I do actually have access to an original 2.25 petrol. Maybe this rather than the diesel with a nice SU carb on it.
swisstoe
Well-Known Member
Yes keep it simple! by the time you've done all the hard work before reaching engine fitment, that 2 1/4 petrol will be the easy option and will add value.
Anyway show us some pictures of this work in progress, we all like pictures of series vehicles especially rotten ones...
300bhp/ton
Well-Known Member
Stock diesel is a slug. There really is no defending one, even if you own one. I’m not saying they are bad vehicles. But they are SLOW!!!!
300bhp/ton
Well-Known Member
Spares might be ok. But actually finding an engine is a lot more hard work.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.
View attachment 191260
Plenty space at front so shouldn’t affect exterior look with the set back grill.
J
300bhp/ton
Well-Known Member
Sounds like there is something wrong with your steering. Ran mine to over 70mph on the 2.25 and it felt fine apart from the gearing. With the Tdi in there I clocked it at 89mph on the gps (and private road).
300bhp/ton
Well-Known Member
It exists. Just depends on your budget and fabrication skills.
If you want to retain the Series gearbox your choices are limited. Unless you can fab up an adapter plate to mount to other engines.
I’m not sure how easy the K Series will be to fit. I believe it may have a similar bell housing bolt pattern to the T-Series. If so, then it would bolt to an R380/LT-77. But I’ve just not seen or heard of it being done. I know the KV6 is different.
The T-Series I think would be a good shout. Even in NA form. Remember a Series only weighs just over 1300kg. But finding the engine will be a pita. The Discovery Mpi might be a candidate. But fitting a 5 speed R380/LT-77 to a Series is a reasonable faff and you end up with a tiny rear prop. I don’t know, but would guess the T-Series should mate to a Series box. But I’ve struggled to find anyone doing so. On LR4x4 forum there is an old thread of a turbo T-Series 88. But I’m not sure what gearbox it used.
Also while manufacturers might do transverse and longitudinal installations of engines. Sometimes it can be a pita to convert from one to another. Even with simple things like starter motor location, alternator or exhaust manifold.
Rover only ever installed the K Series as a transverse engine. And Caterham didn’t use Rover gearboxes.
Something else to consider is keeping the vehicles identity. Swapping the gearbox and engine may put you close to needing an IVA. If you opt to update the steering and maybe swap the axles you might not score enough points to keep the registration.
Personally if I was doing it again. I’d either look at a T Series in NA form. Or a Rover V8. An RV8 with EFI should easily return 20+mpg on a run. As well as having all the bonuses of being a V8. Plus it’s a known and relatively easy conversion.
If you really want a challenge I’d suggest a Td5. It might be diesel. But a tuned one will generally out perform a 3.5 V8 and give very good mpg. The five pot also sounds pretty good too.
However I’m sure there are lots of other options. Saw a Jag XK 4.2 powered Series One in one of the LR mags ages ago. Or you could probably transplant something like the entire drivetrain from a Jeep Cherokee 4.0 litre.
steve2286w
Well-Known Member
Discovery 200tdi or 200di is an easier fit
Have you tried chamfering leading edge of brake shoes
Have you tried chamfering leading edge of brake shoes
Colthebrummie
Well-Known Member
There is something a bit wrong with all of it, it's over 40 years old, never restored and only the minimum of maintenance. The dirty great Fairey PTO winch bolted to the front doesn't help the steering much. It's also the 109 station wagon so pretty heavy and a terrible turning circle. I enjoy it the way it is, wayward, for comfort and motorway speeds I use the Freelander.
Col
That’s strange I would of thought there would be loads of whole rusty cars laying around. But then I have not looked.
Better also to get the non distributor model.
Interesting article
http://www.mr-r.co.uk/tturbo.html
J
300bhp/ton
Well-Known Member
Thanks for the article.
I think 10 years back there were plenty, sadly the scrappage schemes in the UK seem to have taken their toll on cars that would have run these engines.
I was looking earlier in the year and I couldn't find an Mpi Discovery, found only one T-Series engine, but it was from an automatic and missing all ancillaries and no flywheel. And on ebay at that time there only one car with that engine in that I could find.
I did manage to get hold of a bellhousing adapter from an Mpi for cheap, with the plan of finding an engine. But gave up. I'm sure with some luck and timing it is doable still.
Personally I think the T-series would be a lovely engine in a Series. More power than a tweaked Tdi, and more torque than a stock 2.25 petrol. Plus lighter and lot more refined than a Tdi.
Colthebrummie
Well-Known Member
Don't go for too much torque or you may keep breaking half shafts.
Col
Col
barleywine
Well-Known Member
I was in a similar position to you over 7 years ago when I started to rebuild my 88. Initially thought about converting it to diesel for economy, but decided to stick with the 2.25 petrol, progress the rebuild and see how it went. There was plenty to do that was more important than the choice of engine but having read loads decided to keep the original petrol although not happy with its tired performance.
I then paid a visit to Turners engineering and took their advice about the work that that would be needed and decided on +40 rebore, unleaded gasflowed head, camshaft bearings replaced, big and main bearing shells. Their advice was really helpful and I thoroughly recommend them. I'm still in the process of running the engine in, but the difference is unbelievable and I'm really happy with what I now have, but at the end of the day its your motor.
I then paid a visit to Turners engineering and took their advice about the work that that would be needed and decided on +40 rebore, unleaded gasflowed head, camshaft bearings replaced, big and main bearing shells. Their advice was really helpful and I thoroughly recommend them. I'm still in the process of running the engine in, but the difference is unbelievable and I'm really happy with what I now have, but at the end of the day its your motor.
