Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi all,
I know bugger all about Land Rover's, other than I like the look of the old Series 3. However I have a questions about them as I am looking at buying an series III, that may need a new donk.

Is there a common transplant that can be done for the engine and transmission? How hard would it be to transplant a Nissan GU 3.0 ltr into one or a 2.8 out of a Hilux? I definitely want something in a diesel as I am assuming the original engines are getting hard to find.

Cheers,
Muddy

The original series angines are quite cheap to buy and not much more than a holden or ford 6 to rebuild. I have a rebuilt SIII 2.25L Diesel in my IIA. It is a great motor on and off road but with 60bhp you can't expect it to be quick.

If you want a LWB SIII probably the best option would be to buy a Stage 1 diesel (the first with the flush grill) - made between 1982 and 1984. They were factory fitted with a 3.9L 4cyl ISUZU truck diesel and the strongest gearbox Landrover ever made - the LT95 Range Rover 4 speed. The ISUZU engine has 90Bbp, huge amounts of torque, can easily be turbocharged, and does about a million km between rebuilds if you look after it. I have seen diesel Stage 1 utes, station wagons and hardtops (troop carriers) but you have to look out for them as most people who own one don't want to sell. Apart from the engine and gearbox they are the same as a SIII.

If you buy a SWB and decide to do a complete engine and transmission swap, which I advise because series gearboxes are pretty crap, then a Toyota BJ40 4cyl deisel, gearbox and Transfercase suits very well and can be picked up quite cheaply. Most other transmissions are centre rear drive(not offset) and lack the t/case parking brake. Bill.

Yes you are right Bill, the gearboxes are crap, expecially the SIII. I have had a good run out of my current IIA box though - after rebuilding it a second time when the poor quality aftermarket layshaft first gear lost one complete tooth (right down to the root).

So if I were to drop a Tojo four pot diesel into it and a transmission, I suppose the next question to ask would be.
How big a job (ie engine mounts, electrics etc) and are there readily available adaptor kits available?

Thanks,
Heath.
(As you may have guessed my mechanical knowledge extends to doing oil changes and bending nails with hammers.)

Heath, there would still be an awful lot of work involved and there are no readily made fitting kits. My advice is if you haven't already purchased the LandRover then don't do it. Buy a LandCruiser. The only real problem they suffer from is body rust, but if you get a good one you probably won't have that problem in Western New South Wales. LandRovers have a million faults and weaknesses and unless you are a dedicated dyed in the wool enthusiast for the brand with above average mechanical ability they will drive you to the poor house and insane as well.
regards Bill.

Is that how you got insane Bill?

Yep, and bankrupt too. Bill.

Had a chat to a local Rover owner and have decided against it now. Thanks for the advice/comments gents.

Muddy