Series 3 engine swap advice

This is definitely not one of those "thinking of buying this and doing that to it" hypothetical kind of threads, more of a "bought it now what to do with it" sort of things!
So that being said, I've got a '74 Series 3 in need of a total nut and bold resto so it's the perfect candidate for a decent powerplant. Currently running a mighty 2.25 diesel, I want something petrol, preferably a 4 banger and not shocking of fuel. Needs to be able to run infront of the standard Landy gearbox and running gear so nothing that will rip it to shreds! Thinking 1.8 K-series as fitted to the Freelander (with modified headstuds to avoid gasket issues) or something Volvo for ultimate reliability.
This is my first Land Rover but I've rebuilt and worked on plenty of old British stuff (current daily is a modded '65 Morris Minor) so I'm not sure what the etiquet is when it comes to modifying an old Landy.
Shoot me your ideas and lets get something silly (but driveable) built!

A little 2.0 mpi Possibly the turbo version. All bolts up to a R380 box. Worth a look.

There’s always the stable RV8 3.5.

J

marjon said:

A little 2.0 mpi Possibly the turbo version. All bolts up to a R380 box. Worth a look.

There’s always the stable RV8 3.5.

J

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Sounds interesting and thanks for the initial info. Is the mpi not hard to come by now? If I were to look at say a 1.8 K would that be a stupid direction to go as spares would be easy to get, plenty of info available as it was used in so many different cars. Could I still use the original Series gear/transfer box or would it be best to look at something later?

What's wrong with the 2.25 diesel?
I would not start fitting other engines as you will lose the series experience
My diesel is not bad on fuel for a old classic and is plenty fast enough with the write diff's and a pump tweek

The MPI is only a Rover T16 engine common in the 8/6/4/2 series rover cars and some with turbo

So plentiful spares. Only problem (which would be the same for your choice) is engine to gearbox/bellhousing

Not sure of the series box, somebody else may know how strong they are.



Plenty space at front so shouldn’t affect exterior look with the set back grill.

J

I don't suppost there's anything really wrong with the diesel, I'm just not a fan of diesel engines really. For me, the experience of driving a classic vehicle is not limited to the engine but in the overall useability of it. I can't see myself plodding along a 50mph in a smokey old diesel and am keen to explore other options. Having said that, I've nothing against originality and each owner will be different.

the 2.5 petrol engine from early 90 is an easy swap and will not put a strain on anything but it goes uphill nice.

The 1.8 engine in the freelander is quite perky but it revs fairly high. If I load my fl1 with some weight, I definately notice it, especially when going uphill. The series 3, 2.25 petrol engine is pretty good, it's fairly bulletproof, a lot quieter than the diesel and with a Turner head and overdrive should be good for motorway speeds. Expect 15 to 20 mpg

Col

ratrodmog said:

I don't suppost there's anything really wrong with the diesel, I'm just not a fan of diesel engines really. For me, the experience of driving a classic vehicle is not limited to the engine but in the overall useability of it. I can't see myself plodding along a 50mph in a smokey old diesel and am keen to explore other options. Having said that, I've nothing against originality and each owner will be different.

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You go much faster than 50, and you will find you have a whole world of other issues which will also need modifying. The brakes, suspension and steering is not designed to go quickly. If you really want more power and a petrol, I would be going down the carbed rover v8 route. been done many times before and and easy swap to do, as well as still being in character for the vehicle.

dag019 said:

You go much faster than 50, and you will find you have a whole world of other issues which will also need modifying. The brakes, suspension and steering is not designed to go quickly. If you really want more power and a petrol, I would be going down the carbed rover v8 route. been done many times before and and easy swap to do, as well as still being in character for the vehicle.

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I agree, once you start driving a series near its top speed, the experience gets very exciting. Mine is hard enough to keep in a straight line at 40, at 60 it's a fairground ride. Having said that the brakes are pretty good, I can lock the wheels and stop pretty quick. As for the suspension, you wouldn't know there was any.

Col

Colthebrummie said:

I agree, once you start driving a series near its top speed, the experience gets very exciting. Mine is hard enough to keep in a straight line at 40, at 60 it's a fairground ride. Having said that the brakes are pretty good, I can lock the wheels and stop pretty quick. As for the suspension, you wouldn't know there was any.

Col

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I can lock the wheels in mine, but that is part of the problem, they are all to happy to lock up and slide. I don't know if it is the shoes I have fitted but I have very little brakes until suddenly you are sliding down the road in cloud of tyre smoke.

dag019 said:

I can lock the wheels in mine, but that is part of the problem, they are all to happy to lock up and slide. I don't know if it is the shoes I have fitted but I have very little brakes until suddenly you are sliding down the road in cloud of tyre smoke.

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Impressive though ain't it.

Col

Another option that was popular in the nineties is the bulletproof and pretty frugal Ford 2.8 Essex with a Steve Parker conversion.
I had the complete kit with engine i took out of a series a couple of years ago and sold for good money on the bay of fleas.
I still see them advertised every now and then, or you could contact Steve Parker to see if they still do the conversion kit ?

Tony...

swisstoe said:

Another option that was popular in the nineties is the bulletproof and pretty frugal Ford 2.8 Essex with a Steve Parker conversion.
I had the complete kit with engine i took out of a series a couple of years ago and sold for good money on the bay of fleas.
I still see them advertised every now and then, or you could contact Steve Parker to see if they still do the conversion kit ?

Tony...

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There we were trying to keep it LRish and you chuck in a Ford.

Oh hang on I will get me coat

J

Sorry @marjon'' but the OP did ask for something silly...

swisstoe said:

but the OP did ask for something silly...

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“Silly But drivable” so your suggestion fits

Silly is 20B

J

I’m not opposed to an engine from a different manufacturer. Even thinking a Volvo engine could work? Really I need a little 2ltr 4 banger, maybe with a turbo and enough torque to move the 88. Maybe what I want doesn’t exist but worth spitballing ideas all the same.

ratrodmog said:

Really I need a little 2ltr 4 banger,

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Why so set on this parameter?

My earlier post covers 1 choice
J

I had a not very pleasurable experience as a passenger in a series 3 with this conversion and overdrive.
We were cruising at 70mph until he put in in overdrive and i glanced at the clock showing off the scale, must have been well over 90mph.
Didn't accept anymore lifts off the guy after that...

ratrodmog said:

I’m not opposed to an engine from a different manufacturer. Even thinking a Volvo engine could work? Really I need a little 2ltr 4 banger, maybe with a turbo and enough torque to move the 88. Maybe what I want doesn’t exist but worth spitballing ideas all the same.

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The main objective is a simple and reliable engine with carburettor and maybe contactless distributor that can be adapted to your needs for little money.
''Sod it'' go with the 2 1/4 or the 2.5 petrol...