Engine, gearbox replacement in defender

[4wd26]

Hi all,
newbie to the rover forum.
I have the opportunity to get a 2000 model 130 series dual cab.
It is a ex mine vehicle (where I work) and the engine has had it.

The question is will a discovery 2.5 itd engine and AUTO gearbox bolt up?

I was thinking this might be a better option than a engine rebuild, as I have heard that they are expensive to fix.

I don't have a clue on the codes (looked in the tech section FAQ) all went over my head.

Did a search but didn't get any info on my specifics.

I have heard of this swap being done but have no information on what combination would be best and any further "important" information.

[ISUZUROVER]

Firstly, Landrover have made 3 different 2.5L turbo diesels.

200Tdi (1989-1993)
300Tdi (1993-2000)
TD5 (2000-Now (about to be replaced))

The 200 and 300 are 4cyl, the TD5 is 5cyl.

2000 model should be the last of the 300TDI diesels (?), fitted with an R380 5-speed box and an LT230 T-case. (Otherwise a TD5 with the same box and t-case).

The Auto you mention is the ZFHP22 - fitted to 300Tdi and TD5 discos in OZ, also with the LT230 t-case.

There is nothing to stop you doing a complete swap from a disco (post 1993/4). There are a few minor differences, but nothing serious.

What is wrong with the existing engine exactly? It may not be that $$$ to rebuild.

[4wd26]

The mechanics have just replaced the head at a cost of big $$$
when it went together they discovered a crack in the block that they missed earlier.

The vehicle has been out of action for 2 months waiting on the head and the same again for the block. Its due out of service in a couple of months anyway so they are looking to cut the losses and not bother with the block. I think 2.5 grand for the block has been discussed?

The other problem is the seats are "pulling" through the alloy body and the general fit of the panels, doors.

The vehicle has been used and abused, just looking if the costs of repair are worth the hassle. Have always wanted a defender and was waiting for this one to be replaced, BUT is now is such a condition as to think it may not be worthwhile.

Thanks for your reply so far.

[ISUZUROVER]

General fit of panels and doors isn't that great from the factory. Seats can be fixed with either a new seat box or some reinforcing by the sound of it.

That said - sounds like it has had a pretty hard life, and you would want to get it for a good price - and budget for rebuild of some bits.

Is it a 300Tdi or TD5???

You should be able to pick up a (good) 2nd hand 300Tdi block for a reasonable price.

All the above is on the condition that you would be doing all the work yourself. If you plan to take it to a mechanic it will cost you $$$$ and I doubt it would be worthwhile.

[jbell]

4wd26 my td5 is stuffed also quote to fix is $10,000
so theres no way i'm spending that.. i'm going to try and
get a damaged disco or rangie and put the motor & auto
in my defender.. bit of work but cheaper than 10grand..
good luck with yours

Jeff

[andrew e]

jbell, td5s sell for under 4k if you look hard enough. try 3wj mabe?

I wouldnt touch that defender though. we turned down 2 110 traybacks which were 24 months old with 20,000km for $8000 the pair. They were ex mines and they were totally rooted. probebly would have just broken even if we wrecked them!

the box section chassis will rust out from the inside, every nut you undo will be siezed and most likely break.... you dont want that. spend the extra 10K and get a better one.

[4wd26]

Yep found out today its the TD5.
SO is it a hard thing to swap the auto into the defender?

The mine I work is a sand mine (so no rust in the chassis from sulfuric acid corrosion as found in those from the coal mines)

BUT it was the exploration drillers ute so had a very tough off road life.

I defiantly would be looking at a complete swap (replacement engine gearbox) as the engine was run for 5,000km without a air filter in its early life- prob why the engine expired now and I don't like what other components may have been damaged.

Is this a simple bolt up proposition all else being the same?

[ISUZUROVER]

Yep found out today its the TD5.
SO is it a hard thing to swap the auto into the defender?

The mine I work is a sand mine (so no rust in the chassis from sulfuric acid corrosion as found in those from the coal mines)

BUT it was the exploration drillers ute so had a very tough off road life.

I defiantly would be looking at a complete swap (replacement engine gearbox) as the engine was run for 5,000km without a air filter in its early life- prob why the engine expired now and I don't like what other components may have been damaged.

Is this a simple bolt up proposition all else being the same?

Engine and auto box from a discovery will bolt straight in AFAIK. T-case ratio is different between defenders and discos, so you will either need to keep yours or swap your high range gears into the Disco box (LT230 t-cases are quite strong so yours should be fine).

The Disco TD5 had a little bit more power than the defender.

[Mark2]

Depending on what you can get it for, it may well be a profitable proposition just to wreck it. 130 roofs are nearly impossible to get 2nd hand and more than $5k new from land rover. Would be plenty of other parts you an get good money for, particularly if corrosion not an issue.

Or buy it and a rolled 130 from a damaged auction with a good drivetrain, build one good one and have a heap of spare parts or sell the remaining parts. You could end up with a good 130 which doesnt owe you much at all.

[Reddo]

FYI a rolled 2002 130 went for 9500 at auction recently in Tas. I was staggered to see that much paid for it!!!

[andrew e]

FYI a rolled 2002 130 went for 9500 at auction recently in Tas. I was staggered to see that much paid for it!!!

was that the one with 42000kms on the clock? if thats the case its not a bad deal.


All 4x4 at Kotara were wrecking a 130 with a good roof, want 2.5k for it.

From what i've heard td5 engine swaps are a pain in the ass. The computers are matched with the injectors, and a disco computer is different to a defender. Computers are different between some year models, which makes it even worse. So you would have to mix and match parts between your existing motor and the new one. Oh and when you do, replace the wiring loom under the plastic cover on the top of the motor with a new one. The wiring looms leak oil (no i'm not joking)

The td5 auto box is computer controlled and AFAIK no one has ever put one in a defender. What people do to convert TD5 defenders to autos, is they use a auto from a 300 tdi (or 3.9V8), matched with a bellhousing and torque converter from a td5 disco. Then a modified kick down cable is made, with a bracket conected to the accelerator pedal (td5s are drive by wire). I believe Ashcroft transmitions in pommyland have a kit to help with the kickdown. Mabe even call Bruce davis Landys, theyve done a few auto swaps. Where are you located?

Andy

[4wd26]

I'm loacted in Brisbane.
Its all starting to look harder than I first thought.
I was aware of other conversions to autos but unaware of the problems, hence the original post.

The vehicle would be unsuitable for wrecking as there is not a straight panel, but as a cheep? runaround with touring and offroad potential would make a great deal. Especially if I could finad a low km engine/ gearbox combination to replace the damaged unit that is now in the vehicle.

Looking for a project with not a great deal of cost, but knowing td5 engines are expensive, will have to wait and see what they want for the vehicle.