gauges rely on the engine computer, trans computer, body control unit etc. I wouldn't have done the swap unless that stuff could be retained because to me it is part of the truck. With the D1, most everything to my knowledge is analog and separated, so swapping the engine isn't as much of an electrical issue, more just a fitment issue.

I have experience with the Compushift for the D2 trans. It is a well-made product, but complex. It has a ton of features in terms of modifying the shift parameters, lockup, etc. I don't know a lot about the D1 4HP22 mechanical version. I would imagine that the valve bodies are different between the D1 diesel and D1 V8 and maybe different torque converters. Another thing to consider is that the 99-02 D2 has the 4HP22, while the 03-04 has the stronger 4HP24. All the units from the D1 and D2 can be mechanically interchanged as far as I know - i.e. you can bolt a D2 trans in a D1, vice versa, etc. The bigger differences are electrical versus mechanical control.

I would consider reaching out to ACE. The kit mates the 4HP22 to the LS with the LS starter. You might be able to figure out a way to combine adapters to make it work.

I'd be interested in hearing what you have. I'm always interested in a project. I'll send you a PM.

 

With that in mind, I'll just use a mechanical D1 ZF4HP22 initially, and if I feel the need, I can source an electronic ZF4HP22 /...24 and use the Compushift (but I think they specify the ZF4HP22?)

There are a few things that I'll omit from my phase1 plan, like an air-to-water intercooler and now the electronic transmission. I'm not super interested in the D2 traction control stuff so I'm leaning heavily toward a Disco1 chassis.

-John C.

 

It’s not hard to make the d2 trans work with original
trans ecu. I’ve done it before

 

it says my in box is full but I don’t have any mesages

you can Email me Land Rover repair yahoo dot com

 

how is the d1 trans shifted? I know an AW4 can be shifted electrically with toggle switches. Is that similar for the d1 trans? And more importantly, is it worth messing around or should I just go all the way and get a 2004 D2, sell the v8, and buy a Compushift set up for the vw tdi? I thought about it all day and I'd rather do it right the first time. I'll just disconnect unused systems. (Maybe I'll figure out how to integrate them later on. )