Diesel Motor Conversion - 300Di Series 3

[Todd Jackson]

I've been giving the Hybrid a serious thought as of late, what motor should be in it considering it will be tax free next summer. I'm happy with the performance of the 2.25L engine, but the economy is the killer, so therefore I've decided to convert my hybrid to a 300(T)di powered series vehicle.  


Yesterday the deal was done, I now have a 1998 defender 300Tdi motor with only 170000km.  The vehicle had a full service history before stopping very quickly when a moose decided to hop in for a ride.  





I've done a lot of research on the internet and information for installing a 300tdi into a series Land Rover is hard to come by. But I've been lucky to have made a few contacts where they have been very helpful with this quest. The first thing I've thought hard about is the turbo configuration, I'm seriously looking at running the 300Tdi without the turbo. Check here at Richards site (200Di) where he installed a 200Tdi but ran it as a normally asperated diesel. The 300Tdi turbo is mounted differently than the 200Tdi unit, therefore making it's removal easier and or replacement. It's claimed on the internet that the series transmission can handle approx 120 hp............how true is that  
The removal of the turbo will give a hp rating in the region of approx 80ish, but stilll a very healthy 170 to 180 ft-lb of torque.

As of today, I have the motor, I've bought a 2.5TD fly wheel housing ( which will allow me to mate the 300 block to a series transmission, with the removal of one stud ) and have a Defender accelerator pedal. Yes more parts are needed, but a healthy start to the project.  

Todd.

[lilmul]

Hi Todd.

Nice shoice in aq engine for a conversion.There are a cpl of issues you are going to have  right off to start.

You cannot take a turbo engine and run it with out the turbo.Its not designed to do that.Its going to smoke and not have any power what so ever.There mabe some people that say they have done it.I dont believe the engine will run wright at all.The second issue you are going to have its the tranny.The series 3 tranny will blow up the first few times you step on the go pedle/The tranny will NOT take the power.You are going to have to up grade to a R380 to take the torque.If you are still looking to keep the series 4x2 option Ashcroft has come back out with the 5 speed conversion for a series truck again.

Just my thoughts

[paul]

I think that there is way to much work involved in that swap.......so you should sell it to me now....

Very nice.

I did a Land Rover jungle tour in St Lucia aboard a 300TDI 130,it was overloaded,worked hard over very steep hills.The 300 pulled amazingly,very nice engine.

BTW you can run a diesel fine after removing the turbo-you will need to adjust fueling.But I would leave the turbo on it-it runs sweet as is.The Series 3 trans may blow up,but MANY people manage to break them behind a weak petrol engine,so I'd say no big deal-put it in and get it running,if it breaks look at a different trans down the road.

Very nice-I want one

[Todd Jackson]

I hear your concerns Tony, but rest assured it is doable. 

The main reason why I'm planning NOT to use the turbo is because of the transmission. Jim, installed a normally aspirated 2.4L Merc diesel in his 88 and enjoys it tremendously. Therefore I can't see me having problems with a de tuned 300Tdi. The power rating will be lowered to a range that the transmission should be able to handle with ease. ...........If all goes wrong and it is indeed under powered, I can always bolt the turbo on. 


Paul, it's NOT really a that involved process at all.
The biggest issue is the fly wheel housing and then the motor mounts. I will be borrowing a motor hoist that I can use to set up the mounts and then I can weld everything together. From there is the wiring, especially the glow plug relay which I pan to use. But here, it's basically wiring it up as a series 3 diesel, so this might be a piece of cake to. 

SELL .....     ....... wash your mouth! 
............... how many green backs are we talking about     ........... no, stop it Todd! 

Todd. 

[paul]

Take lots of pictures please...........because I think that eventually I'll end up doing the same

[SlowRVR]

Cool!

If I can do it anyone can.

However, your plan to take off the turbo......looking for less power just seems wrong. Isn't that one of the new modern sins?

[matthias]

It won't work right as it's missing the essential black plastic cover.









Should be nice!

[Todd Jackson]

It won't work right as it's missing the essential black plastic cover.




Should be nice!

Oh that I have, Mattias. 

And apparently I'll be needing a lot more sound deadening insulation once I'm finished.


Todd.

[jimh]

Looks like a challenging project, I'd like a diesel some day as well. Good luck Todd,   jim

[junkyddog11]

Todd, I'm not familiar with your rig but if you have headlights "in the wing" you will fit it in fine.  I would think that the Series tranny will be fine as long as you don't drive like an idiot. 300's are not that powerfull, even with the turbo.......which I would keep if you can. Sure you can run it without if tuned correctly, but at that point you may as well put a 2.5 na in it. If you are LHD you will need to go to power steering to clear the turbo and exhaust, which also lets you get rid of the steering relay which will allow easier fitment of a proper rad and intercooler.

Just do it. The Series tranny will be fine, with the turbo......and I'm not just guessing at this. Also putting an R380 in is a real pain in the ass....I'm in the middle of that with a customer truck right now.

[Todd Jackson]

Thanks Matt.
I'm considering all my options with this conversion but one thing that is certain, the 300 is going in. BTW, I have a 1980 RHD hybrid on a Designa coil sprung chassis, basically the same frame that ECR sells. Myself, I'm not very keen on welding on the galvanized frame, cause I don't want to comprimise the zinc coating. BUT being that it's a major operation in an accessable area, I can keep an eye on any rust.

I have a new 3 core series radiator, so I'm hoping to use that with the 300Tdi. I've been told that it will provide enough cooling. As for the intercooler, that didn't survive the moose encounter. ............ nor did the entire front end.


Todd.

[101]

Todd,

I'm wondering how you will get an intercooler to fit with the Series radiator.

[SlowRVR]

On a diesel related note, I bought 21 litres last night for $30  20 cents more per litre than gasoline. Even more expensive than Supreme at the full service pumps!! 

[Justrovin]

On a diesel related note, I bought 21 litres last night for $30  20 cents more per litre than gasoline. Even more expensive than Supreme at the full service pumps!! 

Makes you wonder when you pay 15- 20 % more for diesel, just so you can get 15 -20 % better mileage   

[101]

I hope Niall is getting a lot more than 20% better fuel mileage with diesel.