V8 -> 300TDi Conversion

Hey guys, I feel like this is going to be a great build thread since I will literally be starting from idea/planning, to buying parts, to actual installation over a long period of time. It might be awhile. I'll be in the Marine Corps starting in May, when I leave for Basic and I won't be back for about 5 months including combat and MOS training. I'll be joining the Reserves so I can finish school but I have to commute to Gulfport, MS one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. That's a 5 hour drive and about 300 miles. My wallet and Claire won't get along so I will be getting a new car with better gas mileage and keeping Claire (1995 D1) as a project, hence the idea of a diesel swap Alright, back on subject. SORRY COPY AND PASTED FROM LAND ROVER FORUMS..

First of all, what is all needed just to do the swap? Here are some things from Land Rover Import that are just basic necessities for a swap.

Here is the list plus where I am getting it from, how much, and questions since I am totally new to diesel engines.

-300TDi Engine Rebuilt
[Land Rover Import] - $5800
[Comes with new timing belt kit, new clutch, new engine seals and gaskets, rebuilt fuel injection pump, new water pump, lift pump, vacuum pump, and turbo tested. Basically, I do not plan on personally rebuilding this at all, is there anything else that I would need to ask them to replace?]

-300TDi Engine Mounts
[I'm sure I can get these fabricated but I was wondering if there was a vendor that sold them?]

-Manual 300TDi Transmission Rebuilt
[Land Rover Import] - $1750

-Remove fuel pump in fuel tank
[The 300TDi uses the Bosche VE right? So obviously I need to remove the old V8 pump but does the new one install in the same area? It is included in the engine rebuild so is it on the engine?]

-Remove plastic insert in fuel filler neck
[What for?]

-Remove in line fuel filter
[Where does the new one install at? If I remove my old fuel filter I need to make the line complete since it was [Line] [Filter] [Line] and now I removed the filter there are just to ends of the line. Am I right? I heard the diesel fuel filter mounts to the firewall. Is this true?]

-custom clutch lines if a manual transmission
[....I don’t even know what to ask. What kind of lines do I need? I might just let the shop handle this.]

-custom power steering lines
[From the power steering pump to the steering components right?]

-wiring loom can be tapped into to connect temp sender, oil warning light, alternator warning light, tacho, starter wiring stays the same, coil power goes to the injection pump.
[Will this be a headache or is this pretty simple? Splice the wires together and be done?]

-Radiator/intercooler drops in to replace V8 unit
[Where can I get an upgraded intercooler?]

-Exhaust system is best taken care of by your local muffler shop

the bosche ve pump is the injector pump so looking at you list of what you get with the engine it comes with the engine. Its bolted on the side, and is driven off the cambelt

So when I remove my old pump that's all I do, just take it out, and the new pump mounted on the sides will still draw in fuel right?

you got a long learning process ahead of you. Go to Barnes and Noble and get a fookin manual and read it .

Fur Trapper said:

you got a long learning process ahead of you. Go to Barnes and Noble and get a fookin manual and read it .

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Yeah I'm kinda with you on that.

I accept your are American (I think) so land rovers arent in your blood.

Firstly, 5800 dollars for an engine????

You can buy one for 300 uk pounds over here! I'm thinking it would cost less than 5800 dollars to buy a vehicle from a uk "junkyard" and have to exported to you?? Maybe?

Then you have all the parts for the conversion. It's a fairly involved job mate, it's not just like in and out. Although it isn't difficult, you cant really just do it from a list of parts thing cos there will be loads of bits you need that you can't think of.

Cheers

I live in Canada and recently converted my 1999 series 1 disco. I found a complete swap package including trans/transferbox, rad, a/c....everything for the swap minus the engine mounts and rear cross member (which i built myself) for $4000cdn. I really dont think that the cost will ever pay for itself but the vehicle has now become far more valuable if I decide to sell it. I decided to do the swap out of interest and to be able to drive something that not many people over here have.

To answer the question about importing an entire vehicle, yes it is alot cheaper, but RHD drive vehicles have to be at least 15 years old to register in Canada and I believe 25 years old in the USA. The major issue is trying to get insurance on a RHD vehicle which is all but impossible lately.

I wouldnt have done the swap for the prices that you are quoting because its just way too much money at the end of the day. You need to factor in other misc costs that will nickel and dime the project. Anyways if you really want a diesel disco than its going to cost but I think youll find it to be worthwhile in the end. Goodluck

Yes guys I do have a lot to learn, but I prefer to learn through experience. I'm looking at different quote son the engines plus the necessary items to complete the install.

I wasn't actually meaning to import and register the vehicle, could you not just import a scrap vehicle? Use it for parts and then weigh the rest of the metal in?

I'm not sure how it works legally, but that's the easiest option.

There are no specific parts apart from Power steering pump hoses and brake servo pipework which would be easy enough to source.

Could be an idea??

Well if I were to just import a Disco 300TDI where would I start? What are some UK websites for Rovers?

Maybe worth a read or perhaps just contacting these guys:

Importing info.

Not strictly importing write offs (scrap) but they seem to know the score.

calebbo said:

Well if I were to just import a Disco 300TDI where would I start? What are some UK websites for Rovers?

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PS Mate: call em LAND ROVERS