I want a Landy. Auto. Sorry!
Discussion
As per the title I am hoping to get another Landy, preferably a 110 doublecab like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/landrover-defender-110-d...
What I looking to do is have the engine and gearbox replaced with an auto, hopefully something around the 300bhp mark.
I have seen the bowler conversion but £28k for the conversion is out of my league. Anyone know if there are any kits / guides available.
I am happy with petrol or diesel, it seems swapping the engine is easy, or the gearbox, but both is a challenge!
Any advice welcome.
What I looking to do is have the engine and gearbox replaced with an auto, hopefully something around the 300bhp mark.
I have seen the bowler conversion but £28k for the conversion is out of my league. Anyone know if there are any kits / guides available.
I am happy with petrol or diesel, it seems swapping the engine is easy, or the gearbox, but both is a challenge!
Any advice welcome.
Why do you think you need 300hp?
For the most part it'll be useless in a Land Rover and you'll have to upgrade the entire drivetrain as the axles are made of chocolate.
There have been many auto conversions over the years. Most common is to fit a 4 speed ZF box from a Range Rover classic/Disco. These will fit Tdi's, Td5's and RV8's.
But they are mostly old school feel. These conversions are mostly bolt in, but if you aren't doing the work yourself, expect it to cost a few ££££ to get done.
As for engine swaps. RV8's will bolt up to the gearboxes used in Defenders. But a real 300hp is unlikely or stupid expensive.
A good 4.6 with a mild cam, nice exhaust, intake and something like Megasquirt would be a nice motor and probably a real 240-250hp. And wouldn't cost the earth to achieve.
Moving on from here are engine swaps.
There is a place in Oz that sells adapters for Chevy V8's to some Rover gearboxes. But this will cost you some serious money.
The Rover boxes may not be up to the task fully however. They also sell some adapters from some GM boxes to the Defender LT230 transfer box. But the price will keep on rising....
The current Ford V8 from the Mustang will bolt right up to the 6 speed box in a Puma Defender. So makes install easier. But engine is newer and likely to cost a lot more and hard to get hold of in the UK.
You could look at Lexus V8's, although only 260-280hp. Get an adapter made to mate to the Rover transmissions. Similar work to the Chevy V8's, but cheaper engine. However more R&D.
Or look at using a Jag/modern Land Rover V8. J&E Engineering do this. But you'll have to R&D it. Suspect with some fab work you could fit the drivetrain from a V8 D3 into a Defender. Although arguably you'd just be better off buying and using a V8 D3......
For the most part it'll be useless in a Land Rover and you'll have to upgrade the entire drivetrain as the axles are made of chocolate.
There have been many auto conversions over the years. Most common is to fit a 4 speed ZF box from a Range Rover classic/Disco. These will fit Tdi's, Td5's and RV8's.
But they are mostly old school feel. These conversions are mostly bolt in, but if you aren't doing the work yourself, expect it to cost a few ££££ to get done.
As for engine swaps. RV8's will bolt up to the gearboxes used in Defenders. But a real 300hp is unlikely or stupid expensive.
A good 4.6 with a mild cam, nice exhaust, intake and something like Megasquirt would be a nice motor and probably a real 240-250hp. And wouldn't cost the earth to achieve.
Moving on from here are engine swaps.
There is a place in Oz that sells adapters for Chevy V8's to some Rover gearboxes. But this will cost you some serious money.
The Rover boxes may not be up to the task fully however. They also sell some adapters from some GM boxes to the Defender LT230 transfer box. But the price will keep on rising....
The current Ford V8 from the Mustang will bolt right up to the 6 speed box in a Puma Defender. So makes install easier. But engine is newer and likely to cost a lot more and hard to get hold of in the UK.
You could look at Lexus V8's, although only 260-280hp. Get an adapter made to mate to the Rover transmissions. Similar work to the Chevy V8's, but cheaper engine. However more R&D.
Or look at using a Jag/modern Land Rover V8. J&E Engineering do this. But you'll have to R&D it. Suspect with some fab work you could fit the drivetrain from a V8 D3 into a Defender. Although arguably you'd just be better off buying and using a V8 D3......
I have been thinking for a while that when I get time 
(spare time, ha, that's hilarious 
) I am going to convert my V8 90 to auto. SBC would be my ideal choice, but back in the real world I'm currently thinking I will just buy a scrap 3.9 D1, as long as it runs well, and transplant.
I'll want it reliable though, my current 3.5 carb setup is ultra-reliable and runs like a sewing machine, albeit lacking a little grunt, as it's the rarer low-compression version.
I have a bulkhead swap on the horizon in the foreseeable so I guess it will make sense to do both at the same time.
Anyway, I'm waffling, useful info above re the options though, thanks.
(spare time, ha, that's hilarious ) I am going to convert my V8 90 to auto. SBC would be my ideal choice, but back in the real world I'm currently thinking I will just buy a scrap 3.9 D1, as long as it runs well, and transplant.I'll want it reliable though, my current 3.5 carb setup is ultra-reliable and runs like a sewing machine, albeit lacking a little grunt, as it's the rarer low-compression version.
I have a bulkhead swap on the horizon in the foreseeable so I guess it will make sense to do both at the same time.
Anyway, I'm waffling, useful info above re the options though, thanks.
In my book, the only auto conversion worth doing is the RV8 as it's essentially the same as the 50th Anniversary Defender. That way, you can get off-the-shelf parts, even down to interior trim to accommodate the auto selector, etc...
...however, by the time you've done it, you might as well just buy yourself a 50th Anniversary Defender!!
M
...however, by the time you've done it, you might as well just buy yourself a 50th Anniversary Defender!!
M
camel_landy said:
In my book, the only auto conversion worth doing is the RV8 as it's essentially the same as the 50th Anniversary Defender. That way, you can get off-the-shelf parts, even down to interior trim to accommodate the auto selector, etc...
...however, by the time you've done it, you might as well just buy yourself a 50th Anniversary Defender!!
M
I almost bought a 50th about ten years ago, and looking at todays prices wish I had!...however, by the time you've done it, you might as well just buy yourself a 50th Anniversary Defender!!
M
Speaking to some Landy dealers they say a TD5 or later with a remap will be plenty prompt enough. Maybe t start thats the rute I shoud take, and give me time to plan a proper engine / gearbox transplant.
So i bought myself a toy. Spec changed slightly as i decided the flatbed wouldn't work for most of what i need.
I know understand why people said I don't want to head for big power! So i am thinking fit some sound deadening, tighten up the on road handling, new lights, running boards and a leather interior.
Wheels are a must, possibly use spacers to bring them out unless there are some that are offest (advice welcome)
Then maybe look at a remap, and hopefully auto box.
For the first time in 15years I can appreciate 300's perspective. A sad day indeed
I know understand why people said I don't want to head for big power! So i am thinking fit some sound deadening, tighten up the on road handling, new lights, running boards and a leather interior.
Wheels are a must, possibly use spacers to bring them out unless there are some that are offest (advice welcome)
Then maybe look at a remap, and hopefully auto box.
For the first time in 15years I can appreciate 300's perspective. A sad day indeed
Looks nice
I think it depends on your goals. Personally I love Defenders, but tbh, they will always be cramped, noisy and un-refined. No matter what you do to them.
Stock they handle quite well, but you have to get used to how a tall 4x4 drives. Build up some confidence and it's amazing how you can throw them around and just how capable they can be.
As for mods.
Wheel spacers are one option, but there are loads of after market rim options. I would think the Defender has the largest aftermarket of any vehicle in the UK. Go grap a copy of Land Rover Owner magazine or similar and have flick though, you'll see loads of ads for all sorts of goodies.
Personally I'm an off roader...
So I'd want to improve off road performance and I truly love the 'big foot' look. But none of these things will improve it on the road, apart from the fun factor of driving a Tonka toy
This means you have two main paths.
Road bias:
-lowered stiffer suspension, uprated ARB's, maybe fatter road tyres and maybe even bigger brakes.
-You can even get a modified steering box.
These mods can look ok, and will make it a more 'firm' and sorted ride. So it won't lean as much. Whether it will truly handle better is up for debate, but it will move it a step closer to a normal SUV.
But remember, it'll still be a Defender.
Off road bias:
Big MT tyres, maybe a lift. Some suitable protection mods. It's very easy to go OTT and make it look too much bling. But can look very cool.
A good remap will massively wake the engine up in either instance. Lots of choices on who. If you don't mind paying, then J&E Engineering would be my first stop. First rate, but not the cheapest. A remap is worth doing no matter what you want.
And if you are serious about auto conversion, then it's all possible. You might want to chat to Ashcroft Transmissions, as there are a lot of choices available.
Lowered, big alloys, they look ok
But this is more me
I think it depends on your goals. Personally I love Defenders, but tbh, they will always be cramped, noisy and un-refined. No matter what you do to them.
Stock they handle quite well, but you have to get used to how a tall 4x4 drives. Build up some confidence and it's amazing how you can throw them around and just how capable they can be.
As for mods.
Wheel spacers are one option, but there are loads of after market rim options. I would think the Defender has the largest aftermarket of any vehicle in the UK. Go grap a copy of Land Rover Owner magazine or similar and have flick though, you'll see loads of ads for all sorts of goodies.
Personally I'm an off roader...
So I'd want to improve off road performance and I truly love the 'big foot' look. But none of these things will improve it on the road, apart from the fun factor of driving a Tonka toy
This means you have two main paths.
Road bias:
-lowered stiffer suspension, uprated ARB's, maybe fatter road tyres and maybe even bigger brakes.
-You can even get a modified steering box.
These mods can look ok, and will make it a more 'firm' and sorted ride. So it won't lean as much. Whether it will truly handle better is up for debate, but it will move it a step closer to a normal SUV.
But remember, it'll still be a Defender.
Off road bias:
Big MT tyres, maybe a lift. Some suitable protection mods. It's very easy to go OTT and make it look too much bling. But can look very cool.
A good remap will massively wake the engine up in either instance. Lots of choices on who. If you don't mind paying, then J&E Engineering would be my first stop. First rate, but not the cheapest. A remap is worth doing no matter what you want.
And if you are serious about auto conversion, then it's all possible. You might want to chat to Ashcroft Transmissions, as there are a lot of choices available.
Lowered, big alloys, they look ok
But this is more me
Bit of a thread resurrection (sorry), but I have the complete Ashcroft Automatic Transmission conversion kit for the Defender if anyone is interested, inc the interior trim.
It was fitted to our 2015 90XS, for my wife, but new Defender beckons so converted back to manual.
All the work was carried out by Bowler and it’s done about 18,000 road miles.
It was fitted to our 2015 90XS, for my wife, but new Defender beckons so converted back to manual.
All the work was carried out by Bowler and it’s done about 18,000 road miles.
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