Hello,new to this forum, don't own an LR3 but not a stranger to LR products (RR TDV8).
My question is has anyone attempted to fit an alternative engine into the LR3?
It seems to me that fundamentally the LR3 is a reasonably strong, well built vehicle with one exception - the engine (tdv6).
This seems to be backed up by the number that crop up with engine failure be it broken crank, oil pump failure, cam belt, turbo's, egr .........the list goes on.
So, has anyone looked at fitting a 3l BMW six, or a Merc OM648 or similar?
I am fairly sure either of these would physically fit but the electronics would be a challenge.
I know when doing petrol engine conversions the trick is to retain the factory ecu and feed it some signals so it "thinks" it is running the show.
Then use an aftermarket standalone ecu to actually run the engine. I would be looking to use a vehicle with manual gearbox not auto, so that would simplify the install.
Aftermarket ecu's are available for the OM648 off the shelf pre programmed for standard power outputs. (204hp / 370ft/lbs). They can be tuned well beyond these numbers, and are pretty much bomb proof and readily available at reasonable cost.
Any thoughts / comments on the above would be much appreciated.

 

Rover TDV8 and BMW M57 have already been done and some Russian guy put a lexus V8 in one, electronics are always the limiting factor in modern vehicles.

 

In my opinion, the 4.4L Rover petrol V8 engine most of us have here in the States is a pretty solid, reliable choice. And it's got the benefit of being plug and play since it's a factory option. Gas mileage is awful of course, but that's to be expected for most any V8.