Diesel engine conversion for my Disco?

Post by **CycloneTracy** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 12:30 pm

I am contemplating an engine swap for my Series 1 Disco. I am sick of feeding a V8, and I want to do a diesel conversion. I have found a company called M & D Engineering in the U.K which sells conversion kits for a variety of diesel engines,and I would like to use a Mazda SL-T 3500 4 cyl,T/D. Denco diesel in Wagga also sells intercooler and turbo upgrades for these engines.
NSW RTA says that donor engines should be of the same year or later to comply. It also says these guidelines do not apply to truck's and 4WD's. I am entering murky waters here, will my proposed conversion be legal? Any advice will be appreciated.

Post by **lucy** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 12:46 pm

It may or may not require an engineers certificate, but before you start, discuss your plans with an engineer, they will guide you through whatever you need to satisy the authorities. Might cost extra, but can make life soo much easier.

Post by **HSV Rangie** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:12 pm

http://www.nav-international.com.br/Mot ... oma=2&Id=4

this is the engine you want.

Bolts in almost.

aprox 10-11 k in Australia.

Michael.

Post by **Loanrangie** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 1:59 pm

My choice would be a 4bjt ? Isuzu 2.8 TDI from a jackaroo/ rodeo, engines are easy to get here as well as parts. Adapter kits can be be sourced from the UK as well, i have seen the Mazda/ ford trader 3.5 and they are nice compact motor and would fit easily into a rangie or disco.

Post by **460cixy** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 9:04 pm

whats wrong with a tdi almost straight swap

Post by **Loanrangie** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 9:06 pm

460cixy wrote:whats wrong with a tdi almost straight swap

expensive to buy and rebuild, if he wants a tdi disco its easier to sell his and buy a tdi.

Post by **Mark2** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 9:11 pm

Would you be better off selling the v8 and buying a diesel disco?

Post by **Loanrangie** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:01 pm

hard to say, there is no resale value in V8 disco's so it would be at a loss but you will even out with better economy of a tdi even if it is 10 cents / ltr more than petrol.

Post by **CycloneTracy** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:23 pm

I had considered a 200 or 300 Tdi Disco, but I got some feedback from LR specialist workshops and I was told to be wary. I like the HS 2.8 International Engine, but $10,000 is a bit out of reach for me. I can get a Mazda SL-T 3500 Engine for $3250 from a Jap importer, and the adaptor kit for $1500. Also, the Mazda engine produces 350Nm, before I start to add aftermarket turbo and intercooler.

Post by **justinC** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:36 pm

The only thing I would suggest to do when deciding on a replacement motor, apart from the obvious things like will it fit my gearbox or will it fit in the engine compartment, is, what is my gearing going to do to this engine?

For example, when I wanted to shoehorn the 4BD1 into my rangie, I had to change tyre diameters to accomodate the fact that the engine only revved out to 3200 rpm instead of 5500 like the v8, and its max torque was down around 2000.

Without matching gear ratios etc to the engine/ vehicle, its not worth doing the job in the first place.

I wwould either buy a wrecked 300tdi disco and swap the running gear, or buy a diesel one anyway.

JC

Post by **CycloneTracy** » Thu Jun 15, 2006 10:38 pm

I also noticed that M & D Engineering also make adaptor kits for Perkins engines. The old Phaser series engine is now out of production, replaced by the 1000/1100 Series 4 and 6 cylinder.For the 1104 engine it produces 106 kW at 2200 RPM, and 556 Nm of torque at 1450 RPM. All from a 4.4 Litre engine. Hate to think how much money for that engine though.

Post by **RRturboD** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:33 am

Give Murray Kingman at MJK Discovery a call (PH 02 6655 2443). Did my RR Tdi300 install, found him very reasonable with rebuilding engine and fitting etc. also good for realistic advice etc.

Post by **Loanrangie** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:02 pm

justinC wrote:The only thing I would suggest to do when deciding on a replacement motor, apart from the obvious things like will it fit my gearbox or will it fit in the engine compartment, is, what is my gearing going to do to this engine?

For example, when I wanted to shoehorn the 4BD1 into my rangie, I had to change tyre diameters to accomodate the fact that the engine only revved out to 3200 rpm instead of 5500 like the v8, and its max torque was down around 2000.

Without matching gear ratios etc to the engine/ vehicle, its not worth doing the job in the first place.

I wwould either buy a wrecked 300tdi disco and swap the running gear, or buy a diesel one anyway.

JC

Isnt a tdi disco gearing the same as a v8 anyway ? dont think there is much in it ?

Post by **justinC** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 5:32 pm

It is the same as the v8, I mentioned the gearing issue if he was going to fit a Mazda or other engine.

JC

Post by **Bush65** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 6:51 pm

Loanrangie wrote:My choice would be a 4bjt ? Isuzu 2.8 TDI from a jackaroo/ rodeo, engines are easy to get here as well as parts. Adapter kits can be be sourced from the UK as well, i have seen the Mazda/ ford trader 3.5 and they are nice compact motor and would fit easily into a rangie or disco.

I second the Isuzu 2.8 TDI.

I put a 300Tdi in my rangie. I wish that I had gone with an Isuzu.

Post by **ISUZUROVER** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 7:18 pm

Bush65 wrote:
Loanrangie wrote:My choice would be a 4bjt ? Isuzu 2.8 TDI from a jackaroo/ rodeo, engines are easy to get here as well as parts. Adapter kits can be be sourced from the UK as well, i have seen the Mazda/ ford trader 3.5 and they are nice compact motor and would fit easily into a rangie or disco.
I second the Isuzu 2.8 TDI.

I put a 300Tdi in my rangie. I wish that I had gone with an Isuzu.

I third the 4JB1T (Isuzu 2.8TD). I have seen a rangie with this conversion in action and it went really well. There is a company in the UK who makes adaptors to fit this engine into rangies and discos.

Post by **justinC** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 8:46 pm

4jb1t is a great engine, and responds equally well to Tdi type pump and wastegate tweaks aswell..I did one recently and pulls like a train now, with a full tray and ladder rack. Still getting 12 l/100km

If anyone wants details on adjustments, let me know.

JC

Website · Post by **cooter** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 8:47 pm

what about a cummins 4bt-a 4.2 4cyl comes with a th700 for around the 3000 mark very popular with troopy owners

bout 120 hp and 400nm with a brilliant torque curve they are very cheap to rebuild and arte able to be wound up to about 170+hp easilly
are actually a rebadged case engine

Post by **justinC** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 8:48 pm

4jb1t is a great engine, and responds equally well to Tdi type pump and wastegate tweaks aswell..I did one recently and pulls like a train now, with a full tray and ladder rack. Still getting 12 l/100km

If anyone wants details on adjustments, let me know.

JC

Post by **lariens** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:01 pm

If enough people where after a kit and if I can get my hands on a UK kit, possibly I could machine up copys (very simular) at a fraction of the UK cost. Would prob need to buy one kit first and see whats in it!

Post by **Mark2** » Fri Jun 16, 2006 10:11 pm

What can the Isuzu 2.8's be had for? There must be a fair few around in wreckers these days - have been in plenty of Rodeos for a while now. How would they compare in length to a V8 - what about sump position etc.

Post by **zen** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:50 am

hi from the uk..

i own a 300tdi disco and a nissan sd33t powered rangie..

the tdi is excellent and quick and economical..30mpg at 170000miles on engine..cruises at 80mph all day if required..if i where you would go that route..you can use genuine bits then..no bodging..

however the isuzu 2.8 turbo is also acommon conversion in the rangie(not the disco.EVERYONE runs the tdi,no point in converting)and is much loved..

all the perkins engines and that mazda you talk of are great in tractors, but not road going disco's..good for off road though..

oh the sd33 is a common swap for v8 in rangies..cheap to buy over there??

but really.if i where you i would out the disco v8 and buy a diesel one..unless you have lots of time and a understanding wife..cos it will take ages to do,espically if putting in non standard engine..been there.. done it..and now buy them already done..so much easier(and cheaper!!)

good luck in which ever way you go..(lpg??? and keep the v8)

Post by **Bush65** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 6:37 pm

Mark2 wrote:What can the Isuzu 2.8's be had for? There must be a fair few around in wreckers these days - have been in plenty of Rodeos for a while now. How would they compare in length to a V8 - what about sump position etc.

The Isuzu is shorter.

Post by **Mark2** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 7:43 pm

zen wrote:hi from the uk..

i own a 300tdi disco and a nissan sd33t powered rangie..

the tdi is excellent and quick and economical..30mpg at 170000miles on engine..cruises at 80mph all day if required..if i where you would go that route..you can use genuine bits then..no bodging..

however the isuzu 2.8 turbo is also acommon conversion in the rangie(not the disco.EVERYONE runs the tdi,no point in converting)and is much loved..

all the perkins engines and that mazda you talk of are great in tractors, but not road going disco's..good for off road though..

oh the sd33 is a common swap for v8 in rangies..cheap to buy over there??

but really.if i where you i would out the disco v8 and buy a diesel one..unless you have lots of time and a understanding wife..cos it will take ages to do,espically if putting in non standard engine..been there.. done it..and now buy them already done..so much easier(and cheaper!!)

good luck in which ever way you go..(lpg??? and keep the v8)

The SD33 is a 6cyl - would have to be longer than a V8 and while long lasting are not very powerful and also heavy. Yes they are cheap buts that about all they have going for them. The Isuzu 2.8 would have to have a very similar torque curve to a 300 Tdi and a fair bit more power than the SD33 at least.

Post by **callum** » Sat Jun 17, 2006 10:17 pm

justinC wrote:
If anyone wants details on adjustments, let me know.

JC

hell yeah

i have one of these in my 110 as we dont seem to get proper sized diesels here.

to fill out abit more info. i recently replaced my fuel tank so was able to get pretty accurate mpg (it ran out of fuel on the forecourt of the garage when i came to fill it up) and it got 458km to 43-45 ltres of fuel. which i worked out is 30mpg. it wont set the world alight with its performance, its only rated to 100bhp and less torque than a tdi, although i did manage to hold off a td5 90. this, however is in non-intercooled form, i have ehard allegations of the 3.1 4jg2 being tuned to 200bhp but i takethat with a pinch of salt. i have a large saab intercooler sitting in the garage, so i'll see for myself what improvement there is to be, although i doubt i'll be forking out for any rolling road test. the 4jb1 is a really small engine, i think lighter than the tdi and with the conversion kit i used (4cyl lt77 box) it sits way back in the engine bay. i have electric fans, so i can easily stand on the front axle with the bonnet off.

regardign the pump, i'm led to believe its a copy of the VE pump, made under license, so tweaking the fuelling should be the same as with a tdi.

only trouble with the isuzu is parts. maybe been a bit spoiled by landrover parts, but the isuzu is pretty much dealer only for anything other than filters gaskets and belts and they're not shy in charging either.

on the upside, the car i took it out of had 273000 miles on the clock and i've since cooked it a couple of times (broken radiator and then split hose) and its still running fine. its also much quieter than a tdi.

i bought it at the time because tdi's were about £1000 at least and i picked up a whole car for £100 to ge the isuzu engine. the conversion kit was about £350 or something, which was an anoying expense, but you can't really do without it as you need the adaptor ring. it is, however a one off expense and if anything big in the engine goes i'll just get another whole engine.

tdi's from disco's are much cheaper here now, so i'd maybe go that route in future as its much less painless. i'm glad i have the isuzu now as its a better engine, but it has taken time to get little niggles sorted with the fitment, as with any custom thing and there's still little bits i have to sort.

sorry there's not much structure to that info, if you want any more info let me know.

i got my kit from www.engineconversions.co.uk, they're cheaper than M&D.

oh, whilst i'm at it, i read on an isuzu forum that the bolt pattern for the bellhousing is tha same on the 4jb1 as the 4bd1 maybe that will help you.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1994-Isuzu-4-Litr ... dZViewItem

says it has rangie conversion

there's the original forum post

http://www.itocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4045

callum

Post by **Andy_B** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 10:32 am

How much does it cost for a isuzu 2.8 turbo, plus the adaptor kit?

I might be interested in one of these conversions.

Andy

Post by **CycloneTracy** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 11:48 am

Do Isuzu diesel engines have a lot of common componentry about themselves? I was curious about the 3.0 Litre T/D engine that was in the last Holden Jillaroo and if it would fit?

Post by **Bush65** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 4:43 pm

CycloneTracy wrote:Do Isuzu diesel engines have a lot of common componentry about themselves? I was curious about the 3.0 Litre T/D engine that was in the last Holden Jillaroo and if it would fit?

Isuzu is the largest manufacturer of diesel engines and produce some of the best.

But the 3.0 litre engine is not one of them, and has a poor reputation.

The 2.8 is the better engine.

Post by **Rangie ute on 38''** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:42 pm

have you considered a chevy diesel, theres plenty of parts you can get 6.2 or 6.5 turbo, thier an extremely torqy engine with a v8 note, speaking from experience owning one in a rangie, never had reliability issues, the drive train held up to it and had it coupled to the 3 spd auto (727 torqflite). the only upgrade was heavy suspension in the front, we bought the car in perth 3 yrs ago and at the time there were 12 others that had the conversion by brunswick diesels

Post by **cloughy** » Sun Jun 18, 2006 5:50 pm

Rangie ute on 38'' wrote:have you considered a chevy diesel, theres plenty of parts you can get 6.2 or 6.5 turbo, thier an extremely torqy engine with a v8 note, speaking from experience owning one in a rangie, never had reliability issues, the drive train held up to it and had it coupled to the 3 spd auto (727 torqflite). the only upgrade was heavy suspension in the front, we bought the car in perth 3 yrs ago and at the time there were 12 others that had the conversion by brunswick diesels

I got one, a 6.2, i'd stick with the little turbo diesels so long as you use an auto

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