SL35ti to 300TDI

Tom Sleigh

Member

Posts

55

Location

Avon, Bristol

• Feb 14, 2018

• #1

Hi Guys & Gals

I currently have a Mazda SL35ti turbo lump in my defender with an LT85 and MD engineering adapter kit. Im looking to convert to a manual.

I want your guys thoughts if possible.

Option 1;
- Purchase the MD Engineering kit to adapt to 4HP22 £700+; be left with a strong engine but lack of spares in the UK.

Option 2;
- get a 300TDI from a Disco (manual injection) which will cost a bit more but long term spares avalibility may be better.

Thanks Guys & Gals

 

Retroanaconda

Well-Known Member

Posts

677

Location

SW Scotland

• Feb 14, 2018

• #2

Depends on what you want from the vehicle I guess, do you need the extra power of the SL?

All the bits are available through M&D at a price, and many of the common service bits are available elsewhere cheaper with a bit of thought.

 

Marmaduke

Well-Known Member

Posts

9,773

Location

Near the land of 'Me Duck'

• Feb 15, 2018

• #3

How does option 2 cost more ? You can buy a complete discovery for less than 700 quid....

 

Tom Sleigh

Member

Posts

55

Location

Avon, Bristol

• Feb 15, 2018

• #4

Marmaduke said:

How does option 2 cost more ? You can buy a complete discovery for less than 700 quid....

Click to expand...

true, but I would be using a mechanic who has the tools and space to do the swap. that's where the cost starts rising.

 

Tom Sleigh

Member

Posts

55

Location

Avon, Bristol

• Feb 15, 2018

• #5

Retroanaconda said:

Depends on what you want from the vehicle I guess, do you need the extra power of the SL?

All the bits are available through M&D at a price, and many of the common service bits are available elsewhere cheaper with a bit of thought.

Click to expand...

I am told that there is a fair amount of capacity in the 300TDI for a bit more power; still not as much as the SL35 though, to me the power is a luxury but nice to have..........

 

zeaphod

Well-Known Member

Posts

3,107

Location

Belfast, Norn Iron

• Feb 16, 2018

• #6

The 300tdi will be an easy conversion, all the parts are available off the shelf - have a look at Steve Parkers website

 

Goc3k

Well-Known Member

Posts

300

Location

Hampshire

• Feb 26, 2018

• #7

If power isn't the prime concern I'd head to the 300tdi, cheap parts & massive availability - plus you'll see more frugal consumption of cash in your wallet in just fuel use.

Weight bias will also be closer to factory spec, giving a better on & off road handling experience with the 300tdi.