Helping finding a Def 90 V8 soft top, black, good spec?
Discussion
Hi all,
I posted up some time ago about this but having now not had a defender for a while the itch is getting worse!
Ideally looking for a V8 DEF 90, in black or white - 3.9 efi upwards, auto box, liking the idea of a softop - other spec desired, decent chunky look, so wheels, suspension, roll cage etc
Needs to be a clean car for me to bolt on to, my skills dont extend to welding and bodywork..
I have scanned ebay, autotrader and pistonheads but just wondering if anyone has or knew of anything else out there..??
I am based in the Surrey, Sussex area. Cash waiting, no messing about.
Cheers
Nick
I posted up some time ago about this but having now not had a defender for a while the itch is getting worse!
Ideally looking for a V8 DEF 90, in black or white - 3.9 efi upwards, auto box, liking the idea of a softop - other spec desired, decent chunky look, so wheels, suspension, roll cage etc
Needs to be a clean car for me to bolt on to, my skills dont extend to welding and bodywork..
I have scanned ebay, autotrader and pistonheads but just wondering if anyone has or knew of anything else out there..??
I am based in the Surrey, Sussex area. Cash waiting, no messing about.
Cheers
Nick
Funny man!! and to think i was going to get you to help me..... couldnt even be bothered to be in when i came to see you last week.. :-) lunch is for wimps!
Anyway, yes i will technically fit in the matchbox ones but cannot get the suspension kit i wanted and doesnt give off the sound i am after..
Anyway, yes i will technically fit in the matchbox ones but cannot get the suspension kit i wanted and doesnt give off the sound i am after..
Factory V8 Defender convertibles are rare, built almost exclusively for the US market.
This means that any UK examples are rarer still and command a significant premium.
The beauty of this situation is that most of the parts required to make a looky-likey are easily available brand new from LR or specialists, and will bolt in/on to a standard vehicle.
There are many specialists who will build you a totally custom spec Defender - any LR magazine will have their adverts.
I would have a look at a 2009MY Land Rover Defender SVX for a start. It is diesel/manual, but it is a factory built vehicle. My guess is you wouldn't get a custom built Defender convertible for less than the cost of an SVX, unless you do the work yourself.
This means that any UK examples are rarer still and command a significant premium.
The beauty of this situation is that most of the parts required to make a looky-likey are easily available brand new from LR or specialists, and will bolt in/on to a standard vehicle.
There are many specialists who will build you a totally custom spec Defender - any LR magazine will have their adverts.
I would have a look at a 2009MY Land Rover Defender SVX for a start. It is diesel/manual, but it is a factory built vehicle. My guess is you wouldn't get a custom built Defender convertible for less than the cost of an SVX, unless you do the work yourself.
These guys will build whatever you want:
http://www.jeengineering.co.uk/
Or this:
http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4defender90_used/u...
Nene will happily make it a soft top for you!
Or there's this one ready done:
http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4defender90_used/u...
Or a genuine 50th anniversary which could be converted to soft top:
http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4defender90_used/u...
And another with some Overfinch upgrades:
http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4defender90_used/u...
http://www.jeengineering.co.uk/
Or this:
http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4defender90_used/u...
Nene will happily make it a soft top for you!
Or there's this one ready done:
http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4defender90_used/u...
Or a genuine 50th anniversary which could be converted to soft top:
http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4defender90_used/u...
And another with some Overfinch upgrades:
http://www.neneoverland.co.uk/4x4defender90_used/u...
Find a great Defender, and buy hood sticks and a full tilt from one of a number of suppliers.
Give up on the V8 idea, find a Td5 fit a bigger intercooler and have it chipped. Speak to the specialists, when done properly it will be as quick as a 3.9V8, with reasonable MPG. They don't sound too bad either with a good exhaust. If you want better motorway drivability change the transfer box to a discovery series 2.
Keep the hard top incase you want to convert it back.
Also, get an internal roll cage fitted, There are a number available. With no roof the only roll over protection you have is the windscreen surround.
Whilst Nene Overland and others will sell a fantastic soft top defender you will pay a premium.
And, doing it your self is very easy. It took me an afternoon to remove hard top, fit roll cage, hood sticks and full tilt.
Give up on the V8 idea, find a Td5 fit a bigger intercooler and have it chipped. Speak to the specialists, when done properly it will be as quick as a 3.9V8, with reasonable MPG. They don't sound too bad either with a good exhaust. If you want better motorway drivability change the transfer box to a discovery series 2.
Keep the hard top incase you want to convert it back.
Also, get an internal roll cage fitted, There are a number available. With no roof the only roll over protection you have is the windscreen surround.
Whilst Nene Overland and others will sell a fantastic soft top defender you will pay a premium.
And, doing it your self is very easy. It took me an afternoon to remove hard top, fit roll cage, hood sticks and full tilt.
Edited by pjdow on Tuesday 26th June 14:09
I agree with pjdow. If it was me that's what I would take a look at.
Soft-top kits are commonly available and not difficult to fit. Again the Land Rover magazines are your friend.
With a chip and intercooler upgrade a Td5 will be as powerful as a standard 3.9V8 but with much greater pulling power. You can get to around 230bhp out of a Td5 with not unreasonable extra cost. And there are handling kits, brakes, suspension, etc., such as those from Alive Tuning, which will keep you on the road.
Of course, if you really want a petrol V8, the latest generation of 5.0 supercharged V8 engines as fitted to the Sport and Vogue can be tuned to around 590bhp: it's just a matter of priorities
Soft-top kits are commonly available and not difficult to fit. Again the Land Rover magazines are your friend.
With a chip and intercooler upgrade a Td5 will be as powerful as a standard 3.9V8 but with much greater pulling power. You can get to around 230bhp out of a Td5 with not unreasonable extra cost. And there are handling kits, brakes, suspension, etc., such as those from Alive Tuning, which will keep you on the road.
Of course, if you really want a petrol V8, the latest generation of 5.0 supercharged V8 engines as fitted to the Sport and Vogue can be tuned to around 590bhp: it's just a matter of priorities
I would endorse the TD5 ...on a Scottish hillrally ...I was in my 4.8ltr V8 Wildcat and another competitor in a TD5 powered Tomcat stayed with me accelerating out of a roundabout up a hill on a dual carriageway...it pulled like a train!
I had a 90 built for me by Deeside 4x4 ... after 2 years I have changed to a hard top ... soft top is very nostalgic and romantic ...but above 70 the bloody top wont stop flapping !!
Type in galvanised chassis on ebay ....get some one else to do all the hard work and pick up a bargain !
Dan Evans at Protection and Performance has a couple for sale
http://www.ppcages.com/?page_id=262
I had a 90 built for me by Deeside 4x4 ... after 2 years I have changed to a hard top ... soft top is very nostalgic and romantic ...but above 70 the bloody top wont stop flapping !!
Type in galvanised chassis on ebay ....get some one else to do all the hard work and pick up a bargain !
Dan Evans at Protection and Performance has a couple for sale
http://www.ppcages.com/?page_id=262
Edited by budrover on Wednesday 4th July 09:56
V8DNW said:
I agree with pjdow. If it was me that's what I would take a look at.
Soft-top kits are commonly available and not difficult to fit. Again the Land Rover magazines are your friend.
With a chip and intercooler upgrade a Td5 will be as powerful as a standard 3.9V8 but with much greater pulling power. You can get to around 230bhp out of a Td5 with not unreasonable extra cost. And there are handling kits, brakes, suspension, etc., such as those from Alive Tuning, which will keep you on the road.
Of course, if you really want a petrol V8, the latest generation of 5.0 supercharged V8 engines as fitted to the Sport and Vogue can be tuned to around 590bhp: it's just a matter of priorities
That is assuming that you can fit it in the engine bay!Soft-top kits are commonly available and not difficult to fit. Again the Land Rover magazines are your friend.
With a chip and intercooler upgrade a Td5 will be as powerful as a standard 3.9V8 but with much greater pulling power. You can get to around 230bhp out of a Td5 with not unreasonable extra cost. And there are handling kits, brakes, suspension, etc., such as those from Alive Tuning, which will keep you on the road.
Of course, if you really want a petrol V8, the latest generation of 5.0 supercharged V8 engines as fitted to the Sport and Vogue can be tuned to around 590bhp: it's just a matter of priorities
except its a diesel, sounds cack and its a diesel lol
no way I'd swap my stardard 3.9 for a tuned Td5.
no way I'd swap my stardard 3.9 for a tuned Td5.
pjdow said:
Find a great Defender, and buy hood sticks and a full tilt from one of a number of suppliers.
Give up on the V8 idea, find a Td5 fit a bigger intercooler and have it chipped. Speak to the specialists, when done properly it will be as quick as a 3.9V8, with reasonable MPG. They don't sound too bad either with a good exhaust. If you want better motorway drivability change the transfer box to a discovery series 2.
Give up on the V8 idea, find a Td5 fit a bigger intercooler and have it chipped. Speak to the specialists, when done properly it will be as quick as a 3.9V8, with reasonable MPG. They don't sound too bad either with a good exhaust. If you want better motorway drivability change the transfer box to a discovery series 2.
nick355gts said:
Have to agree.. had plenty of diesels but i want the sound and driving excperience of a large v8!
Still on the hunt though... where they all gone? :-(
You will struggle to find a V8, they were made is very small batches occasionally:-Still on the hunt though... where they all gone? :-(
If my memory is correct they were build when the defender was a 90 with a 3.5 carb V8, so now very old.
and then as a limited edition NAS spec soft top. Were only 200 made for the UK?
Most people I know who had, or have,a V8 had them converted from a diesel truck
The original 3.5 V8's were often converted to a diesel as the V8 was slower and drank more fuel!
pjdow said:
You will struggle to find a V8, they were made is very small batches occasionally:-
If my memory is correct they were build when the defender was a 90 with a 3.5 carb V8, so now very old.
and then as a limited edition NAS spec soft top. Were only 200 made for the UK?
Most people I know who had, or have,a V8 had them converted from a diesel truck
The original 3.5 V8's were often converted to a diesel as the V8 was slower and drank more fuel!
If you want something V8 and different why not look for a Tomcat?If my memory is correct they were build when the defender was a 90 with a 3.5 carb V8, so now very old.
and then as a limited edition NAS spec soft top. Were only 200 made for the UK?
Most people I know who had, or have,a V8 had them converted from a diesel truck
The original 3.5 V8's were often converted to a diesel as the V8 was slower and drank more fuel!
I am more focused now less on anything original as you mention but more decent upgrades.. seen a couple of 4.6's which would be nice and even got offered an ls1 engined def but was more money than i wanted with the changes i would still have to make..
Have thoght about having a go myself or paying someone to do a swap but unsure of the effort. time and cost required.. any clues?
Lots of nice looking nearly ideal spec diesel defenders out there.. could buy an engine for £500-1500 and do it that way? or try and be patient and see what comes up.
Tomcats i like but this is going to be a 3rd family car so baby seat and dog will need to go in too!
Have thoght about having a go myself or paying someone to do a swap but unsure of the effort. time and cost required.. any clues?
Lots of nice looking nearly ideal spec diesel defenders out there.. could buy an engine for £500-1500 and do it that way? or try and be patient and see what comes up.
Tomcats i like but this is going to be a 3rd family car so baby seat and dog will need to go in too!
For less than the cost of a td5 cylinder head I bought this:
(The one on the right!)
It does have a hardtop at the mo but was a softtop. It's a semi spaceframed racer/trialer clad in 90 panels. In many ways it's just Tomcat but with different panelling.
Just has a basic SU's 3.5 mounted 18" further back than standard using an R380 gearbox grafted to a borg warner case. Manual gears but can still use the handbrake for tight turns at trial events. Just right!
Although the driving position leg wise is offset because the V8 is next to your left leg there is more leg and elbow room than any Defender ever built as the floorpan is a one off so the seats are mounted where they should be!
It's filled many a trophy cabinet and certainly done me well when I've competed in it.
Odd thing though is if I wanted a Land Rover built standard 90 V8 I'd probably pay more for something that's no where near as strong or safe with much less balanced weight and with a lot more to rust! And with more miles probably!
Have you considered a road legal Tomcat/QT/3M/Whitbread? Superior to a 90 in pretty much everyway if built right and oddly often cheaper:
http://www.tomcatmotorsport.co.uk/advert_79.htm
(The one on the right!)
It does have a hardtop at the mo but was a softtop. It's a semi spaceframed racer/trialer clad in 90 panels. In many ways it's just Tomcat but with different panelling.
Just has a basic SU's 3.5 mounted 18" further back than standard using an R380 gearbox grafted to a borg warner case. Manual gears but can still use the handbrake for tight turns at trial events. Just right!
Although the driving position leg wise is offset because the V8 is next to your left leg there is more leg and elbow room than any Defender ever built as the floorpan is a one off so the seats are mounted where they should be!
It's filled many a trophy cabinet and certainly done me well when I've competed in it.
Odd thing though is if I wanted a Land Rover built standard 90 V8 I'd probably pay more for something that's no where near as strong or safe with much less balanced weight and with a lot more to rust! And with more miles probably!
Have you considered a road legal Tomcat/QT/3M/Whitbread? Superior to a 90 in pretty much everyway if built right and oddly often cheaper:
http://www.tomcatmotorsport.co.uk/advert_79.htm
The only original v8 defenders were ancient ones in the early 80s or the 50th anniversary model in 98 which command a decent premium given only 350 were made.
If you want a v8 now your going to have to build one, or buy one which someone has built. If you have the time and cash there's noting better than having one built. You will know everything about it.
Base vehicle £3500 get something with straight bodywork and a good bulkhead. Could spend more, but your going to rip out the chassis and engine lol.
Richards v8 galv chassis £1500. If you wanted to go the whole hog you could get a galv bulkhead too at approx £800. The v8 engine and gearbox will drop straight in, and it will never rust.
4.6 v8 with ZF auto box as fitted to range rover p38. Buy the whole vehicle for approx £1500 with a good engine but fknackered body. The reason to do this is so you get all the loom and ecus and ancillary parts off the engine.
Other option is to buy a built up engine from Rpi engineering but that would be approx 4k. Another option is to buy the engine and fit a new ecu to it. Google mega jolt. Still need a gearbox this way though.
Budget approx 2k for bits, including new suspension, and stuff needed for the rebuild.
Budget anything up to 2k for a respray.
Someone would build this for you anywhere between 2k and 4k tops. The big boys would happily take more from
After that your left with the myriad of stuff you could bolt on, so maybe anything from 2k to 5k. I'm talking snorkels, winches, bull bars, recovery stuff, roll cages, seats, interior stuff like radio, headlining etc etc etc.
Hope this helps.
Other option is to buy from nene overland or similar but your talking absolute minimum of 25k and anything up to 50k for a fully bespoke def.
If you want a v8 now your going to have to build one, or buy one which someone has built. If you have the time and cash there's noting better than having one built. You will know everything about it.
Base vehicle £3500 get something with straight bodywork and a good bulkhead. Could spend more, but your going to rip out the chassis and engine lol.
Richards v8 galv chassis £1500. If you wanted to go the whole hog you could get a galv bulkhead too at approx £800. The v8 engine and gearbox will drop straight in, and it will never rust.
4.6 v8 with ZF auto box as fitted to range rover p38. Buy the whole vehicle for approx £1500 with a good engine but fknackered body. The reason to do this is so you get all the loom and ecus and ancillary parts off the engine.
Other option is to buy a built up engine from Rpi engineering but that would be approx 4k. Another option is to buy the engine and fit a new ecu to it. Google mega jolt. Still need a gearbox this way though.
Budget approx 2k for bits, including new suspension, and stuff needed for the rebuild.
Budget anything up to 2k for a respray.
Someone would build this for you anywhere between 2k and 4k tops. The big boys would happily take more from
After that your left with the myriad of stuff you could bolt on, so maybe anything from 2k to 5k. I'm talking snorkels, winches, bull bars, recovery stuff, roll cages, seats, interior stuff like radio, headlining etc etc etc.
Hope this helps.
Other option is to buy from nene overland or similar but your talking absolute minimum of 25k and anything up to 50k for a fully bespoke def.
mikeh501 said:
The only original v8 defenders were ancient ones in the early 80s or the 50th anniversary model in 98 which command a decent premium given only 350 were made.
If you want a v8 now your going to have to build one, or buy one which someone has built.
Military spec V8s carried on for a bit longer.If you want a v8 now your going to have to build one, or buy one which someone has built.
I have had a puma 2.4 defender, tomcat 4.2 supercharged, 2x 200tdi Land Rovers one an ex military soft top 90 and one a 1993 200 tdi defender. I have just bought a 1988 Land rover 90 county.
The Tomcat was great fun but not an everyday car akin to a kit car not as practical as a Defender.
The ex military 90 was enjoyable but the soft top would drum at about 65 and the noise was unbearable, I changed the soft top to a truck cab soft top and that was a lot quieter.
I have just bought a 1988 v8 county nice unmolested car quiet at 70 and on LPG not to bad to run. some one said the diesels were faster I think they are wrong(Unless it is a puma or a mapped TD5) they are never going to knock your socks off but definitely feel faster and a damn site quieter at 70. The puma defender was great a different beast altogether definitely the best of the bunch.
Mick
The Tomcat was great fun but not an everyday car akin to a kit car not as practical as a Defender.
The ex military 90 was enjoyable but the soft top would drum at about 65 and the noise was unbearable, I changed the soft top to a truck cab soft top and that was a lot quieter.
I have just bought a 1988 v8 county nice unmolested car quiet at 70 and on LPG not to bad to run. some one said the diesels were faster I think they are wrong(Unless it is a puma or a mapped TD5) they are never going to knock your socks off but definitely feel faster and a damn site quieter at 70. The puma defender was great a different beast altogether definitely the best of the bunch.
Mick
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